Cross-sectional study of canine leptospirosis in animal shelter populations in mainland Australia

Authors: Zwijnenberg, RJG¹; Smythe, LD²; Symonds, ML²; Dohnt, MF²; Toribio, J-ALML³

Source: Australian Veterinary Journal, Volume 86, Number 8, August 2008 , pp. 317-323(7)

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Abstract:

Objective

To measure the prevalence of canine leptospirosis in Queensland and to detect infection, if present, in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory by measuring the serological titres of dogs held in animal shelters. Procedure

Samples were collected through stratified sampling from multiple dog shelters in Queensland and New South Wales, and from one dog shelter located in close proximity to a major urban area in Victoria, South Australia, the Northern Territory and Western Australia. All samples were analysed using the microscopic agglutination test at the WHO/FAO/OIE Collaborating Centre for Reference & Research on Leptospirosis, Queensland Health Scientific Services in Brisbane, Queensland. Results

Of a total of 956 samples submitted, 18 (1.9%) had positive leptospirosis titres. True prevalence measured in Queensland was estimated to be 2.5%, and the true prevalence in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory was estimated to be 2.3%, 2.8%, 0%, 1% and 1.1% respectively. An association was found between seropositive status and female dogs (odds ratio (OR) 1.92) and seropositive status and the age group 1 to < 3 years (OR 1.41). Although 11 different serovars were detected, Leptospira interrogans serovar Copenhageni was the most prevalent and was found in 4 of the 18 positive dogs as a single infection. Conclusion

Serological evidence of canine leptospirosis in five states in mainland Australia indicates that the disease is more broadly distributed than previously thought.

Aust Vet J 2008;86:317 -323

Keywords: dog; leprospirosis; prevalence

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-0813.2008.00324.x

Affiliations: 1: Fort Dodge Australia Pty Limited, PO Box 6024, Baulkham Hills BC, NSW 2153;, Email: zwijner@pt.fdah.com 2: WHO/FAO/OIE Collaborating Centre for Reference & Research on Leptospirosis, Queensland Health Scientific Services, Qld 4108. 3: University of Sydney, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Camden, NSW 2570.

Publication date: 2008-08-01

Cross-sectional study of canine leptospirosis in animal shelter populations in mainland Australia

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