Seroprevalence and risk factors associated with the presence of bovine leptospirosis in the municipality of Sotaquirá, Colombia

Abstract

Background: Bovine leptospirosis is a zoonotic, infectious, and cosmopolitan disease of worldwide distribution, caused by the spirochete Leptospira spp., which has been diagnosed in humans; domestic mammals, such as dogs, sheep, goats, swine, horses and cattle; and wild animals. It is considered a significant cause of economic losses in livestock because it causes infertility, abortion and reduced milk production.

Aim: To establish the prevalence and the main risk factors associated with Leptospira spp. in cattle in the municipality of Sotaquirá, Colombia.

Methods: An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study with simple random sampling was carried out. 1,000 cattle of Ayrshire, Holstein, Jersey, Normande, Zebu, and crossbreeds were sampled. Blood samples were taken by coccygeal venipuncture and processed by microscopic agglutination technique; animals were considered positive when titers were ≥1:100. The data obtained were processed with the statistical program EpiInfo®.

Results: A general apparent prevalence (AP) of 16% (160/1,000) was established, where the crossbreeds (20.5% AP), the 2–4 years age group (17% AP), and the serovars Leptospira interrogans serogroup Pomona (5.1%) and L. interrogans serogroup Sjroe serovar Hardjo (3.4%) presented the highest seropositivity. The variables barnyard, artificial insemination, and use of certified semen were identified as protective factors against the disease, while diarrhea was considered a risk factor.

Conclusion: The prevalence in this study is within the range of those reported at the national level; however, it is essential to establish plans to control and prevent the disease.