Epidemiological Investigation of the Prevalence of Leptospira Spp. in Pigs in Israel

Abstract

Twenty-one pig farms, comprising about 14,400 sows and 90,000 fattening pigs, were examined relative to Leptospira serological positivity in fattening pigs. Twelve farms (57.14%) were positive with average of 41.67% positive samples. L. canicola was the predominant serovar (100%), with a few cross-reactions for other serovars. There was as strong correlation between average number of positive samples and number of sows in farm (R2 = 0.9615). Number of positive samples was significantly higher in farms not vaccinating sows (P = 0.0059); practicing natural insemination (P = 0.0280); keeping fattening pigs on a full floor (P = 0.0019); presence of dogs (P = 0.0002); farms with high proximity to each other and shared infrastructures like perimetral walls, sewage, roads, workers (P = 0.0005). In such a situation, swine breeders should vaccinate their breeders population, their dogs and implement management measures. Leptospirosis is a notifiable disease in Israel.

Keywords

Leptospira spp.; Pigs; Israel; Swine Vaccination; Dog Vaccination; Treatment.