Prevalence and clinical significance of leptospiral antibodies in pigs in England
Hathaway, S.C.; Little, T.W.
Veterinary Record 108(11): 224-228
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-4900 PMID: 7257119 Document Number: 174368
The results of leptospiral serology conducted on porcine sera at the Central veterinary laboratory, Weybridge, from 1971-1978 were collated and analyzed. Sera were available from diagnostic submissions (1622) and from pigs intended for export (5031). A random sample of 792 sera from 34 herds was also examined. The overall prevalence of infection was low. Leptospira copenhageni titers were present in 7.9% of diagnostic submissions and a statistical association with jaundice was shown in piglets and adults. The introduction of Australis serogroup antigens in 1978 revealed the serological prevalences to L. lora and L. bratislava to be in excess of 20%. The causative serotype has yet to be identified. Leptospiral infection was not a significant cause of abortion in pigs. The pattern of leptospiral infection in pigs in England is considerably different from that occurring in other countries and it is considered that free-living maintenance host populations constitute the primary sources of infection.