Evidence of interspecies transmission of pathogenic Leptospira between livestock and a domestic cat dwelling in a dairy cattle farm

J Vet Med Sci. 2018 Aug 30;80(8):1305-1308. doi: 10.1292/jvms.16-0361. Epub 2018 Jul 2.

Abstract

A domestic cat dwelling in a dairy cattle farm with haematuria was referred for a physical examination. The examination showed no abnormalities therefore complementary exams were performed. Leukocytosis with neutrophilia, monocytosis and hyperproteinaemia were detected. The urine analysis showed a bacterial infection without ultrasound findings. Serological titers to Leptospira interrogans serovar Pomona and Autumnalis were detected. Molecular analysis demonstrated the presence of Leptospira spp. in urine. The findings were consistent with subclinical leptospirosis. The cattle herd had evidence of Leptospira infection. The microbiological exams confirmed the presence of the Leptospira spp. in urine and serum. According to the evidence presented in this study, cats that dwell within a dairy farm could play a role in the Leptospira infection epidemiologically. The importance of feline leptospirosis must be evaluated with leptospirosis control in livestock.

Keywords: Leptospira; antibiotic treatment; feline; infection.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Bacterial
  • Cat Diseases / blood
  • Cat Diseases / transmission*
  • Cat Diseases / urine
  • Cats
  • Cattle
  • Cattle Diseases / blood
  • Cattle Diseases / transmission*
  • Cattle Diseases / urine
  • Farms
  • Leptospira / isolation & purification*
  • Leptospirosis / blood
  • Leptospirosis / transmission
  • Leptospirosis / urine
  • Leptospirosis / veterinary*
  • Livestock
  • Serogroup

Substances

  • Antibodies, Bacterial