Leptospirosis is an emerging infectious disease of pig-hunting dogs and humans in North Queensland.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease with a worldwide distribution, caused by pathogenic serovars in the genus Leptospira. Feral pigs are known carriers of Leptospira species and pig hunting using dogs is a common recreational activity in Queensland, Australia.

Methodology and principal findings

This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of Leptospira spp. serovars in pig-hunting dogs above the Tropic of Capricorn in Queensland and by establishing the geographic distribution, serovars and incidence of human cases of leptospirosis in Queensland, identify potential overlap between human and canine exposure. We also explored the knowledge and risk-taking behaviours of pig-hunting dog owners towards zoonotic diseases. Ninety-eight pig-hunting dogs deemed healthy

SUBMITTER: Orr B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8797170 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature