Lepto in Kentucky

Leptospirosis, often called just “lepto,” can cause flu-like illness in horses that sometimes results in abortion or uveitis (moon blindness). In Kentucky, there seems to be a cyclic pattern to abortions caused by leptospirosis. In 2001, there were about 40 cases, but the past two years there were less than 10 each year. Through Jan. 29 of this year, there have been 33 cases, according to Nei

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Leptospirosis, often called just “lepto,” can cause flu-like illness in horses that sometimes results in abortion or uveitis (moon blindness). In Kentucky, there seems to be a cyclic pattern to abortions caused by leptospirosis. In 2001, there were about 40 cases, but the past two years there were less than 10 each year. Through Jan. 29 of this year, there have been 33 cases, according to Neil Williams, DVM, PhD, of the University of Kentucky’s Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center. This includes cases from fall and winter 2003 that would have been included in this foaling season (these will be counted as 2004 foaling season losses).

Signs of leptospirosis include mild depression, loss of appetite, and a fever of 103-105ºF that lasts two to three days. Abortion can occur several weeks after the fever in pregnant mares (usually during the second half of gestation), and uveitis can strike months later.

Occasionally foals are born alive and can be saved with aggressive antibiotic therapy, but they are generally weak and don’t live.

Leptospira bacteria are spread through urine and placental fluids, and indirectly through contaminated feed and water. Leptospira can also be transmitted to horses from cattle and wild ruminants such as deer and elk. Wet environmental conditions seem to increase the risk

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Written by:

Kimberly S. Brown is the editor of EquiManagement/EquiManagement.com and the group publisher of the Equine Health Network at Equine Network LLC.

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