Emerging sources and pathways for leptospirosis: a paradigm shift

Massey University has been funded by the Health Research Council of New Zealand to understand how people get leptospirosis.
Leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria called Leptospira. There are over 300 different kinds of Leptospira worldwide but only 5 of these has been found to be circulating in New Zealand. These are called serovars. The 5 serovars circulating in New Zealand are called Hardjo, Pomona, Copenhageni, Ballum and Tarassovi. The bacteria can infect any mammal and can live in their kidneys. It is secreted in the urine of infected mammals and can survive in the environment (soil and water) for a long time.
Learn More
New lepto-strain found in cattle
A survey of 200 dairy farms across New Zealand found 75% herds positive for the lepto strain 'Tarassovi' which has rarely been seen in the past. Further review of notified human cases saw dairy farm workers making up 33% of the cases and testing far more often for Tarassovi than dry stock farmers or abattoir workers. The new strain has presumably evolved over some 30 years since the last published report of leptospirosis in dairy herds .
Learn More
10th International Leptospirosis Society Meeting
The 10th International Leptospirosis Society Meeting was held in Palmerston North, Manawatu New Zealand.
27th Nov - 1st Dec 2017
Learn More