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==Description==
==Description==
'''Leptospirosis''' is an infective disease caused by the bacteria [[Leptospira]]. There are a number of serovars of the bacteria which vary in their pathogenesis and host specificity. ''L.bratislava'' and ''L.pomona'' are both host adapted to swine and are the most common cause of clinical leptospirosis in pigs. Other serovars whih are host adapted to other species can also cause disease in pigs: ''L.icterohaemorrhagiae'' transmitted by rats, ''L.canicola'' by dogs,'' L.grippotyphosa'' by wildlife and rarely ''L.hardjo'' by cattle. Transmission is via urine of infected animals, persistence in the environment relies on soil moisure and water ways.
'''Leptospirosis''' is an infective disease caused by the bacteria [[Leptospira]]. There are a number of serovars of the bacteria which vary in their pathogenesis and host specificity. ''L.bratislava'' and ''L.pomona'' are both host adapted to swine and are the most common cause of clinical leptospirosis in pigs. Other serovars whih are host adapted to other species can also cause disease in pigs: ''L.icterohaemorrhagiae'' transmitted by rats, ''L.canicola'' by dogs,'' L.grippotyphosa'' by wildlife and rarely ''L.hardjo'' by cattle. Transmission is via urine of infected animals, persistence in the environment relies on soil moisture and water ways. Venereal transmission from carrier boars and sows is also responsible for infection and maintenence of the disease
==Signalment==
==Signalment==
==Diagnosis==
==Diagnosis==
===Clinical Signs===
===Clinical Signs===
The most common clinical presentation is abortion 2-4 weeks before term, still births and weak piglets which die shortly after birth are also seen.
The most common clinical presentation is abortion 2-4 weeks before term, still births and weak piglets which die shortly after birth are also seen.
An acute syndrome has been described in piglets but is very rare, clinical signs are outlined below:
* Pyrexia
* Dyspnoea
* Haemoglobinuria
* Anorexia
* Icterus
* Anaemia
Some serovars can become endemic in a herd causing minimal disease but presenting a major zoonotic concern.
Some serovars can become endemic in a herd causing minimal disease but presenting a major zoonotic concern.
==Treatment==
==Treatment==
Treatment with antibiotics such as oxytetracycline, enrofloxacin and ampicillin are effective for chronic cases. Early treatment fo acute cases with antibiotics may be successful, a blood transfusion may also be needed if the anaemia is severe.
A vaccine exists in the USA but is not available in the UK; the protection provided is short lived, it minimises but does not eliminate clinical disease in all cases.
A vaccine exists in the USA but is not available in the UK; the protection provided is short lived, it minimises but does not eliminate clinical disease in all cases.