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QUEENSLAND BRANCH OF THE DAIRY GOAT SOCIETY OF AUSTRALIA INC |
March
2011 Edition Editor P Colbran PRINT POST APPROVED – PP 437288/00002
Clifton Show proves popular with the children.
Leptospirosis: Questions and Answers
Q. What
is Leptospirosis?
A. Leptospirosis is an infection caused
by a number of bacteria called Leptospira,
found in wild animals, domestic animals,
and native animals. It is in the urine
and body tissues of the infected animal, and can be transmitted to humans. It has been known to be fatal in severe
cases. It is found worldwide especially in warm moist areas which includes
anywhere in Queensland. It is a
notifiable disease. There have been 10 cases in Queensland so far from 1st – 24th January
with the yearly average for Australia being 100.
Q. What
are the symptoms?
A. The severity may vary depending on
the individual’s general health. The person may experience severe headache,
fever, muscle aches and pains, nausea and or vomiting, and blood shot eyes. As
this is similar to influenza it is sometimes hard to diagnose. It may lead to kidney failure and or liver
failure which may be fatal.
In the farm
animals it may cause fever, haemolytic anaemia, abortion, infertility and weak
babies. A specific type of mastitis is
experienced in cattle. This is called
“milk drop syndrome”. Horses can become
blind from the inflammation of the eyes.
The animals may become carriers, spreading the disease in their urine.
As there are
several strains of these bacteria, a person may suffer the disease more than
once.
Q. How
do humans get this disease?
A. It is not thought to be transmitted from
person to person. The urine from a
carrier animal is the greatest risk. It
can be by direct contact with animals, contamination of a wound, by inhalation, or by contaminated
water, soil or bedding, and by direct ingestion. It is an occupational disease
to a great degree, but with the recent heavy rainfall and floods, the incidence
is expected to be higher than usual due to the warm wet conditions with mud and
contaminated water dominating farm life.
Q.
Is there a vaccine for Leptospirosis?
A.
There is a vaccine
available for cattle, pigs and dogs. However there is no vaccine for humans.
Q.
What steps can be taken to avoid contracting this disease?
A.
Follow these
recommendations to avoid contracting the disease.
o
Make
sure you cover all cuts and scratches with a waterproof dressing.
o
Wash
hands thoroughly before smoking or eating if you have been dealing with
animals.
o
Use
soaps and disinfectants as the Leptospira bacteria
die quickly when exposed to these.
o
Use
gloves and boots when attending animals especially those that are birthing.
o
Clean
up surrounds to minimise colonisation of rats, which are a common carrier.
o
Avoid
swimming, paddling, or wading in potentially infected waters.
o
Vaccinate
stock regularly where applicable.
o
Do
not feed raw offal to dogs.
For further information or assistance,
contact your nearest public health unit or vet.
Websites of interest: http://access.health.qld.gov.au
http://www.health.qld.gov.au/qhcss/lepto.asp
http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/factsheets/infectious/leptospirosis.html
http://www.dpi.qld.gpv.au/4790_11455.htm
