Prevalence and risk factors for Leptospira spp. in cattle herds in the south central region of Parana state

Hashimoto V.Y., Dias J.A., Spohr K.A.H., Silva M.C.P., Andrade M.G.B., Muller E.E. & Freitas, J.C. 2012. [Prevalence and risk factors for Leptospira spp. in cattle herds in the south central region of Parana state.] Prevalencia e fatores de risco associados a Leptospira spp. em rebanhos bovinos da regiao centro-sul do estado do Parana. Pesquisa Veterinaria Brasileira 32(2): 99-105. Departamento de Medicina Veterinaria Preventiva, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid 380, Cx. Postal 6001, Londrina, PR 86051-990, Brazil. E-mail: freitasj@uel.br The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies and the risk factors for Leptospira spp. infection in breeding cattle herds in the south central region of Parana state. It was based on the statistic delineation, serological samples and information regarding the selected farms employed in the study of bovine brucellosis for Parana state in the context of National Program for Control and Eradication of Brucellosis and Tuberculosis. A total of 1.880 females aged >= 24 months from 274 non vaccinated herds were studied. Serum samples were tested for antibodies against Leptospira spp. using microscopic agglutination test (MAT) with 22 Leptospira serovars. The epidemiological questionnaire was applied on all the selected farms and aimed to obtain epidemiological data. Hundred eighty one of 274 herds were positive for Leptospira spp., presenting prevalence of positive herds of 66.06% (IC95%=60.12-71,65%). Presence of >= 43 cattle (OR=3.120; IC=1.418-6.867), animal purchase (OR=2.010; IC=1.154-3.500), rent of pastures (OR=2.925; IC=1.060-8.068) and presence of maternity paddock (OR=1.981; IC=1,068-3,676) were identfied as risk factors for leptospirosis due to any serovar in the multivariate logistic regression. Risk factors for leptospirosis due to serovar Hardjo were presence of >= 43 cattle (OR=3.622; IC=1.512-8,677), animal purchase (OR=3.143; IC=1.557-6.342), rent of pastures (OR=4.070; IC=1.370-12.087) and presence of horses (OR=2.981; IC=1.321-6.726). These results indicate that Leptospira spp. infection is widespread in the south central region of Parana state and that factors related to the herd characteristic and management are associated with the infection.