Wild animals as reservoirs of leptospirosis in Chile. Revision of studies in the country

Information is given regarding rats and mice captured in the province of Valdivia as reservoirs of serovars of Leptospira interrogans and Leptospira borgpeterseni; results obtained from other wild animals captured in the central area of the country are also included. The percentages of positiveness detected by animal species as well as the consequent risk of these reservoirs for domestic animals and humans are analysed. Additional information on the subject in relation to reservoirs of leptospiras in wildlife animals is also given. This communication is an attempt to alert people about eventual reservoirs present in our country which can act as a source of infection for human and domestic animals. Finally, it is concluded that it is highly convenient and necessary that the corresponding authorities play an active role in incentivating and supporting studies, not only on leptospirosis but also on other infectious diseases and on general sanitary status of the wild fauna of the country giving financial support for the research projects. This information would be of great value for the conservation of the ecological balance, in preventive veterinary medicine and in public health.