Leptospirosis in equine: A review

Abstract

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease with worldwide distribution caused by the spirochete Lepstospirasp that affects domestic animals, wild and man. It is a disease already reported in Brazil and found in Ceara. This paper describes a literature review of the main issues addressed in the equine leptospirosis. It is an infectious nature of disease that can affect horses of any age and can lead to large economic losses. Equine leptospirosis may lead frames anemia, uveitis, reduced performance, diarrhea, jaundice, respiratory disorders, placentitis, miscarriages and stillbirths. The diagnosis of leptospirosis is based on clinical findings and laboratory tests such as culture, agglutination test, PCR and ELISA. Antibiotic therapy is used in the treatment and control is accomplished through proper management, environmental hygiene and vaccines. Thus, it is concluded that the work that the equine leptospirosis is a public health problem of great importance for veterinarians and owners doctors.