Signs

What is Leptospirosis?

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that has many strains and can affect many species of mammals. The strains are called serovars. The serovar most commonly affecting cattle in our area is called Hardjo.

What are the signs of Leptospirosis?

The signs of leptospirosis depend upon the age and immune status of the animal and the serovar causing the infection.

L.hardjo (signs may include)

  • Loss of milk production in all quarters without the usual signs of mastitis; udder is soft, flabby and free of pain - production usually returns to normal within 14 days.
  • Loss of appetite and mobility in severe cases.
  • Abortion, stillbirths or the birth of live, sickly calves.
  • Infertility
L.hardjo may affect cattle of all ages but the clinical signs are usually only seen in pregnant or lactating animals.

L.pomona produces disease in calves and adult cattle with signs as follows:

Calves
Jaundice
Anaemia
Haemoglobinuria ( red urine or redwater)
Fever
Death may occur

 

Adult cattle
As for calves
May show milder signs which include loss of milk production (milk may be discolored) and abortion.