Clinical and Epidemiological Study of Leptospirosis in the Settlements of Presidente Epitacio and Mirante do Paranapanema

Abstract

Brazilian family farming comprises production units that represent approximately 86.40% of agricultural establishments, playing a significant national role in socio-environmental and economic sectors. The state of São Paulo is known for its rural and urban development, including agricultural settlements such as Pontal do Paranapanema. This sector requires attention due to the emergence of infectious diseases, such as leptospirosis, a widespread zoonotic disease that causes losses in agricultural productivity. This study aimed to analyze the prevalence of leptospirosis in dairy cattle within the settlements of Presidente Epitácio and Mirante do Paranapanema. All animals underwent serological testing. The overall prevalence of Leptospira spp. was 58.93%. Additionally, the prevalence of antibodies against Leptospira spp. was 59.20% in multiparous cows and 58.60% in primiparous cows. A correlation was also observed between animals with retained placenta and seropositive animals for Leptospira spp. antibodies. Based on this study, we highlight that the high prevalence of leptospirosis underscores the presence of this pathology in settlements within the Pontal do Paranapanema region. Consequently, there is a need to develop public policy programs, alongside sanitary and control measures, to mitigate the impact on dairy farming in the region.

Keywords: Leptospira spp.; bovine clinic; reproductive diseases.