An outbreak of leptospirosis on a single farm in east Otago.

AIMS

To present an outbreak of leptospirosis on a dairy farm which had an unvaccinated herd.

METHODS

Nine people working or living on the farm were tested for the presence of leptospira antibody by the microscopic agglutination test. Nineteen cows randomly selected, were also tested.

RESULTS

Three human cases and one suspected case were detected over a one month period (December 1992-January 1993). Seventy-nine percent of the dairy herd tested had serological evidence of infection with L hardjo.

CONCLUSIONS

Leptospirosis continues to be a major occupational problem in New Zealand. The importance of herd vaccination and the use of protective clothing during milking is emphasised.