Leptospirosis among dairy workers in the valley of Jezreel: first recorded isolation of Leptospira hardjo in Israel.

Five cases of leptospirosis among dairy farmers in the Valley of Jezreel are described. The disease was caused by leptospirae of serotype hardjo and available epidemiological evidence suggested infection due to contact with cows. This is the first time that Leptospira hardjo has been isolated and identified in Israel. Infection with L. hardjo should be regarded as a significant occupational risk and this strain should be included in the group of antigens used for screening sera for leptospira antibodies in Israel.