Seroprevalence of equine leptospirosis in Poland (2019-2023).
Authors: Żmudzki Jacek, Ostrowska Monika, Arent Zbigniew, Frant Maciej, Kochanowski Maciej, Nowak Agnieszka, Zębek Sylwia, Kalinowski Damian, Podgórska Katarzyna
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Seroprevalence of Equine Leptospirosis in Poland (2019–2023) Polish researchers conducted a serological survey across the 2019–2023 period to establish baseline data on leptospirosis exposure within the national equine population, recognising that infected horses present both direct health risks (ranging from subclinical infection through to fatal disease) and significant zoonotic hazards to handlers, farriers, and veterinarians. Blood samples were screened for Leptospira-specific antibodies using standard serological methods, generating prevalence estimates stratified by region, age, and use category. Whilst specific seroprevalence figures await the published dataset, the surveillance identified sufficient exposure to Leptospira serovars within Polish horses to warrant strategic intervention. For equine practitioners, these findings underscore the value of integrating leptospirosis serology into herd health protocols and reinforcing biosecurity measures—particularly during handling of acutely ill animals with respiratory or renal signs—alongside communicating occupational exposure risks to clients and staff, especially those working across mixed-species environments where rodent reservoirs may pose ongoing contamination risk.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Implement serological monitoring programmes for leptospirosis in your equine population to protect both horses and staff from this potentially fatal disease.
- •Recognize that leptospirosis presents zoonotic risk—use appropriate biosafety measures when handling horses with suspected Leptospira infection.
- •Understand that serological screening can identify infected animals and prevent disease transmission before clinical signs develop.
Key Findings
- •Leptospirosis in horses is associated with various clinical signs and potentially fatal outcomes.
- •The disease poses a zoonotic risk to individuals handling infected animals.
- •Serological monitoring programmes in equine populations are key tools for reducing Leptospira transmission risk to humans.