Leptospirosis ‘bigger threat’ to humans than brucellosis

FARMERS have been warned about the risk of picking up the infectious disease, leptospirosis, from unvaccinated cattle.

Fergal Morris, veterinary adviser with Schering Plough Animal Health, said that leptospirosis infection is becoming a bigger threat to humans than brucellosis.

A significant proportion of infections reported in recent years are due to direct contact with infected cattle. Farmers, veterinary practitioners and abattoir workers are most at risk.