The epidemiology of Leptospira interrogans serovar pomona in grower pig herds

Abstract

An epidemiological study on four farms showed that leptospiral infection became apparent in piglets from 12 weeks of age. The intensity of leptospiruria was greatest in the first 3–4 weeks of infection and from then on declined and became intermittent. Factors affecting the cultural and serological prevalence of infection of the piglets were found to be the standard of hygiene and variations in the titre of the dam. Dams with high titres gave better protection to their young than did those with low titres. The spread of infection within piggeries was encouraged by mixing infected with uninfected pigs, which resulted in epidemics within the pens. Transmission from infected to susceptible grower pigs continuously occurred in grower houses, with a constant proportion of pigs becoming infected each week.