Isolation of Leptospira hardjo from the opossum (Trichosurus vulpecula)

Authors: Brockie RE
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 23, Issue 9, pp 216, Sep 1975
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Possum, Wildlife
Subject Terms: Bacterial, Zoonosis, Disease/defect, Infectious disease, Public health
Article class: Correspondence

---

Abstract: In 1971 and 1972 the Department of Health and the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries conducted surveys on the incidence of leptospirosis among farmers and their stock on the Hauraki Plains. As a result, Leptospira hardjo was identified for the first time in New Zealand, being isolated from humans (Christmas et al 1974) and from dairy cattle (Lake, 1973). Evidence to date suggests that most human infections in New Zealand, whether of L. hardjo or of other serotypes, are contracted while milking. Wild animals have been suspected of contributing to the spread of leptospiral infection on farms but, so far, little firm evidence has emerged. However, during the past two years, I have had shot or trapped 555 wild animals, mainly from dairying districts of the North Island, and examined them for cultural and serological evidence of leptospiral infection…

---