Leptospirosis in the Azores: the Rodent Connection
2004; Volume: 21; Issue: 21 Linguagem: Inglês
ISSN
2641-273X
AutoresGary W. Witmer, Hernani Martins, Lidia Flor,
Tópico(s)Leptospirosis research and findings
ResumoGary W. WitmerUSDA APHIS Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, ColoradoHernani Martins and Lidia forVeterinary Services, Autonomous Regional Government of the Azores, Angra do Heroismo, Azores, PortugalABSTRACT: The Azores are Portuguese islands in the North Atlantic Ocean. The culture is very agrarian with a large cattleindustry. Unfortunately, there is a chronic leptospirosis problem within the people, livestock, companion animals, and wildlife ofthe Azores. Introduced rodents play a significant role as maintenance hosts of this disease. We review the situation and makerecommendations for reducing the occurrence and hazard of leptospirosis in the Azores. Areas addressed include the need for abetter understanding of the epidemiology of the disease and the role of rodents, development of an effective rodent control program,improvements in farm practices and animal husbandry, and improvements in the Azores infrastructure to effectively reduce theleptospirosis hazard.KEY
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