Diagnosis and control of an outbreak of leptospirosis in goats with reproductive failure.

This study presents a Brazilian goat herd with reproductive failure over 2009-2010, in which there were abortions (22/50; 44%), embryonic resorption (6/50; 12%) and neonatal deaths (2/50; 4%). A diagnosis of leptospirosis was made, based on serology (microscopic agglutination test - MAT), bacterial culture, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Antibiotic therapy, specific vaccination protocols and changes in management practices were instigated. One year after the outbreak, diagnostic methods were repeated and reproductive performance re-analysed. Soon after the outbreak, 61/125 (48.8%) of the goats were seropositive for Leptospira. Pure isolates of Leptospira were not obtained, but Leptospira PCR testing was positive in 48/50 (96%) urine samples. After 1 year only 4.2% were seropositive and the occurrence of reproductive problems decreased roughly 10-fold, although five goats (10.4%) remained PCR-positive. A broad-based management approach, including serological and molecular diagnostic methods, vaccination, antibiotic treatment, and alteration of some environmental aspects, were critical to the control of this outbreak, thereby minimising subsequent reproductive failures and economic losses.