Presented by Professor Jackie Benschop
Leptospirosis causes 50,000 human deaths per year worldwide. In domestic animals leptospirosis can cause death, abortion and loss of production. Infection occurs by contact with infected animals’ urine or indirectly by contaminated water.
In Aotearoa, New Zealand, leptospirosis is an acute febrile disease with long recovery. Control measures including animal vaccination and the use of personal protective equipment are well entrenched in some industries but are not available to all at risk. Leptospirosis can be challenging to diagnose due to adherence to “gold standard” tests, and leptospira can be difficult to detect in animals and environments due to intermittent shedding and dilution, respectively.
Leptospirosis is complex, increasing with changing climate, and has long-lasting effects on social, financial and overall wellbeing. Thus, a transdisciplinary approach is needed, listening to and working with other academic disciplines and with non-academic stakeholders.
