Leptospirosis among zebu cattle in farms in Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract Objective To assess the occurrence of Leptospira spp serovar Hardjo among Zebu cattle in some livestock producing areas of Kaduna State, Nigeria. Methods Sera samples were obtained from 164 Zebu breed of cattle above one year osf age in seven cattle farms were screened for antibodies to Leptospira spp. serovar Hardjo using Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results Antibodies to Leptospira spp. serovar Hardjo were detected in eighteen (10.98%) out of the 164 animals sampled. There was no significant difference ( P >0.05) in seropositivity between the different age groups or between different Zebu breeds. Conclusion The presence of Leptospirosis among the Zebu breeds of cattle may poses a threat to livestock production and has public health implication due to its zoonotic potential.