Mike

I looked into this very subject a year or so ago because inter alia every damn induction includes a slide about leptospirosis. Anyway, you have more chances of being struck by lightening than contracting the disease. According to NHS figures I obtained at the time there was something like 42 reported cases in England and Wales, about 15 of these were contracted outside the UK. None of the cases resulted in a fatality.

There are two forms of the disease, the more serious is called Weil's disease. Good hygiene practice is the main control, although some trades will be more at risk than others, such as, those working in or near water and sewers, farming industry, with animals, etc.

Ray

Mike

I am sure I have been told that L hardjo, the species found in cattle, can be contracted through inhaling infected urine mist as can be encountered, for example, in milking parlours.

Whether that is relevant to you depends on the animals your practice deals with, I guess.

LB

We once had an operative diagnosed as contracting Leptospirosis, as we worked in a Dairy this was not unreasonable.

After many hours, days and weeks of investigation the cause was found to be golf.

Apparently, when he took a putt, to get a grip on the club he licked his fingers. The course he used had been let out to a local sheep farmer for a period over the winter and the connection was made between the sheep faeces, the ball, club and his mouth.

https://www.gov.uk/gover.../404107/hpr0515_zoos.pdf

....this link might help you come to an informed decision.

:)

Leptospirosis can be deposited in stagnant water by animals and then picked up and transferred by other animals such as dogs. Avoid water gathering in potholes and the like. Obviously as a vet practice you see the animals after possible exposure in this means. Good barrier devices and hygiene the best way forwared I think.
Kevin