Seroprevalence of Leptospira Species and Risk Factors in Livestock and Rodents in Kondoa Town Council Dodoma, Tanzania

Leptospirosis remains a globally re-emerging zoonotic disease, undermining livestock productivity and posing public health risks. A cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the seroprevalence of Leptospira infection in domestic ruminants and rodents in Kondoa Town Council (TC) from October 2024 to January 2025. A total of 274 domestic ruminants (cattle, goats, and sheep) and 225 rodent blood samples were collected and assessed for Leptospira antibody using the Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT). Data were analysed in Epi info 7.2.6.0 whereby descriptive statistics were used to estimate prevalence of factors and logistic regression to identify potential risk factors for seropositivity. Overall seroprevalence of Leptospira in domestic ruminants was 18.9%, and the majority were detected in cattle 24.5%. Five Leptospira serovars were detected in domestic ruminants, including L. Pomona, L. Sokoine L. Hebdomadis, L. Grippotyphosa and L. Canicola. In rodents, the seroprevalence was 5.8%, and four Leptospira serovars were detected, including L. Pomona, L. Sokoine, L. Hebdomads and L. Lora, which was more prevalent. Geographic location and history of abortion were significant factors for Leptospira infection in domestic ruminants (p<0.002). The findings underscore the importance of integrated rodent and environmental management strategies to control Leptospira infection, particularly in endemic regions. This study contributes to the understanding of Leptospira epidemiology in Tanzania and emphasizes the need for surveillance and community education to mitigate zoonotic diseases transmission.