Leptospirosis: a hidden threat to livestock and human health

Leptospirosis is an important bacterial disease that affects livestock and humans, particularly during the rainy season when waterlogging, flooding, and poor sanitation favor the survival and spread of the bacteria. The disease can cause fever, abortions, infertility, reduced milk production, and significant economic losses in livestock, while also posing a serious public health risk. Early recognition, timely veterinary care, vaccination, rodent control, and proper farm hygiene are essential for preventing disease outbreaks. Delayed diagnosis may result in abortions, infertility, reduced milk production, and even death in severe cases (Rehan et al., 2023; Sadler et al., 2026). This article highlights the causes, transmission, clinical signs, economic and zoonotic importance, and practical prevention and control measures of leptospirosis to help farmers protect their animals, improving farm productivity, and safeguarding human health.