” Lepto if definitely zoonotic and via direct contact, but there is no data that I can find to validate it…”

I am trying to do one on the risk of picking up Lepto via working at PMU farms, but since they are so “hush-hush” about everything I am finding it hard to find proof that people do indeed pick up Lepto from horses via direct contact (like salmonella). I need to contact the vet I used to work for (was a vet tech for 15 years) and see if she can find out anything on VIN for me. This is very aggravating because every site says that Lepto if definitely zoonotic and via direct contact, but there is no data that I can find to validate it.

I have everything outlined, I just need to be able to provide some numbers, etc., and I’m stuck! Do you have any suggestions? Where else can I look? The salmonella was my second choice, but I wanted to be able to tie in PMU farming (against it) and the fact that people can become infected with Lepto. Some of those poor mares are kept in horrid conditions and God only knows what else people can pick up from cleaning up after them. I probably COULD do a dual thing as I’m sure they’d also have to have salmonella as well… What do you think? “PMU Farms… not do they provide Premarin for women in menopause, but they give lepto and salmonella to the people that work there.” What do you think? Like it? Hate it? UGH! Thanks for the help! Dawn

Dr. Kimberly Gryl’s Answer:

Dawn:

Luckily for the veterinary profession, there are few zoonotic diseases in the Equine world. The most common one that I see is Salmonella. This is a bacterium that is shed in the feces. You will find likely worlds of literature on this topic, because it is not uncommon. Good luck on your paper. Please send me on a copy! I would love to read it