Susceptibility of the Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) to Infection with Leptospira pomona

Abstract

Leptospira pomona is widely distributed in New Zealand, and outbreaks of leptospirosis among farm animals cause considerable economic loss to the livestock industry. While it is generally accepted that the domestic pig is the normal reservoir of infection it is rarely possible to inculpate the pig directly in ovine outbreaks of leptospirosis, and many outbreaks also occur on dairy farms on which no pigs are kept.