"Leptospira is a Gram-negative bacterium that causes leptospirosis, one of the most important re-emerging zoonotic diseases. The disease is worldwide diffused, and animals are involved in its spreading. Among animals, wildlife play an important role in the epidemiology of leptospirosis, as reservoir of specific Leptospira serovar. Several species are known as Leptospira maintenance host, but other are less investigated and could represent a "new" host involved in its epidemiology. The book "Leptospira Infection in Wild Animals" contains descriptions of leptospirosis epidemiology in several wild animal species, highlighting the infection in different part of world, the most detected Leptospira serovar and the risks of infection for both humans and domestic animals. Data on marine mammals, wild boar, rodent, lagomorph, wild ruminants, amphibian and reptiles, bats and non-human primates Leptospira infection were deeply analysed and discussed in order to better understand their role in the leptospirosis epidemiology"--

Leptospirosis is a worldwide-distributed, re-emerging zoonosis due to the large variety of wild and domestic animal species that can play the role of natural or accidental host. Currently, specific animal species play an important role as reservoirs for particular Leptospira serovars, although recent investigations have highlighted new host-pathogen interactions involved in Leptospira epidemiology. Furthermore, the constant modification of ecosystems and wildlife habitats and the constantly increasing number of animal species moving towards urban or peri-urban areas are increasing the possibility of direct or indirect contact between wildlife and domestic animals; furthermore, the constant modification of animal leptospirosis also causes problems for human health. The studies published in this book have evidenced and confirmed the hidden role of a large variety of animal species, domestic and wild, in leptospirosis epidemiology. They highlighted the necessity for continuous monitoring and large-scale surveillance studies to better understand this neglected and re-emerging zoonosis.

This volume covers all aspects of infection by pathogenic Leptospira species, the causative agents of the world’s most widespread zoonosis. Topics include aspects of human and animal leptospirosis as well as detailed analyses of our current knowledge of leptospiral structure and physiology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, genomics, immunity and vaccines. Updates are presented on leptospiral systematics, identification and diagnostics, as well as practical information on culture of Leptospira. Contact information is also provided for Leptospira reference centers. All chapters were written by experts in the field, providing an invaluable reference source for scientists, veterinarians, clinicians and all others with an interest in leptospirosis.

Leptospirosis is a potentially serious but treatable zoonotic disease representing a worldwide public health hazard. Its symptoms may mimic those of a number of other unrelated infections such as influenza meningitis hepatitis dengue or viral haemorrhagic fevers. It is important to distinguish leptospirosis from these diseases. For this reason new diagnostic methods have been developed in recent years. In humid tropical and subtropical areas where most developing countries are located leptospirosis poses a greater health problem than in areas with a temperate climate. Because leptospirosis is easily overlooked and consequently underreported in many parts of the world it is necessary to increase awareness and knowledge of the disease as a public health threat. The aim of these guidelines is to assist in this process. The target groups to which these guidelines are directed consist of health workers clinicians laboratory technicians microbiologists public health workers veterinarians and biologists with an interest in zoonoses having no specialized knowledge of leptospirosis but who wish to be generally informed about the microorganism concerned and the disease that it may cause. This is not a handbook and avoids technical details but the interested reader can find further information in the annexes and the general bibliography. These guidelines are concerned essentially with human leptospirosis.

Infectious Diseases of Wild Mammals, Third Edition presents the latest information on the diagnosis and treatment of infectious disease in both free-ranging and captive wild mammals. Editors Elizabeth Williams and Ian Barker have recruited 71 contributors, all noted experts in their fields, to update this new edition. This reference provides valuable information on each disease, including Etiology History Distribution Epidemiology Clinical signs Pathology Immunity Diagnosis Treatment Control This latest edition is a leading reference book for Wildlife biologists, managers, and rehabilitators Biology students Conservationists Public health workers

INFECTIOUS DISEASES OF WILD MAMMALS AND BIRDS IN EUROPE Infectious Diseases of Wild Mammals and Birds in Europe is a key resource on the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases in European wildlife that covers the distinctive nature of diseases as they occur in Europe, including strains, insect vectors, reservoir species, and climate, as well as geographical distribution of the diseases and European regulations for reporting, diagnosis and control. Divided into sections on viral infections, bacterial infections, fungal and yeast infections, and prion infections, this definitive reference provides valuable information on disease classification and properties, causative agents, epidemiology, pathogenesis, and implications for human, domestic and wild animal health. KEY FEATURES: Brings together extensive research from many different disciplines into one integrated and highly useful definitive reference. Zoonotic risks to human health, as well as risks to pets and livestock are highlighted. Each disease is covered separately with practical information on the animal species in which the disease has been recorded, clinical signs of the disease, diagnostic methods, and recommended treatments and vaccination. Wildlife vaccination and disease surveillance techniques are described. Examines factors important in the spread of disease such as changing climate, the movement of animals through trade, and relaxations in the control of wild animal populations. Written by a team of pathologists, epidemiologists and clinicians from across Europe, this is the definitive resource for infectious diseases of wild mammals and birds in Europe. It will be an invaluable reference for veterinarians, conservation biologists, epidemiologists, and wildlife researchers, managers, rehabilitators and students.