Abstract
ABSTRACT. Coelho É.L.M., Chaves N.P., SÁ J.C. de, Melo S. de A.& Silva A.L.A. [Prevalence of leptospirosis in bovine females slaughtered in slaughterhouse in the municipality of São Luís, MA.] Prevalência de leptospirose em fêmeas bovinas abatidas em frigoríficos no município de São Luís, MA. Revista Brasileira de Medicina Veterinária, 36(2):111-115, 2014. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Estadual do Maranhão, Cidade Universitária Paulo VI, Cx. Postal 9, Tirirical, São Luís, MA 65055-970, Brazil. E-mail: abreusilva.ana@gmail.com The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of leptospirosis in bovine females slaughtered in slaughterhouse in the city of São Luís, MA. Sera samples from 100 cows not been vaccinated against leptospirosis were analyzed using the microscopic agglutination test (SAM). The study was conducted in 03 stores under the Municipal Inspection. Blood samples were collected from females without clinical signs of leptospirosis over the age of 24 months. Among 100 serum samples analyzed for 64% (n = 64) were positive with titres equal to or greater than 1:200, and 36% (n = 36) negative for all serovars tested. Of the 24 strains was tested the most frequent in descending order were: hadjo, grippotyphosaand wolffi. The prevalence of leptospirosis in cows slaughtered in abattoirs in São Luís, MA was high. These findings indicate the need to carry out systematic diagnosis and monitoring of herds, besides the implementation of control measures and prophylaxis, as the gradual removal of infected animals, performing quarantine to the entry of new properties in animals, serological tests, vaccinations and implementation of good hygiene practices in slaughterhouses.