Seroepidemiology and risk factors associated with Leptospira and Chlamydia abortus in goat herds in Guanajuato, Mexico

A cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted from March 2022 to April 2023 to determine seropositivity for chlamydiosis and leptospirosis, as well as to identify risk factors associated with their transmission in goat herds in the municipality of Juventino Rosas, Guanajuato. A total of 741 samples were collected from 32 herds. For serological diagnosis, the microscopic agglutination test was employed for Leptospira, and an indirect ELISA was used for Chlamydia abortus. Logistic regression analysis was applied to identify risk factors. The study found that 14.1 % and 52.5 % of samples were seropositive for chlamydiosis and leptospirosis, respectively. The primary serovar detected for leptospirosis was the national strain H-89 (Hardjo) at 40.8 %. A significant causal association for leptospirosis was observed (P < 0.0211) in herds with a history of abortions (OR = 8.88), in goats older than 6 years (OR = 6.91), with the loaning of bucks (OR = 5.6), in the buying and selling of animals (OR = 3.54), in herds with more than 60 animals (OR = 3.44), in the presence of rodents (OR = 2.86), and with humidity (OR = 1.79). For chlamydiosis, a significant causal association (P < 0.0456) was observed when pregnant females were not separated (OR = 4.28), when grazing areas were shared (OR = 3.4), and in herds with more than 60 animals (OR = 2.1). Given these findings, it is essential to enhance technical assistance to implement biosafety measures aimed at reducing the occurrence of these diseases.