Screening of Antibodies Against Leptospiral Hardjo Among Bovine Species of Nawalpur, Tanahun and Gorkha Districts of Nepal <i/>

Introduction: Leptospirosis, a bacterial zoonosis, can affect livestock species with considerable losses especially cattle and buffalo. Leptospira interrogans serovar hardjo is known to be associated with reproductive disorders in bovines. Information on the seroprevalence of antibodies against this serogroup in this territory is important in managing risks and instituting control measures for the area, such as Nepal since these diseases could be overlooked due to the absence of some surveillance practices. The aim of the study was to investigate the seroprevalence of Leptospira interrogans serovar hardjo antibodies among cattle and buffalo from Nawalpur, Tanahun and Gorkha districts of Nepal in order to evaluate the extent of the disease and its effect on cattle. Methods: A total of blood samples were collected aseptically using purposive sampling from cattle and buffalo in the study area 174. These samples were analyzed serologically using PrioCHECK®L.hardjo Ab ELISA kit for antibodies to Leptospira interrogans serovar hardjo. Results: The serological analysis indicated that the seroprevalence was 1.149% which points out the existence of a natural infection in cattle and buffalo reared without any immunization against leptospirosis. Geographical factors, especially region, combined with other factors like low immunogenicity of their vaccines offered to the animals, might explain the low level seroprevalence of the disease. Conclusion: This current study has highlighted the natural occurrence of the leptospires in the hardjo serovar in cattle and buffalo within the study region. The above studies bring out the necessity for active programs for control and preventative measures to restraints leptospirosis disease among the cattle as the disease prevalence designates low seroprevalence rate.