Seroprevalence of Leptospira spp serovar hardjo among Cattle Slaughtered at Katsina Central Abattoir, Katsina State, Nigeria

Leptospirosis is a globally distributed zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium Leptospira spp. serovar hardjo, posing a significant threat to livestock industries and public health. This study investigated the seroprevalence of Leptospira hardjo infection among cattle slaughtered at Katsina Central abattoir. A total of 179 blood samples were aseptically collected from the jugular veins of various cattle breeds using anticoagulant-free vacutainers. The samples were centrifuged to separate sera, followed by analysis using an indirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) based on the manufacturer’s protocol (ELISA Bovicheck® Lepto HP, Bioveta, Canada). The overall prevalence of Leptospira spp. serovar hardjo was 16.2%. Bulls exhibited a higher prevalence (20%) compared to cows (14.3%), although no significant difference was observed between sexes (p > 0.05). Age-specific prevalence indicated that younger cattle were more exposed; however, statistical associations were not significant (p > 0.05). Breed-specific prevalence revealed higher rates in White Fulani cattle (20.8%) and lower in Red Bororo (12.9%), with no statistically significant association between breed and infection (p > 0.05). This study indicates a high prevalence of Leptospira spp. infection among cattle in Katsina Central abattoir. The occurrence of leptospirosis in these cattle poses occupational risks for abattoir workers, endangers livestock productivity, and raises significant public health concerns due to its potential to spread from animals to humans.