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Veterinary sciences2026; 13(8); 750; doi: 10.3390/vetsci13080750

A Leptospirosis Outbreak in a Riding Stable in Central Italy.

Abstract: Leptospirosis is a widespread zoonotic disease of major concern for both veterinary and public health. In horses, it is associated with equine recurrent uveitis, a painful condition that may lead to blindness and affects approximately 10% of the global horse population. In May 2025, following the occurrence of three uveitis cases in a riding stable in Central Italy, 94 equine blood samples were collected and tested using the microscopic agglutination test (MAT) for spp. Antibody titres against serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae were detected in 68 horses (72.4%). An on-site investigation was conducted, and control measures were implemented, including movement restrictions, clinical monitoring of horses, and antibiotic treatment. Follow-up serological testing showed no significant variation in antibody titres, no additional clinical cases were observed in animals, and no symptoms were reported among individuals exposed to the facility. These findings suggest widespread exposure to spp. without evidence of ongoing transmission or public health impact. This study highlights the diagnostic and management challenges of equine leptospirosis, together with the importance of surveillance within a One Health framework.
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Publication Date: 2026-07-28 PubMed ID: 42655770PubMed Central: PMC13517936DOI: 10.3390/vetsci13080750Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

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Overview

  • This research article reports on an outbreak of leptospirosis in horses at a riding stable in Central Italy and examines the diagnostic, management, and public health implications of the event.

Background on Leptospirosis

  • Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans.
  • It is caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira and is widespread globally.
  • In horses, leptospirosis is mainly associated with equine recurrent uveitis (ERU), a painful eye condition that can lead to blindness.
  • Approximately 10% of the global horse population may be affected by ERU.

The Outbreak Investigation

  • In May 2025, three cases of equine recurrent uveitis were identified at a riding stable in Central Italy, prompting further investigation.
  • Researchers collected blood samples from 94 horses at the stable.
  • The samples were tested using the microscopic agglutination test (MAT), which detects antibodies against Leptospira species.
  • Antibody titres against the serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae, one type of Leptospira, were found in 68 out of 94 horses (72.4%), indicating widespread exposure.

Control Measures and Follow-up

  • An on-site investigation was conducted to assess the extent and cause of the outbreak.
  • Control measures included:
    • Movement restrictions to limit the spread of infection.
    • Clinical monitoring of horses for new cases or symptoms.
    • Antibiotic treatment to manage infected animals.
  • Follow-up serological testing was performed to monitor antibody levels over time.
  • Results showed no significant changes in antibody titres, suggesting no ongoing active transmission among the horses.
  • No new clinical cases were observed during the follow-up period.

Public Health Implications

  • No symptoms of leptospirosis were reported among humans exposed to the stable environment, indicating no detected transmission to people.
  • The findings highlight the importance of surveillance for zoonotic diseases like leptospirosis to protect both animal and public health.

Significance of the Study

  • The study underscores the diagnostic challenges in identifying and confirming leptospirosis in horses.
  • Management of equine leptospirosis outbreaks can be complex due to subclinical infections and need for accurate diagnostics.
  • Emphasizes a One Health approach, integrating veterinary and public health efforts to monitor and control zoonotic diseases.
  • Contributes valuable epidemiologic data on leptospirosis exposure and infection dynamics in a European setting.

Cite This Article

APA
(2026). A Leptospirosis Outbreak in a Riding Stable in Central Italy. Vet Sci, 13(8), 750. https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci13080750

Publication

Veterinary sciences
ISSN: 2306-7381
NlmUniqueID: 101680127
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 13
Issue: 8
PII: 750

Researcher Affiliations

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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