Risk factors for canine leptospirosis in the Netherlands in the years 2015 through 2020

Abstract

Objective – To identify risk factors for canine leptospirosis in the Netherlands in the years 2015 through 2020 and to compare these risk factors to risk factors found in literature. Design – Meta-analysis and data research Material & Methods – Risk factors for canine leptospirosis in the years 2015 through 2020 were based on data of both negative and positive test results acquired from IDEXX Laboratories and Laboklin during this period (n = 2171). Explored risk factors were sex, age and regions based on postal codes. Logistic regression was used to define these risk factors. The risk factors of the literature were distracted through meta-analysis on cohort studies, case control studies and cross-sectional studies (n=22). Results – Out of 2171 dogs, 504 had positive test results. Dogs under the age of one year old had a higher risk than older dogs (OR = 3.44, 95% CI =2.54-4.66). Dogs living in the western region of the Netherlands had a higher risk than dogs living in other regions of the Netherlands (OR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.01-2.05). Twenty-two studies were used for the individual meta-analysis of thirteen risk factors, but no significant risk factors were found. Conclusion – There was no significant evidence that domesticated dogs which are tested positive for leptospirosis in the Netherlands in the years 2015 through 2020 match the profile of risk factors described in the literature, such as gender and age.