[A natural focus of icterohemorrhagic leptospirosis in the floodplain of the lower Don and means for its eradication].

An active natural focus of icterohemorrhagic leptospirosis has been detected in the area of fish-breeding ponds in Rostov Province, where the intensive epizootic among the population of Norway rats is observed the whole year round (574 animals have been examined, 56 cultures have been isolated). The epizootic process reaches its highest intensity in autumn (the proportion of infected animals exceeds 50%). This natural focus in the area of fish-breeding ponds is epidemiologically dangerous. The limitation of its infectious potential is possible by means of poisoned baits.