Serologic evidence of leptospirosis in woodchucks (Marmota monax) in central New York State.

Serum samples from 153 woodchucks (Marmota monax) from Tompkins County, New York, obtained in 1976 and 1977, were examined by plate agglutination tests for antibodies against five Leptospira antigens. Fourteen sera showed significant titers against either L. hardjo, L. icterohemorrhagiae and/or L. pomona. Reactions against L. hardjo were the most frequent. Woodchucks collected from two dairy farms with histories of bovine leptospirosis did not have a greater prevalence of antibodies than woodchucks collected from other locations. Each of two woodchucks experimentally-inoculated with L. hardjo developed titers to L. hardjo. Maximum titers occurred approximately 30 days post-inoculation. L. hardjo was not observed in urine specimens of these animals.