Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease associated with wild and domestic animals.
Leptospirosis is extremely rare. In 1999, there were no reported cases among New York City residents. Leptospirosis is primarily an occupational disease that affects farmers, veterinarians, sewer workers, or others whose occupation involves contact with animals, especially rats. Leptospirosis is spread mainly by contact with water or soil contaminated by the urine of infected animals. It is generally not transmitted from person to person.