leptospirosis (Leptospira spp.)
A bacterial disease transmitted to humans from contact with the (undried) urine of infected animals, commonly rodents, cattle or pigs. Food, soil or bodies of water (especially if slow-moving) may be contaminated. After an incubation period of 3–21 days the disease gives rise to flu-like symptoms.
This definition is abridged from A – Z of tree terms: A companion to British arboriculture.
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