Cause of endemic disease of rats in various parts of the world, as well as feline leprosy.
feline leprosy is transmitted by bites from rats and other cats.
Disease occurs mainly in the skin and lymph nodes, causing induration, alopecia and eventual ulceration.
Nodular lesions, involving subcutaneous tissues, may be solitary or multiple and usually confined to the head region or the limbs. Nodules are fleshy and freely movable.
Surgical excision of the lesions is the preferred treatment.