Bovine leptospirosis is a highly infectious bacterial disease and is widespread in Ireland with over 70%1 of dairy herds infected and approximately 80%2 of beef herds infected.
Leptospirosis can cause:
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Abortion
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Poor conception
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Milk drop
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Poor calf performance
Leptospirosis is a danger to humans and is an occupational hazard. Leptospirosis is best controlled by vaccination to both reduce shedding from carrier animals AND to decrease the number of carriers in the herd.
There are two Leptospirosis Hardjo vaccines available in Ireland: Vaccine“L” and Spirovac from Zoetis. Both vaccines contain a single strain of Hardjo:
=>Spirovac® contains L.Hardjo borgpetersenii
=>Vaccine “L” contains L.Hardjo interrogans
Spirovac® is licensed to provide protection against L.Hardjo borgpetersenii. Cross reactivity has also been demonstrated at a serological level to LHardjo interrogans.
Product information
Dosage: 2ml
Vial sizes: 5 & 25 doses
Administration: Subcutaneous injection (preferably in the neck)
Vaccination scheme
Basic Vaccination: 2 doses of vaccine separated by a 4 to 6 week interval. Basic vaccination for calves can be started from 4 weeks of age
Revaccination scheme: A single 2 ml dose on an annual basis
Legal category: LM
Withdrawal: Zero days
Summary of Product Characteristics: Full product licence here
References
1Dermot Mackie CAVI conference proceedings 2009
2Ryan et al.: Seroprevalence of Leptospira Hardjo in the Irish suckler cattle population. Irish Veterinary Journal 2012 65:8.
