Kaipara Farm Vets
Kaipara Farm Vets and Rural Solutions is a locally owned business aiming to provide large animal veterinary services and support to our farming community.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that can affect both humans and animals caused by the bacterium Leptospira and is spread through contaminated water sources, such as streams or puddles, that are infected with the urine of infected animals, such as rodents, cattle, and dogs.
In New Zealand, leptospirosis is relatively rare, but outbreaks have been reported, particularly in areas with high levels of animal husbandry and agriculture.
To prevent the spread of leptospirosis, it is important to practice good hygiene, such as washing hands after contact with potentially contaminated water sources, and avoiding exposure to contaminated water in high-risk areas.
1. Vaccination of Livestock: To curb the spread of Leptospirosis bacteria, vaccinating cattle is essential. The vaccines are highly effective if administered at the right time. Our suggestion is:
Give the first vaccine to calves at three months old in November or December.
Administer a booster shot four to six weeks later, in December or January, along with the BVD vaccine.
Annual booster vaccine for R2 heifers/herd.
Heifers/herd should receive vaccine at the same time as the second shot of the calves, in January or February.
2. Staff Awareness: As an owner, it is important to educate your staff on the risks of Leptospirosis, its modes of transmission, and the steps they can take to minimize their risk of infection.
3. Controlling Contamination Sources:
To prevent the spread of the bacteria, waterways and effluent ponds should be fenced off.
Proper drainage at the shed, races, and feed storage areas is crucial.
Rat control is also essential as many human cases of Leptospirosis among dairy farm workers are caused by the strain shed in rat urine (Leptospirosis ballum).
If you suspect you may have been exposed to leptospirosis, it is important to seek medical attention promptly.
If you want to know more about it and we help farmers prevent the spread of such disease, please contact us.
Kaipara Farm Vets and Rural Solutions is a locally owned business aiming to provide large animal veterinary services and support to our farming community.
