Cattle leptospirosis vaccine: instructions for use and properties, dosage

Leptospirosis is an infectious disease of cattle and other mammals that has a negative impact on many animal organs. Among the preventive measures to eliminate and prevent the disease, vaccination occupies a leading place. Consider the biological properties of the vaccine against bovine leptospirosis and the rules for use according to the instructions, what preventive measures are used against the disease.

General information

Leptospirosis in cows is not treated, the use of medicines can only support the body and reduce the severity of symptoms. Sick animals do not recover and will be carriers of leptospira for many years in a row.Pathogens are excreted in the urine, through contact with which he althy individuals become infected. Due to the prevalence of the disease, the best option to combat it is vaccination, which gives almost 100% guarantee that animals will not get sick.

Stavropol biofactory produces an inactivated vaccine called "Leptopro". This is an injection suspension containing Leptospira cultures for immunization of pigs, cattle and small ruminants and preservatives. The drug is a colorless liquid, transparent, but with a gray-white precipitate, when shaken, the precipitate forms a homogeneous mixture with the liquid. Packaged in bottles of 100 ml. Shelf life - 1.5 years. Storage and transportation at t 2-8 °C in a dark and dry container.

The drug is intended for immunization of animals in farms where cases of leptospirosis are noted, as well as in those where new individuals are not tested for this disease.

Biological properties

"Leptopro" forms in farm animals active immunity to the causative agent of the disease. Vaccination reduces the likelihood that animals get sick, eliminates secondary infection and the massive spread of infection.

How to administer the leptospirosis vaccine

Cows begin to be vaccinated when they reach 1.5 months. Immunity is developed in 2-3 weeks, in adult animals that were vaccinated at the age of 1 year - within 12 months. The vaccine is administered to the body of cows 1 time at the dosage indicated in the instructions. The effect of immunity lasts up to 6 months, so it is necessary to vaccinate every year.

Adult cows are vaccinated 1-2 months before insemination or in the 1st third of pregnancy to prevent abortion. For the formation of immunity in newborn calves, cows are immunized 1.5-3 months before birth.

Before you inoculate, you need to shake the bottle so that the suspension is homogeneous. Disinfect the injection site with alcohol, boil the instruments.

When not to use?

You can not vaccinate cows in the last month of pregnancy, within a week and a half after calving and deworming. After the indicated terms, such cows can be vaccinated.

You can vaccinate completely he althy cows if there is fever, inflammation and damage, signs of infectious diseases - vaccination should be postponed until the individual recovers. Can be vaccinated no earlier than 3 weeks after the introduction of hyperimmune serum, after immunosuppressive drugs - after 3 months.

Are there any side effects

The vaccine does not show side effects if applied in accordance with the instructions. The milk and meat of vaccinated animals is suitable for consumption.

Prevention measures

Leptospira breed in moist and warm places, often in water bodies. The complex of preventive measures against leptospirosis includes the protection of water sources from pollution by secretions of sick animals and carriers of leptospirosis bacteria, agricultural facilities and food from rodents (leptospira can be carried by rats and shrews). Dogs are also dangerous. Do not keep animals and graze them near polluted water bodies.

If cases of the disease are detected, people should also be vaccinated. Humans become infected with leptospira through contact with the secretions of sick cows while caring for them, as well as through water. You can get infected when processing meat, drinking milk. For the penetration of bacteria into the body, a slight damage to the skin is sufficient, the pathogen can also enter through the mucous membranes and conjunctiva of the eyes.

The leptospirosis vaccine is intended for annual cattle vaccination in industrial and household households. You can vaccinate dairy calves, adult cows, including pregnant and weakened animals. Under the influence of drugs, cattle develop active immunity, which lasts for 6 months.