Horse leptospirosis: description and instructions for use of the vaccine

Infection leptospirosis refers to natural focal diseases and often affects both farm and domestic animals. At the first sign of the appearance of leptospirosis in horses, it is necessary to separate he althy individuals from sick ones. Quarantine is introduced, isolated patients are treated. Isolation of bacteria from the body can last for years (depending on the form of the disease). Therefore, he althy horses must be vaccinated.

Description of disease

One of the acute infectious diseases is leptospirosis (causative agent - leptospira bacterium). Stagnant water bodies, rivers, lakes, wet soil are a suitable environment for the reproduction of bacteria.Leptospira are not resistant to the effects of disinfectants.Ill and sick horses act as a source of leptospirosis Distribution options - contact, through feed, water. The incubation period lasts from 2-5 to 12-20 days. Characteristics of the infection - the liver, kidneys, muscles, capillaries are affected, intoxication, fever appear.

Danger for horses

Leptospirosis affects animals in all regions. The infection proceeds in a severe form, in a neglected state, there is a need for resuscitation. The consequences of the emergence and spread of leptospirosis:

significant weight loss in animals (17-28%);
slowing growth of foals;
loss of horse performance.

Severe disease often leads to the death of the animal. It also increases the likelihood of abortions, loss of reproductive function.

Causes and symptoms

Damage to the skin, mucous membranes of the body, contaminated feed, bathing horses in infected water are the main ways bacteria enter the body. There are no clinical signs during the incubation period.

In the following days, the following stages of the disease can be distinguished:

leptospiremia - is characterized by the active reproduction of bacteria that accumulate in the adrenal glands, liver, spleen. Symptoms: body temperature rises sharply, thirst appears, signs of anorexia, hyperemia of the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx;
toxic period - characterized by damage to blood cells, parenchymal organs caused by endotoxins (due to the defeat of bacteria by antibodies). External and internal bleeding in horses is accompanied by vomiting with blood, prolonged bloody diarrhea.

Leptospirosis is also manifested by severe dehydration of the horse's body, there is stomatitis (ulcerative and necrotic), acute renal failure.Sometimes the disease is subacute (the clinic manifests itself more slowly, and the symptoms are less pronounced). The main dangers of the subacute form are mortality of 30-50% and the transition to a chronic disease.

Diagnosis and treatment of leptospirosis

When visually examining a sick individual, the following symptoms are observed: icteric color of the mucous membranes, slight colic, rapid pulse and heartbeat. Urine becomes dark yellow or brown, and a complete blood count shows a reduced number of red blood cells and a decrease in hemoglobin levels.

For the treatment of leptospirosis in horses, mainly streptomycin and hyperimmune serum are used. Specific antibodies to leptospira are the basis of the serum.

Important! When using serum, it must be taken into account that recovered animals may remain carriers of the infection.

Vaccine use

Horse breeders and farmers should pay great attention to preventive measures. The main focus is on the vaccination of he althy animals.

Composition, release form and principle of action

The vaccine is released in the form of a clear, colorless liquid (contains an inactivated strain of leptospira). Single dose - 1-2 ml, contained in a hermetically sealed vial. When administered intramuscularly, horses develop stable immunity to leptospirosis.

Indications for use

It is recommended to vaccinate animals that are raised in disadvantaged farms (relative to the likelihood of an outbreak), when grazing horses in foci of possible infection. The main purpose of vaccination is preventive. Using the vaccine, it is possible to prevent the emergence and spread of infection, reduce the likelihood of abortions.

Instructions for use

When administered intramuscularly, the vaccine is injected into the neck (area of the upper third). Applying the tool, take into account the age of the animal. The first vaccination for foals under the age of 6 weeks is done in a volume of 1 ml, the subsequent one is carried out six months later in the same volume. Older foals (age 6-12 months) are injected with 1 ml of serum, a second injection is made after 6 months. For adult horses, the dose is increased to 2 ml, followed by a year later.

When starting the vaccination process, it must be taken into account that immunity to leptospirosis in animals appears 2-3 weeks after the administration of the drug. Resistance to infection persists for 6-8 months in foals and 12-15 months in adults.

Important! Do not mix the drug with other drugs in one syringe.

Contraindications and side effects

When using a vaccine, it must be taken into account that the drug is harmless and does not have medicinal qualities.Sick or weakened horses should not be vaccinated. During the week, also do not vaccinate animals that have taken drugs from helminths. Do not vaccinate mares in the last four weeks of pregnancy and the first 7 days after birth.

Sometimes, swelling may appear at the injection site, which resolves naturally over time. Some individuals may experience allergic reactions. To quickly stop the development of allergies, it is recommended to always have calcium chloride or diphenhydramine on hand during the vaccination period.

Precautions

For the storage of the drug, provide appropriate conditions: temperature - 2-15 ° C, container protected from sunlight. In the process of vaccinating animals, it is necessary to use personal protective equipment for people (gloves, gown). Certain requirements are also met:

hands are thoroughly washed with soap after the end of the injection procedure;
if the vaccine gets on the skin or mucous membranes of a person, the liquid is washed off with a swab dipped in alcohol, body parts are washed with water;
used syringes and vials are disposed of.

Do not use medicines that have been frozen or if the vials are not marked with an expiration date. The vaccine must be disposed of if it has expired or is stored in containers with a violation of tightness, integrity.

Also destroy the drug that remains unused within 25-30 minutes after opening (the vaccine is boiled for 15-20 minutes and disposed of).Disease prevention is given great attention when keeping any animals. It is important not only to ensure the correct conditions for keeping and feeding horses and foals. It is necessary to vaccinate all he althy individuals in a timely manner.