Leptospirosis is an infectious disease of cattle and other mammals, which has a negative effect on many animal organs. Among preventive measures to eliminate and prevent the disease, vaccination occupies a leading place. Let's consider the biological properties of the vaccine against bovine leptospirosis and the rules of use according to the instructions, what preventive measures are used against the disease.
general information
Leptospirosis in cows cannot be treated; the use of medications 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 urine, through contact with which healthy individuals become infected. Due to the prevalence of the disease, the best option to combat it is vaccination, which provides an almost 100% guarantee that animals will not get sick.
The Stavropol biofactory produces an inactivated vaccine called Leptopro. This is an injection suspension containing Leptospira cultures for immunization of pigs, cattle and small livestock and preservatives. The drug is a colorless liquid, transparent, but with a gray-white sediment; when shaken, the sediment forms a homogeneous mixture with the liquid. Packaged in 100 ml bottles. Shelf life – 1.5 years. Storage and transportation at 2-8 °C in a dark and dry container.
Biological properties
Leptopro forms active immunity to the pathogen in farm animals. Vaccination reduces the likelihood that animals will get sick, eliminates secondary infection and massive spread of infection.
How to administer the leptospirosis vaccine
Cows begin to be vaccinated when they reach 1.5 months. Immunity is developed within 2-3 weeks, in adult animals that were vaccinated at the age of 1 year - within 12 months. The vaccine is administered into the body of cows once in the dosage indicated in the instructions. The effect of immunity lasts up to 6 months, so vaccination must be done every year.
Adult cows are vaccinated 1-2 months before insemination or in the 1st third of pregnancy to prevent abortions.To develop immunity in newborn calves, cows are immunized 1.5-3 months before birth.
Before vaccinating, you need to shake the bottle so that the suspension is homogeneous. Disinfect the injection site with alcohol and boil the instruments.
In what cases should it not be used?
Cows cannot be vaccinated in the last month of pregnancy, within a week or a week and a half after calving and deworming. After the specified period, such cows can be vaccinated.
Vaccinations can be given to completely healthy cows; if there is elevated temperature, inflammation and damage, or signs of infectious diseases, vaccination should be postponed until the individual has recovered. Can be vaccinated no earlier than 3 weeks after the administration of hyperimmune serum, after immunosuppressive drugs - after 3 months.
Are there any side effects
The vaccine does not exhibit any side effects if used in accordance with the instructions. The milk and meat of vaccinated animals is suitable for consumption.
Prevention measures
Leptospira breeds in damp and warm places, often in bodies of water. The complex of preventive measures against leptospirosis includes the protection of water sources from contamination by secretions of sick animals and carriers of leptospirosis bacteria, agricultural objects and food from rodents (leptospira can be carried by rats and shrews). Dogs are also dangerous. Animals should not be kept or grazed near polluted water bodies.
If cases of the disease are detected, people should also be vaccinated. People become infected with Leptospira through contact with the secretions of sick cows when caring for them, as well as through water. You can become infected by processing meat or drinking milk.For bacteria to enter the body, a minor injury 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 vaccination of cattle in industrial and household households. You can vaccinate dairy calves, adult cows, including pregnant and weakened animals. Under the influence of the drugs, cattle develop active immunity that lasts for 6 months.
