Lepto 4-Way

Earlier this year Lepto 4-Way was introduced which provided protection for you, your staff and ourselves against L Pacifica. Traditionally we have vaccinated for L Pomona and L Hardjobovis but we know this is not the full complement of lepto strains that cause such debilitating disease in people.

NZ surveys showed 75% of our herds have an immune response against Pacifica when blood tested and 27% of the herds had cow/s shedding L Pacifica in their urine.

At a cow level, the survey indicated one in 40 cows in Pacifica infected herds, were shedding: 10 shedding animals per 400. It is for this reason that we are recommending all dairy herds change over to the use of Lepto 4-Way.

When first used, both an initial shot followed by a booster four to six weeks later is required.

If you are starting with new-born calves, vaccinate around six weeks of age, again four to six weeks later.

This early vaccination programme lessens the risk of lepto establishing itself in the kidneys.

Where these vaccinations are completed before six months of age, a booster dose at six months of age is essential and thereafter an annual booster is required.

When using Lepto-4-Way, vaccinations to protect against the clostridial diseases will need to be given separately. Previously most farmers will have vaccinated with Ultravac 7-in-1, now either Covexin 10, Multine or Ultravac clostridial vaccine will need to be given separately to the lepto vaccine.

When giving two vaccines on the same day, place one in the lefthand side of the neck and the other on the right.

When using any of these vaccines, please remember to protect them from heat. We cannot over emphasise the importance of storing these packs at two to eight degrees Celsius i.e. fridge temperature. When out of the fridge carry them in chilly bags. In addition, do not use vaccine that has been frozen and use clean sharp needles on the vaccinator gun.

We are happy to provide further advice on the ideal vaccination programme for your calves and herd.