Leptospirosis In Cattle
Due to more utilized diagnostics, leptospirosis
in cattle is gaining renewed notoriety as a reproductive pathogen
that can wreak havoc with birth rates. The bacterium Leptospira has
over 200 species, serovars and subtypes, which can cause disease
in many types of mammals. The most significant leptospira associated
with reproductive problems in U.S. cattle include L. pomona and L.
hardjo.
Leptospirosis
in cattle affects pregnant cows by causing abortion, stillbirths
and the birth of weak calves. Calves are afflicted with high fever
and jaundice and usually die. Lactating cows will produce less
milk. Low rates of abortion that often go unnoticed and undiagnosed
are seen with the hardjo serovars. High abortion rates of
50 percent or more are sometimes seen when L. pomona hits
in the last trimester of gestation.
Transmission of leptospirosis in cattle is usually through the urine
of an infected animal. The organisms gain entry through the membranes
of the eyes, nose, mouth and even the skin.
A comprehensive pre-breeding vaccination program will help prevent
reproductive diseases in your beef or dairy cattle
herd. For example, Novartis Animal Health US, Inc. offers a broad-spectrum
vaccine called Vira
Shield® 6+L5 . In addition to providing protection against
Lepto, Vira Shield 6+L5 offers protection against cytopathic (CP)
Type 1 and noncytopatic (NCP) Types 1 and 2 BVD, along with IBR,
PI3 and BRSV.
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