Cattle producers throughout Australia experience significant productivity losses every year from Leptospirosis (“Lepto”) and clostridial diseases.

Leptospirosis in recent times has become a very important human health issue because of its ability to infect humans.

Deaths resulting from pulpy kidney, tetanus, blackleg, black disease and malignant oedema cause significant production losses, which often require the additional implementation of management practices to stop the deaths occurring. Reduced weight gain, reduced milk production and in some cases death from Leptospirosis can also affect the profitability of a producer’s cattle enterprise, but more importantly Lepto can be transferred from cattle to humans resulting in health and legal implications.

CLOSTRIDIAL DISEASES

Blackleg, tetanus, malignant oedema, pulpy kidney and black disease are all clostridial diseases and are amongst the most common causes of death of cattle around Australia.

In all cases unvaccinated stock contracting these 5 diseases have very little chance of recovery. In fact often the first clinical signs seen by producers are dead cattle.

Clostridial bacteria cause disease through the production of highly poisonous toxins. Minute amounts of these toxins are enough to kill cattle.

Pulpy kidney occurs following the absorption of toxin from the gut. This is commonly seen when a sudden change in diet occurs: grass to grain or the emergence of a green flush. Malignant oedema, blackleg and tetanus often occur following wounding or bruising which create an ideal environment for toxin production.

Black disease usually only occurs in areas where liver fluke exist and is caused by liver damage, which activates dormant spores.

The clostridial bacteria which cause these diseases all form spores, which are resistant to many environmental conditions and can persist in the soil for years. Clostridial bacteria are also found to exist in the gut contents of healthy animals.

LEPTOSPIROSIS

Leptospirosis is widespread across Australia and has become a very important issue for beef and dairy producers because of potentially serious production losses, human health issues and legal consequences that may occur if cattle are not vaccinated. Leptospirosis, or “Lepto” as it is commonly termed, is a zoonosis, meaning that the disease can be passed from animals to humans. The most common types of Leptospira bacteria, which cause disease in cattle, are L.hardjobovis and L.pomona.

WHO IS AT RISK?

The people at risk of contracting Leptospirosis include all people working around cattle: producers, their families and employees, veterinarians, abattoir workers and service providers. Cattle producers, like all employers, are responsible for providing a safe working environment for their employees, and therefore need to protect them from diseases like Leptospirosis. There are legal implications if visitors or service providers contract Leptospirosis from your cattle.

TRANSMISSION

Leptospirosis is usually contracted through direct contact with infected urine, placental material or water. Transmission through semen (natural mating or artificial insemination) although not common, can occur. The risk of contracting Leptospirosis through milk can be eliminated through pasteurisation.

SYMPTOMS IN HUMANS

Symptoms in humans can vary from mile to severe, last for weeks, or sometimes years and appear like a severe case of the flu: prolonged fatigue, nausea and vomiting and severe headaches. People who contract the disease are often hospitalised.

CLINICAL SIGNS IN CATTLE

In cattle, clinical signs of Lepto can vary depending on the type, but include abortions, weak or stillborn calves, a sudden milk drop, mastitis and possible infertility. Other clinical signs can include red-water, anaemia, fever, and jaundice all of which can cause severe illness in adult cattle and in calves possibly death.

COSTS OF LEPTOSPIROSIS

The investment in a Leptospirosis vaccination program can be calculated simply and is small in comparison with the potential risks associated with not vaccinating against the disease. What is the cost of an employee or family member being sick and unable to work for 3 months to a year?

ULTRAVAC 7in1™

Leptospirosis and the major clostridial diseases can be prevented by implementing a vaccination program with Ultravac 7in1™ vaccine. CSL have developed “world leading” Leptospirosis vaccines. Studies conducted by independent authorities, and CSL in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States, have confirmed the unique benefits of Ultravac 7in1™.

ULTRAVAC 7in1™ IS UNIQUE IN PROVIDING THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS:

• Prevents urinary shedding in cattle prior to natural exposure thus providing a safer environment for people and cattle.
• Provides 12 months protection, negating the need for re-vaccinating at 6 months.
• Can be used in calves from 6 weeks of age allowing more flexibility with vaccination programs and her management.
• Provides protection against the 5 major clostridial diseases.

ULTRAVAC 7in1™ PREVENTS URINARY SHEDDING

This means when the vaccine is used correctly in cattle prior to exposure to Leptospirosis bacteria in the environment (natural exposure), not only will clinical signs be prevented, but also the establishment of the organisms in the kidney will not occur. Leptospires will not be shed in the urine and therefore will not contaminate the environment. No other 7in1 vaccine on the market has this registered claim and therefore cattle vaccinated with these alternative products can act as carriers (shedding millions of organisms in their urine every day) and put other cattle and people at risk even though they have been vaccinated and show no signs of infection.

ULTRAVAC 7in1™ PROVIDES 12 MONTHS PROTECTION AGAINST LEPTOSPIROSIS

Ultravac 7in1™ vaccine has demonstrated effective protection against Leptospirosis for 12 months. Recommendations on some alternative product leaflets propose vaccination at more regular intervals, thus adding additional labour and vaccine costs.

ONLY ULTRAVAC 7in1™ CAN BE SAFELY USED IN CALVES FROM 6 WEEKS OF AGE

Ultravac 7in1ä has been proven to work in the presence of maternal antibodies. This means calves can be vaccinated from 6 weeks of age, ensuring effective, early protection from Leptospirosis. Ultravac 7in1™ in the only Lepto vaccine to provide you with this flexibility, saving you time and money. Most importantly, calves may be vaccinated before they have a chance to be infected, effectively breaking the cycle of Leptospirosis infection.

ULTRAVAC 7in1™ PROVIDES PROTECTION AGAINST THE MAJOR CLOSTRIDIAL DISEASES

Ultravac 7in1™ provides effective annual protection against blackleg, black disease, tetanus and malignant oedema. Additional doses of Ultravac™ 5in1 vaccine may be required prior to periods of high risk for pulpy kidney. Consult your veterinarian for further information and specific recommendations for your situation.

© Steve Cselka 2002 - 2008