Lepto 4-Way^® | Advanced protection against
leptospirosis for your family and farm

What is leptospirosis?

Leptospirosis (lepto) is a zoonotic disease caused by bacteria that is spread from animal to human. Lepto is contracted most commonly through exposure to the urine of infected animals, either through direct contact or via contaminated water. The bacteria enter through cuts or grazes on our skin, or through the mucous membranes of our eyes, nose and mouth.

What impact does leptospirosis have?

Acute leptospirosis occurs mainly in calves. Clinical signs may include: fever, anorexia or loss of appetite. In adult cattle the first signs of illness in many cases are: reproductive losses (stillbirth or neonatal death, foetal loss or abortion), sudden decrease in milk production, and jaundice (in severe cases).

The impact leptospirosis can have in humans is devastating, with severe flu symptoms and in some cases debilitating illness requiring hospitalisation.

Those hallucinations: you are really freaked out

I still get tired, I had lepto over 12 months ago

Pacifica | NZ’s emerging lepto strain

In recent years, we have seen cases of lepto in farmers and staff working on vaccinated farms, many of which are thought to be due to a newly discovered strain of lepto in New Zealand dairy herds - Pacifica.²

Occupation of human
Pacifica cases in NZ 1999-2017²

Recent research suggests Pacifica
could be present in almost three quarters of dairy herds nationwide³

Lepto 4-Way^® | Protecting your farm and family from leptospirosis

As well as protecting against the three strains Hardjo, Pomona & Copenhageni, Lepto 4-Way^® is a new vaccine for cattle that is expected to provide an immune response against Pacifica.

HARDJOBOVIS
COPENHAGENI
POMONA
PACIFICA

7 steps to reduce the risk of leptospirosis on farm

Hover over the icons below to view the simple strategies that form a leptospirosis action plan.

1. VACCINATION
2. HYGIENE & PERSONAL CARE
3. STAFF & VISITOR TRAINING
4. EFFLUENT & WATERWAY
5. RODENT CONTROL
6. INTRODUCING NEW STOCK
7. OTHER STOCK

FAQ

Why should I use Lepto 4-Way^®?

Lepto 4-Way^® is the only registered vaccine for cattle that could provide immunity against the emerging lepto strain, Pacifica. Together with the other serovars of lepto currently included in vaccines, Lepto 4-Way^® offers the most advanced protection available. A robust vaccination programme, along with other preventative measures like rodent control and health and safety precautions is the best way to prevent disease on your farm.

Can I test my herd to see if they have been exposed to lepto?

While testing is available to see if your herd has been exposed to many of the prevalent lepto serovars, a recent study showed that approximately three quarters of herds have been exposed to Pacifica nationwide.³ With prevalence this high and the ability of lepto to spread, the best plan of action is prevention, even if your herd is yet to be exposed.

What other lepto strains does Lepto 4-Way^® protect my stock against?

As well as providing expected immunity against the emergence of Pacifica, the Lepto 4-Way^® vaccine also contains Hardjo, Copenhageni and Pomona - serovars that have been identified to cause disease in livestock and humans in New Zealand.

How do I best protect my herd from lepto?

The best way to protect your herd and family is to use Lepto 4-Way^® in conjunction with other robust preventative measures. Rodent control, ensuring any new stock entering the farm is vaccinated and staff and visitor health & safety training are among some of the ways this is achieved.

Why do I need to boost my herd/heifers with Lepto 4-Way^®?

Lepto 4-Way^® is expected to provide immunity against Pacifica - a newly emerging lepto strain that has never been available in cattle vaccines. Although New Zealand herds have previously been protected for other strains in the vaccine, the component which provides immunity against Pacifica hasn't been encountered before. Because Lepto 4-Way^® does not contain live bacteria, the body requires a second/booster dose to ensure higher levels of antibodies for longer. For more information on this, check out the Booster Vaccination Flyer in the downloads below.

TO LEARN MORE, ASK YOUR VET OR
CHECK OUT THE DOWNLOADS BELOW

REFERENCES

1. Prinsen G, Baker M, Benschop J, Collins-Emerson J, Douwes J, Fayaz A, Littlejohn S, Nisa S, Quin T, Yeung P. “We don’t really do doctors.” messages from people diagnosed with occupational leptospirosis for medical professionals on infection, hospitalisation, and long-term effects. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19303.

2. Nisa S, Wilkinson DA, Angelin-Bonnet O, Paine S, Cullen K, Wight J, Baker MG, Benschop J. Diverse epidemiology of Leptospira serovars notified in New Zealand. 1999-2017. Pathogens. 2020 Oct 14;9(10):841. doi: 10.3390/pathogens9100841. PMID: 33066613; PMCID: PMC7602385.

3. Yupiana Y. Leptospirosis in dairy herds : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Massey University, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.

Restricted Veterinary Medicines. Available only under a veterinary authorisation. Registered pursuant to the ACVM Act 1997, Nos. A012030 and A008314. Copyright © 2024 Virbac New Zealand Limited. All rights reserved. Virbac New Zealand Limited, 26-30 Maui Street, Pukete, Hamilton, 3200.

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Lepto 4-Way® | Advanced protection against leptospirosis for your family and farm