20/01/2012Posted : January 20, 2012
New Leptavoid-H Spring Turnout Pack

Leptospirosis is one of the major endemic diseases that affects cattle (beef and dairy) and can lead to significant performance and economic losses. Crucially, a preventative strategy should be in place before the risk period when animals are turned out.

Planning vaccinations well ahead of turnout will not only benefit the health of the herd, but is now easier following the introduction of the new Leptavoid-H Spring Turnout Pack.

To raise the importance of Leptospirosis control prior to turnout, MSD Animal Health has teamed up with two national farming publications to run a series of articles throughout February aimed at raising the awareness of this important disease.

Turnout is often the time when heifers that have not had their full two-dose primary course, for whatever reason, are most at risk. Older animals should also have their annual booster ahead of going out to pasture, with the vaccination given at least two weeks prior to turnout.

This season's new Leptavoid-H Spring Turnout Pack aims to make 'best practice' for the control of this disease more achievable. The pack contains 4 x 50ml Leptavoid-H, and a free applicator valued at £25. Stocks are strictly limited and available from leading animal health wholesalers now.

Two strains of the leptospirosis bacteria are of importance to UK cattle, and Leptavoid-H is the only vaccine licensed against both strains. It is also unique in that it is licensed to reduce the shedding of Leptospira interrogans serovar hardjo (prajitno) in urine and improve herd fertility when Leptospira hardjo is the cause of infertility.

Leptavoid-H quick reference:

• Dose; 2ml given subcutaneously
• Primary course; two doses 4-6 weeks apart
• Booster; annual injection given ideally two weeks prior to the risk period
• Pack sizes; 10-dose, 25 dose and the new 100 dose Spring Turnout Pack