C.A.H.L.
- YOUR PARTNER IN ANIMAL HEALTH
LEPTOSPIROSIS
Leptospirosis
is one of the main causes of cattle abortion in Ireland. The bacteria
is known as Leptospira hardjo. The main modes of infection are infected
urine splashing into the mouth, eyes, nose or wounds contribute to the
spread of the disease. Infected bulls during service can also spread
it. Unfortunately, the disease is also transmitted to man.
In dry
cows a rise in temperature will result. The animal loses its appetite
and breathes heavily. The symptoms often go undetected. In milking cows,
milk production falls and the milk thickens to look similar to colostrum.
The udder often becomes flabby.
Abortion
is most common in pregnant animals and likely to occur 2-3 months after
infection has occurred. Cows and heifers in the later stage of pregnancy
are most vulnerable. Blood testing or the examination of uterine discharge
are the methods used to diagnose aborted animals.
TREATMENT
& PREVENTION
Some animals continue to carry leptospirosis in their kidneys, which
can be excreted in the urine. An antibiotic injection may be used to
cure some cattle. However there is a good vaccine available to prevent
the bacterium. Cows and heifers should be given two doses, one month
apart and also an annual booster. Calves, if injected before the age
of 5 months should be injected again in 12 and 13 months.
