MORE than half of the dairy and beef herds across the north of England that have not been vaccinated for the bacterial condition leptospirosis could be infected with the disease, according to new research.

Extensive new data collected over the last 18 months shows infection rates were in excess of 50 per cent in Cumbria and Yorkshire, but even higher at more than 60 per cent in neighbouring counties of Lancashire and Durham.

The findings follow checks on 1,841 non-vaccinating farms across Britain by MSD Animal Health.

Leptospirosis is caused by a bacterial infection, and there are two strains which are known to affect UK herds, L. hardjo prajitno and L. hardjo bovis.

MSD technical manager John Atkinson said the infection can lead to a sudden drop in milk production.

In many cases, however, the disease doesn’t cause these dramatic effects, but it can significantly lower fertility and cause poor calf health.

“Spring turnout is traditionally the time of year to make sure your herd is fully protected against bovine leptospirosis,” said Mr Atkinson. “This is because, at grass, uninfected cattle are suddenly exposed to the urine of infected animals that may be shedding the disease. Moist spring grass is also a favourable environment for leptospirosis to survive outside the host.”

Leptospirosis also infects people, for example through contact with cattle urine. The latest data from Public Health England shows that farmers are at particular risk of contracting this infection, which may cause severe flu-like symptoms that can last for weeks or months.

Vaccination can be carried out with the proven and effective vaccine Leptavoid-H. This is the only leptospirosis vaccine that is developed from a UK isolate, is licensed to protect against both UK strains, and is licensed to improve fertility, where leptospirosis is the cause. For added convenience and time-saving, Leptavoid® -H can also be given at the same time as Bovilis® BVD, the UK and Europe’s leading BVD vaccine5.

Farmers are recommended to contact their veterinary surgeon for advice on how to protect against leptospirosis.