New Zealand

Leptoshield

Leptoshield is used for the routine immunisation of cattle, sheep, goats and deer against Leptospirosis caused by L. hardjo and L. pomona. Leptoshield is a combined Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar hardjo and Leptospira interrogans serovar pomona vaccine.

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  • Leptoshield vaccine is for the prevention of leptospirosis in cattle, sheep and goats caused by Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar hardjo and L. interrogans serovar pomona and as an aid in the control of leptospirosis in deer caused by the named leptospires. Prevention of urinary shedding of the named leptospires in cattle when used prior to natural challenge and to prevent the risk of human leptospiral infection associated with shedding of the named leptospires in the urine and from the reproductive tract of cattle.

    In addition, in New Zealand Leptoshield vaccine is for protection against reproductive losses in cattle by prevention of reproductive tract colonisation, and placental and foetal infection with L. hardjo.

  • Long lasting: Leptoshield has a duration of immunity of at least 12 months.

    Effective prevention: Leptoshield prevents renal colonisation and urinary shedding and has proven efficacy against NZ leptospires. Leptoshield also prevents reproductive tract colonisation and foetal infection and is effective in the presence of MDA. A 1991 study showed calves that were first vaccinated as early as 4 weeks of age, were fully protected against renal colonisation and urinary shedding when challenged with L. hardjo 6 months later1.

    Unique label claims:

    • Early calf vaccination from 4 weeks of age
    • Prevention of reproductive tract colonisation and shedding
    • Prevention of foetal infection and reproductive losses
    • Proven to retain potency for at least 30 days after opening.

    Safety profile: Each batch of vaccine has been fully tested before issue, ensuring that it conforms to accepted standards of potency, sterility and safety.

  • Presented in 100mL, 250mL and 500mL packs.

  • The dose on all occasions is 2mL injected subcutaneously. Inject high on the side of the neck behind the ear.

    Herd Vaccination: To begin a herd vaccination programme, all animals must be vaccinated and a second dose given 4–6 weeks later. Following this, an annual booster must be given. This programme is applicable to dairy, beef and deer herds and also sheep and goat flocks.

    For protection against L. hardjo infection, the initial vaccination regimen or booster should be completed before the season of greatest risk of transmission of leptospires. In most temperate climates, the season of greatest risk is from the beginning of autumn through to the end of spring or early summer.The season of greatest risk seems to be related to the amount of surface water present in the environment and this is a reflection of the state of the water table. However, the presence of maternal antibodies and behavioural and management parameters may also influence the onset and duration of this transmission period.

    Vaccination of Calves: Early vaccination of calves is advisable to protect against acute leptospirosis ("redwater") and to prevent renal colonisation and urinary shedding. Leptoshield has been shown to be efficacious in cattle in the presence of maternal antibody. Calves may therefore receive their first vaccination from 1 month of age. Two doses should be given 4–6 weeks apart.Calves less than 3 months of age at the time of the second vaccination should receive a single booster dose 6 months later. Calves greater than 3 months of age at the time of the second vaccination require an annual booster. Deer calves should commence a vaccination programme at 3 months of age.

    Introduced Stock: In the absence of a known history of vaccination, dose twice at 4–6 week intervals.

    Development of immunity: Detectable antibody levels develop 10 to 14 days after the second vaccination. The second dose of vaccine 4 to 6 weeks after the first is essential before a high level of immunity can develop. In cattle the L. borgpetersenii serovar hardjo component of Leptoshield has been demonstrated to induce a strong, sustained cell-mediated immune response against L. hardjo. A cell-mediated immune response is associated with protection against L. hardjo2,3.

    Booster Doses: To maintain immunity, all animals in the herd, including steers and bulls, should be revaccinated annually against leptospirosis.

    Single Doses: Single doses of the vaccine may be withdrawn from the pack using a sterilised hypodermic needle and syringe after disinfecting the stopper of the vaccine pack.

    Contents must be left in outer package until immediately before use. Shake well before use and keep thoroughly mixed during use. Handle aseptically and store refrigerated and protected from light.  When not in use during any given vaccination session, keep the vaccine out of direct sunlight and as cool as possible. Do not leave exposed to light or high temperatures for long periods.  Ideally, place the vaccine pack into this original cardboard carton and place in either an esky with an icebrick or in a refrigerator. This product can be stored and used for up to 30 days after first opening.

  • Some swelling usually develops at the site of vaccination, and may last for some months before gradually subsiding.On rare occasions, allergic shock reactions may occur.In these cases adrenaline should be administered.

    It is important that the vaccine is properly mixed before and during use. Shake the vaccine container at regular intervals to sustain mixing.

    Store at 2–8°C (refrigerate; do not freeze). Protect from light. This vaccine can be stored and used for up to 30 days after first opening. Leptospirosis is an infectious disease that can affect all domestic and wild animals. It is transmissible to man and is probably the most widespread zoonosis in the world.

    Withholding periods: Nil

  • Zoetis Animal Health New Zealand Limited. Level 5, 8 Mahuhu Crescent, Auckland 1010, New Zealand. Tel: 0800 650 277, Fax: 0800 628 629. LEPTOSHIELD is a registered trade mark of Zoetis Inc. or its subsidiaries. ACVM Registration No. A3734. RVM; Available only under Veterinary Authorisation.

    References:

    1. Palit, A. et al. The influence of maternal antibody and age of calves on effective vaccination against Leptospira interrogans serovar hardjo. Aust. Vet Journal, 68(9):299-303, 1991
    2. Naiman, B.N., Alt, D., Bolin, C.A., Zuerner. R., and Baldwin, C.L. Infection and Immunity 69(12):7550-7558, 2001.
    3. Naiman, B.N., Blumerman, S., Alt, D., Bolin, C.A., Brown, R., Zuerner, R., and Baldwin, C.L. Infection and Immunity, 70(11):6147-6157, 2002.
  • For technical enquiries please phone Zoetis Technical Services on 0800 650 277.