Leptospirosis Management in Dairy Cattle

Policy

That all dairy cattle should be within an effective and comprehensive risk management programme against leptospirosis to both decrease the risk of human leptospirosis by reducing the shedding of leptospires in dairy cattle urine and to protect stock health.

NZVA believes that to achieve these goals it is necessary to have the risk management programme under close veterinary supervision.

Explanation

1. Leptospirosis is an important zoonosis that can be significantly reduced by vaccination of livestock.
2. Zoonotic diseases, including leptospirosis, are included in the NZVA Standard Animal Products (Dairy) Approved Criteria for Farm Dairies (DPC2). 
3. The Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 states that employers have a general duty to take all practicable steps to ensure the safety of employees while at work. Thus implementing an on-farm risk management plan against leptospirosis is one effective and practicable means of reducing the risk of harm to farm workers, veterinarians and all those who come into contact with livestock.
4. An effective leptospirosis risk management plan involves the minimisation of on-farm risks as well as vaccination of cattle.
5. An understanding of the epidemiology of leptospirosis is necessary in order to design and implement an effective risk management plan.
6. The effectiveness of a farm risk management plan is dependent on all cattle being fully vaccinated before entry into the milking herd and consistent follow up with boosters. Accurate record keeping is therefore essential.
7. Leptospirosis vaccines are prescription animal remedies. The prescribing veterinarian is therefore responsible for their correct use.

Guidelines

1. An effective on-farm risk management plan against leptospirosis on dairy farms consists of the following components:
   1. A comprehensive whole herd leptospirosis vaccination programme based on seasonal challenge:
      
      1. The vaccination programme must include introduced cattle and must also ensure protection of cattle grazing off the property.
   2. Education on the risks of leptospirosis infection for the dairy farmer, his/her family and staff.
   3. Hygiene and personal care.
   4. The management of leptospirosis risk from all other domestic species on the dairy farm, e.g. pigs.
   5. Effluent and waterways management.
   6. Vermin control if relevant.
2. The dairy cattle leptospirosis management risk management programme, administered by National Quality Veterinary Services Limited (NQVS), provides an effective means of managing the risk of leptospirosis on dairy farms. This programme has the endorsement of the Occupational Safety and Health Service.

References and legislation

• NZVA Standard Animal Products (Dairy) Approved Criteria for Farm Dairies (DPC2).
• Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992
• NQVS Leptospirosis Management QAPRisk Management Programme (Leptosure) 

Policy Files: 

5i - Lepto Management - 5Mar08.pdf