Leptospirosis in Cattle

Leptospirosis is a widespread problem in the South, especially in unvaccinated herds. It causes repeat breeders, low-grade uterine infections, abortions, mastitis and occasionally systemic infection. Of the five or more strains of the organism, the three most common causing problems in cattle are Leptospira pomona, Leptospira hardjo and Leptospira grippotyphosa.

Leptospirosis can build up unrecognized in a herd. Closely confined cattle are particularly susceptible. Droplets of urine from infected cows can infect normal cows after contact with the eye or mucous membranes of the nose or mouth. The disease infects more cattle each day, preventing cows from settling and lengthening their calving
intervals.

To prevent leptospirosis:

1.Vaccinate cattle with bacterins containing three or
five serotypes every six months;
2.Drain stagnant bodies of water; and
3.Eliminate rodents, especially rats, from any barns or
sheds where cattle congregate.


Source:

Reproductive Diseases in Cattle
EDITED BY L. R. SPROTT AND ROBERT W. FIELD