Composition Combined Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar hardjo type Hardjobovis, and L. interrogans serovar pomona vaccine. Actions Stimulates immunity to L. hardjo and L. pomona in cattle, sheep, goats and deer. Indications Prevention of leptospirosis in cattle, sheep, and goats caused by L. borgpetersenii serovar hardjo and L. interrogans serovar pomona. 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. Prevention of the risk of human leptospiral infection associated with shedding of the named leptospires in the urine of cattle. Protection against reproductive losses in cattle by prevention of reproductive tract colonisation and placental and foetal infection with L. hardjo. Precautions Correct vaccination procedure in the field is important. Avoid carcass damage. Sterilise all injection apparatus by boiling in water for ten minutes (or equivalent). Avoid use of strong disinfectants on apparatus. Maintain cleanliness at all times during vaccination. Take great care to avoid contamination of the vaccine, needle and internal parts of the syringe by contact with unsterile surfaces or unwashed hands. Keep needles sharp and clean, and replace frequently. Use the shortest possible needle not exceeding 15 mm in length. As far as possible, avoid injection of animals during wet weather or under dusty conditions. Inject subcutaneously only. If possible, inject high on the side of the neck behind the ear. Before injecting the vaccine, clean the proposed site of inoculation on the animal's skin by swabbing with cotton wool soaked in an antiseptic solution, such as methylated spirits. Unused vaccine may be held over for use the next day, provided instructions for resealing are carried out. Shake well before use and keep thoroughly mixed during use. It is important that the vaccine is kept properly mixed before and during use. Disposal. Dispose of empty containers by wrapping with paper and putting in garbage. Discarded needles should be immediately placed into a designated and appropriately labelled sharps container. Withholding Periods Nil. Adverse Reactions Some swelling usually develops at the site of vaccination, and may last for some months before gradually subsiding. On rare occasions, allergic shock reactions have occurred. In these cases adrenaline should be administered. A veterinarian should be consulted regarding the use of adrenaline. Dosage and Administration The dose on all occasions is 2 mL injected subcutaneously. Inject high on the side of the neck behind the ear. Avoid contamination of the vaccine. Keep needles sharp and clean. Shake the vaccine container at regular intervals when using the vaccine. To begin a herd vaccination program or for animals with an unknown vaccination history, all animals must be vaccinated and a second dose given four to six weeks later. Cattle. This product has been shown to be efficacious in cattle in the presence of maternal antibody. Therefore, calves may be first vaccinated at 4 weeks of age. If environmental contamination is minimal, it is more practical to vaccinate calves from 6 weeks of age, with a second dose six weeks later. This will negate the need for a further booster at 8 to 9 months. Deer. Deer calves should commence a vaccination program at 3 months of age. Annual booster. To maintain immunity, a booster dose of vaccine must be given annually. Breeding females should be given their annual booster about one month before calving, or at drying off, which will also pass on temporary immunity to their offspring in their colostrum.
