1 May 2025

As a cattle producer, you might have heard of leptospirosis, but are you fully aware of how it can affect both your livelihood and your health? 

Economic Impact on Cattle Productivity

The presence of leptospirosis in a herd can severely disrupt the profitability of a farm. The disease notably affects the reproductive health of cattle, leading to an increased number of non-pregnant cows. A drop in pregnancy rates can significantly delay a farm's breeding program and genetic advancements.

An example scenario:

Let’s say you have a herd of 100 cows, if the pregnancy rate decreases from 90% to 80% due to leptospirosis, it results in 10 fewer calves.

What’s the financial impact? With each calf potentially earning $800, the loss totals $8,000 just in calf sales.

But it doesn’t end there. There are actually a wide range of broader economic consequences that can result in further losses of farm profitability including:

• Reduced milk production.
• Higher culling rates due to decreased fertility and health.
• Longer calving intervals, affecting yearly production cycles.
• Additional costs from increased veterinary care and disrupted herd management.

Understanding the Risks to Humans

Leptospirosis is more than just a livestock disease —it's a direct threat to those who work with cattle. This disease spreads through bacteria that are often transferred via infected urine and contaminated water or soil. Farmers and agricultural workers are particularly vulnerable, risking symptoms that range from mild (similar to the flu) to severe (potentially life-threatening). For some people, leptospirosis can lead to severe long-term effects on human health, which can be debilitating and lead to chronic conditions that can impact quality of life and ability to work. 

Did you know? People working in abattoirs are also at risk of contracting leptospirosis due to frequent exposure to potentially infected animal blood and tissues.

The Solution: An Integrated Approach

The potential issues and losses, both from an animal and human perspective described above underscore the critical importance of disease prevention through vaccination and herd health strategies. Here are 7 key steps for comprehensive control of leptospirosis and associated risks. 

1. Vaccination: A robust vaccination plan is crucial. Use an appropriate vaccine like Websters 7 in 1 to protect against relevant strains.
   
2. Hygiene & Personal Care: 

• Avoid contact with urine.
• Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Wash and dry hands thoroughly.
• Avoid eating, drinking, smoking, or vaping in areas where there's a risk of contamination

3. Staff & Visitor Training:

• Educate all staff and visitors about leptospirosis risks.
• Ensure everyone knows how to minimise those risks.
• Use signage to reinforce preventative measures.

4. Effluent & Waterway Management:

• Control effluent to prevent the spread of bacteria.
• Fence off effluent ponds and waterways.
• Manage effluent spreading carefully.
  

5. Rodent Control:

• Implement and maintain a rodent control program.
• Control rodents to reduce the risk of infection from their urine.
• Secure feed sources to prevent attracting rodents.

6. Introducing New Stock: Ensure all new animals are fully vaccinated with Websters 7 in 1 before they are introduced to the farm.
7. Other Stock: If you also have pigs, vaccinate them to prevent them from becoming a source of infection.

The 3 Step Gold Standard Vaccination Schedule:

Step 1: Initial Dose: Calf or previously unvaccinated.
Step 2: Booster Shot: Follow up four to six weeks later.
Step 3: Annual Revaccination: Essential to maintain ongoing immunity, especially important during high-risk periods such as rainy seasons or when new animals are introduced to the herd.

Take Action Now

As a cattle producer, prioritising vaccination with a 7-in-1 vaccine is not just a health measure for you, your family, colleagues and/or staff —it's a crucial economic decision. The cost of the 7-in-1 vaccine such as Websters 7 in 1 is nowhere near the significant financial risks associated with a single case of leptospirosis, let alone a disease outbreak. 

By investing a small amount in a cost-effective vaccination strategy, you protect not only your herd's health but also secure your investment, your workforce, and your farm's future. 

2x Nutrien Rewards Points Offer on Websters Vaccines!

For a limited time, Virbac are offering double points for Nutrien Rewards members for every purchase of 500 mL of any Websters Vaccine* from any Nutrien Ag Solutions store that is part of the Nutrien Rewards Program between 1 May and 31 May 2025. Points will be applied to the Member’s Nutrien Rewards account the following month. Please see the Nutrien Rewards Terms and Conditions for more details.

BONUS OFFER

On top of the double points offer, Virbac are also offering a reward of up to $25 cashback or a Websters Coolerbag worth $50 for every eligible purchase of Webster’s vaccines*. For more information and full terms and conditions, head to au.virbac.com/websters/promotion

DISCLAIMER:

The information provided in this article is intended as a guide only. Information contained in this article has been provided by the manufacturer/ You should not rely on the information in this article, and it should not be considered advice. You should seek professional advice regarding relevant factors specific to your situation. This article does not take into account variable conditions that may impact performance. Always read and follow label directions before using any product in this article. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Nutrien Ag Solutions Limited and its related associated entities will not be liable for any loss or damage suffered by any person arising out of any reliance on any information contained in this article.

*Excludes Websters Botulinum C&D Vaccine