LOCAL Land Services veterinarian Jillian Kelly believes farmers should invest in vaccinations for their cattle after an extensive study revealed nearly 60 per cent of farms in NSW have direct exposure to leptospirosis.
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Leptospirosis can affect the reproductive performance of cattle and can result in aborted calves.
It can also be transferred to humans, causing severe influenza-like symptoms, and can be fatal.
“The research we have undertaken will prove to be really valuable, especially as it was the first study of its kind on leptospirosis for more than 45 years,” she said.
“The main things to come from the study is that paying that little bit extra to vaccinate cattle is a worthwhile investment and producers should take care when handling animals, especially the urine and birthing fluids, which are the main ways it can be transferred to humans.”
As part of the study, Dr Kelly said 1100 samples from cattle and sheep were taken from more than 100 NSW farms, including some in the central west.
Samples were also taken from wild pigs in the area, with a strong connection formed between farms that were exposed to wild pigs.
“We took blood samples from cattle and wild pigs and searched for antibodies with leptospirosis, and found evidence that 60 per cent of farms are affected,” Dr Kelly said.
“We also found that, of the 60 per cent of farms affected, 45 per cent of those have direct dealings with feral pigs.”
Dr Kelly dispelled the common belief leptospirosis was only a risk in wet, dairy regions of the country.
“Many producers in our area do not vaccinate for leptospirosis because of a lack of knowledge about the consequences of the disease, and a perception that our environmental conditions are too dry and extensive to have it,” she said.
“However, our research clearly demonstrates that exposure to the disease has been found on a high proportion of beef cattle farms in areas of NSW, regardless of rainfall.”
Dr Kelly reiterated that given the extensive nature of local farming enterprises, the only way to protect beef cattle, farm workers and families from leptospirosis was to be proactive in preventing it from existing on properties.
Dr Kelly encouraged farmers to speak to their veterinarian about vaccination against leptospirosis to minimise the risk and spread of the disease.
luke.schuyler@fairfaxmedia.com.au
