In the last month we have dealt with lepto infections in calves, cows, dogs, sheep and humans!!
These infections caused:
Sick Calves with red tinted urine.
Abortions in cows and ewes.
Very sick dogs with kidney problems.
Humans that felt like dying!!
Wet conditions really favour the survival of the lepto organism when it is shed in the urine of infected or carrier animals, (which could be cattle, deer, pigs, rats, opossums, sheep, dogs etc).
If you have animals that suddenly become sick or abort, lepto is a possibility. Animals that die are often jaundiced. As always, handle sick or dead animals with care and avoid contaminating your hands and any cuts or grazes (especially with urine from the animal). Always wash your hands properly with disinfectant after handling sick or dead animals.
If you vaccinate for lepto make sure your programmes are up to date. Weaner calves should be vaccinated now.
Where lepto problems are suspected the best way at attempting to make a diagnosis is to blood test suspected cases for high antibody levels.