Nobivac Lepto 4 Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that can lead to severe liver and kidney disease in dogs. It is spread via the urine of infected dogs, in addition to other mammals like rats and mice. The bacteria enters the body via mucous membranes, broken skin and the ingestion of infected material. The disease is a zoonosis which means it can be spread from animals to humans or humans to animals, in humans the disease is known as Weil’s disease. There are a number of different types of Leptospira. The standard Lepto Vaccine vaccinates against the two most common serogroups (types) of Lepto Leptospira canicola The new lepto 4 vaccine contains the same two serogroups as our current vaccine but also provides some protection for two other groups ie Australis and Grippotyphosa. Due to limited evidence to suggest the two new groups in the new vaccine are of any significant prevalence in the UK, and many reported side effects The time for the primary vaccination course is also much longer, with the new vaccine it is recommend that the first vaccine should not be administered until 9 weeks of age and the second one 4 weeks after. This means puppies are missing out on essential socialisation time. Immunity is not active for 3 weeks after the second vaccine compared to 1 week with current protocol meaning you have to wait longer to take your puppy out. Lepto 4 is not compatible with other main vaccines and by changing to a type that is compatible your pet will not be protcted against parainfluenza virus, a common cause of kennel cough. DAILY TELEGRAPH - DECEMBER 2016 - more information here Sources |
