Infection levels stay high

Apr 24 2004

By The Journal

More than 70pc of unvaccinated cattle are exposed to bovine leptospirosis, according to latest data. Since the Bovine Leptospirosis Information and Screening Service was launched in 1999, Schering-Plough Animal Health has monitored leptospirosis in the national herd. In 2003, bulk milk samples were taken from more than 1,200 unvaccinated dairy herds across England and Wales along with blood samples from about 500 beef units. The results show 74pc of dairy herds and 72pc of beef herds are exposed to infection. Adviser Andrew Montgomery said the message was that farmers could not let up in the battle against the disease.