Good Practice based on Current Knowledge

• The manager of an organic cattle herd should be aware of the health status of his/her herd with regard to Leptospira-infection. This is important in order to avoid risk to human health and in order to make informed decisions on disease control.

If the herd is free of infection or the antibody status indicates a very low level of infection (only possible in non-vaccinated herds):

• Establish a closed herd policy (if animals are bought in, quarantine for 4 weeks and test for antibodies plus treat with antibiotics as a safety measure).
• Prevent access to shared surface water.
• Prevent access to and contact with neighbouring herds.
• Do not mix cattle with sheep.
• Consider accreditation for freedom from the disease – particularly if raw milk used or breeding animals sold. (See PCHS and Herdcare.)
• Consider establishing a monitoring scheme to be aware of any changes in the situation. (See PCHS and Herdcare.)

If the herd is infected:

• Establish closed herd policy and biosecurity as above and start vaccinating. It is impossible to monitor disease as the tests are incapable of differentiating between infection and reaction to vaccine. It can, however, be expected that the infection will gradually disappear from the herd as young uninfected animals enter the herd and new infections are prevented by vaccine use. If the measures to prevent new infection from outside the herd are good, vaccination can be discontinued after a few years, depending on the herd’s initial situation.
• Before discontinuing vaccination, discuss with the local veterinarian to assess the preventive measures and the local epidemiology of the disease.