Leptosure® to be sure
Leptospirosis is a serious illness and potentially fatal. Despite the inroads made into the disease by vaccination and other control measures, dairy farmers and their staff still have one of the highest rates of infection with leptospirosis.
Consequently, there has been a continual drive from within the dairy industry and from OSH to place responsibility on employers and those in control in the workplace to take all practical steps to prevent people suffering ‘serious harm' from such a hazard.
Leptosure® was born to put these practical steps into place and monitor progress.Its objectives are:
- To reduce the incidence of human leptospirosis on dairy farms and thus provide protection from leptospirosis to all involved in dairy farming and stock handling.
- To ensure both dairy veterinarians and dairy farmers meet their obligations under the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992.
- To develop a nationally consistent approach to leptospirosis control in the dairy industry.
- To set up a national register of leptospirosis for dairy herds.
LIC MINDA records your farm's Leptosure® status.
What is involved
An initial consultation and contract to participate in the Leptosure® programme is the first step. A risk-management programme will be implemented and a vaccination plan discussed. You will then receive a Leptosure®-protected status. A yearly visit is carried out from then on to monitor progress and ensure the farm-protected status is kept on track.
Costs
At present, the initial consultation is $175 with an additional $75 annual registration fee. In subsequent years, there is an annual consultation of $95 plus an annual $75 registration fee - all in all a small price to pay for a very positive and progressive programme.
Give your vet a call to make your farm part of the national Leptosure® programme.
