Leptospirosis is a bacteria which can cause serious disease in many different species, including humans, dogs, cows and rodents. In humans it is called “Weil’s Disease” and there is no vaccination available for humans. It dogs and humans it causes damage to multiple organs, especially their kidneys and liver. It can be treated with long courses of high dose antibiotics. If they survive, affected people and animals are usually left with long term health problems.
There are 4 different serovars (versions) of Leptospirosis in the UK, all which pose a human and pet health threat. Older vaccinations only protect against 2 serovars (“Lepto 2”) and so we recommend a 4 serovar vaccine (Lepto 4.) They are made by the same company and are subject to all the same rigorous clinical trials and testing. Both vaccines are equally safe to give. For information of how to interpret different opinions on these vaccines please visit our “Fact vs Myth page.