Canine: Leptospirosis
This is an injectable vaccine containing inactivated leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae. The disease itself may cause sudden fatality in dogs, but the majority of cases are chronic or subclinical (showing no overt symptoms). Chronically infected dogs may shed leptospira intermittently through urine, as they have a resident population in their kidneys.
The most important type of lepto in New Zealand is Copenhageni (which has cross protection from the above type). Rats tend to be the identifiable carriers of this strain. Papamoa East has many streams which often flood near the walkways, leading to long-term stability of leptospires on the ground (days to months in freshwater, soil or mud) as well as an abundance of wildlife and rats. There is also the important risk of zoonosis (humans contracting the disease from animals).
Puppies must be at least 6 weeks of age, and be given a set of two doses 2-4 weeks apart. Your puppy must be at least 10 weeks of age at final vaccination.
Vaccinations are then given yearly to maintain immunity.