Yes, veterinarians are moving away from the Lepto 2 (L2) vaccine as manufacturers have discontinued or are phasing it out in favor of the Lepto 4 (L4) vaccine. The L4 vaccine offers broader protection against four strains of Leptospirosis, whereas L2 only covers two. This transition is happening across many practices due to updated guidelines.

Has Lepto 2 been discontinued?

Transition to the Leptospirosis 4 Vaccine for Your Dog

We have seen several cases recently, so it is a very threat to our pets. We want to inform you that our vaccine manufacturer is discontinuing the Lepto 2 (L2) vaccine. All dogs will now start on or transition to the Lepto 4 (L4) vaccine.

Is the lepto vaccine being recalled?

There has been a voluntary recall by the manufacturer of a vaccine used to protect dogs against the bacterial disease leptospirosis. One dog has died and seven others have had "adverse reactions" within hours of receiving the Treidlia Auslepto vaccine.

Can you still get the L2 vaccine for dogs?

L2 is discontinued now. L4 reactions are rare and I've seen dogs very poorly with lepto. Personally I'd take the risk and vaccinate with L4 because lepto is a cruel disease if they were to catch it, and not only that, humans can catch lepto too so you're protecting your dog and yourself by vaccinating them.

Is the Lepto-2 vaccine safe?

However, since then, evidence shows that serious side effects are rare (less than 5 cases per 10,000 injections) and in reality there is little difference in risk between the vaccines. Sadly, that doesn't mean that there are no risks to vaccination, especially as our pets may suffer allergic reactions much as we can.

Dog disease outbreak of Leptospirosis- should you get the lepto vaccine?

Why is L2 being discontinued?

The decision to discontinue the Canigen Lepto 2 vaccination was made by the manufacturers after a review of the updated WSAVA (World Small Animal Veterinary Association) guidelines which were published earlier this year.

What dogs should not get the Lepto vaccine?

Even though the American Animal Hospital Association recommends vaccination against leptospirosis in some dogs depending on their lifestyle, the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine believes all dogs should be vaccinated against leptospirosis, regardless of age, breed, or lifestyle.

Can dogs get Lepto from eating grass?

Yes, dogs can get Leptospirosis (Lepto) from eating or licking grass, dirt, or puddles contaminated with the urine of infected wild animals like rats, raccoons, or deer, as the bacteria live in moist environments and spread through urine. Contact with contaminated water, soil, or even licking contaminated paws after walking outside are common infection routes, making vaccination a key prevention strategy against this serious, potentially fatal bacterial disease.
 

Can the Lepto vaccine make dogs sick?

Yes, it's true: the lepto vaccine can cause more reactions than other common vaccines — especially in small breed dogs. But it's important to understand the full picture. Most reactions are mild and short-lived: slight soreness, tiredness, or a low-grade fever.

Which dog vaccines are absolutely necessary?

Absolutely necessary dog vaccines (core vaccines) protect against deadly, common diseases and include Rabies, Canine Distemper (D), Adenovirus (Hepatitis - H), Parainfluenza (P), and Parvovirus (P), often combined as DHPP or DAPP, plus Leptospirosis, depending on location/risk. These are essential for all dogs due to the severity and prevalence of these illnesses, with Rabies often legally required.

What is the 3 2 1 rule for vaccines?

The "3-2-1" rule is a guideline for monitoring lumps at feline vaccination sites, indicating a lump needs veterinary investigation if it's still present 3 months after vaccination, is larger than 2 cm, or is growing larger 1 month after appearing. This rule helps identify potentially dangerous injection-site sarcomas, rare tumors that can develop in cats, prompting biopsies for suspicious masses. 

What state has the most leptospirosis?

In the United States, 100-200 cases of leptospirosis are identified annually, with about 50% of the cases occurring in Hawaii.

What time of year is leptospirosis in dogs?

When do infections usually occur? Most leptospirosis cases are reported from May to January, with spikes from August to October. Owners of infected dogs often report their pet was exposed to puddles, which typically occur following heavy rainfall and may be contaminated with Leptospira.

Is the dog lepto vaccine being recalled?

Reason for voluntary recall: This product recall for Treidlia Auslepto Vaccine for dogs has been initiated due to reports of adverse reactions associated with batch number BN23-126.

How many cases of leptospirosis per year are there in dogs?

An average of 24 canine leptospirosis cases per year were identified for 2017-2021; this was an increase from the previous 5-year span where the average was 17 cases per year.

Is Lepto now a core vaccine?

The Lepto vaccine has recently been shifted from non-core to essential core vaccine status recommendation for dogs in the United States. This really warrants us looking at this disease, at the vaccination, and making the decision if this is right for your situation and your dog.

Is nobivac lepto 2 being discontinued?

WSAVA guidelines consider leptospirosis protection as a core vaccine requirement wherever the disease occurs. MSD Animal Health made the decision to discontinue Nobivac Lepto 2 in response to reviewing the updated World Small Animal Veterinary Association Vaccination Guidelines1, which were published earlier this year.

Do vets recommend the Lepto vaccine?

Given that every dog is at risk, an expert panel has recommended that all dogs are vaccinated for leptospirosis annually rather than every three years.

How do I get rid of leptospirosis in my yard?

Any areas where the dog has urinated should be disinfected. The organism is readily killed by household disinfectants or dilute bleach solution.

---