Leptosporosis vaccine

[Deanna German <dgerman@earthlink.net>]

I'm in central Ohio. We have a deer overpopulation problem especially
where I board (the property backs up to a state park). A local vet has
recommended vaccination for leptosporosis which crosses species from
deer to horses when horses ingest infected deer urine. The disease can
cause moon-blindness. Another vet is not recommending it.

My question to all of you campers is: how much of a problem is this?
There have been 3 cases that the second vet has treated in this county.
The vaccine is not tested or approved for use in horses (although it has
been used in cattle for years and horses have been vaccinated without
incident), so how effective is it? Any problems? If you were me and had
a very promising 3-year old who is like your child, would you take the
chance of vaccinating her?

I'm torn. If there is no downside, I would like the extra insurance so
she can live a long, productive life. But if there are downsides...

TIA!

Deanna


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