Zoetis recently announced Lepto EQ Innovator, the only equine leptospirosis vaccine against L. pomona, has received additional approval for use in broodmares during all three trimesters of pregnancy.

“Leptospires can cause late-term abortion in mares,” said Jacquelin Boggs, DVM, MS, ACVIM, senior veterinarian, Equine Technical Services at Zoetis. “The expanded label claim allows the equine breeding community the flexibility to use Lepto EQ Innovator to fit their breeding program’s needs and help elevate antibody titer levels when most needed.”

A recent study has shown that 13% of bacterial abortions are caused by L. pomona, the most common leptospiral serovar found in horses. Aborting mares have been reported to shed leptospires in their urine for periods up to three months. They have also been shown to transmit Leptospira to exposed animals. Some horses aborting due to leptospiral infection develop uveitis several weeks to months later, and aborted fetus’ are another source of exposure to other horses on the property.

Zoetis has conducted intensive safety and efficacy trials for Lepto EQ Innovator. Results have shown 0% urinary shedding in vaccinated horses challenged with L. pomona, and 99.8% of vaccinated horses were reaction-free with no adverse events.

“The additional field safety study in first and third trimester mares was conducted following the launch of Lepto EQ Innovator to provide veterinarians and horse owners confidence in the vaccine across all phases of pregnancy,” said Dr. Boggs. “Additionally, the study highlights the ongoing dedication from Zoetis to provide the equine industry a product they can have confidence in.”

Find information about whether or not your horse is at risk for leptospirosis, and learn more about this potentially deadly disease, by visiting here.