A rural health study has revealed 60 per cent of beef cattle farms in central west NSW, including the Orana region, have been exposed to a potentially fatal bacteria.
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Leptospirosis is an infection that is transmitted to cattle from feral pigs and is easily transmitted to humans, with severe leptospirosis even resulting in kidney failure, being potentially fatal.
It is transmitted to humans whenever infected urine, birthing fluids or contaminated water comes into contact with the eyes, mouth or hand abrasions.
Central west Local Land Service (LLS) district veterinarian, Dr Jillian Kelly, who co-ordinated the project across the region advised farmers and producers to take precautions when handling feral pigs and un-vaccinated cattle.
"Those handling cattle or coming into contact with feral pigs should wear gloves and always wash their hands," Dr Kelly said.
Conducted by the LLS over a 12-month period, feral pigs, sheep and cattle were studied in order to examine the level of leptospirosis exposure in un-vaccinated livestock on about 100 NSW farms.
Dr Kelly said vaccinating cattle was the best preventative measure to prevent the bacteria being transmitted to farmers, workers and their families.
"Vaccination is a wise investment on farms to protect farmers, their families and those working on farms or handling feral pigs," she said.
Dr Kelly said the LLS did not have an exact figure for the number of farms in the Orana region with the infection.
When the bacteria is transmitted to livestock it can affect their reproductive performance, resulting in aborted calves in pregnant cattle, causing economic loss for farmers due to reduced productivity and medical expenses.
