Boehringer Ingelheim, a leading name in the field of animal health, has recently introduced its latest vaccine, Eurican L4, to safeguard dogs against the escalating threat of leptospirosis, a severe and resurging infectious disease. Veterinary clinics in France can now access Eurican L4, with plans to expand its availability to other European nations by 2025.
### Comprehensive Defense Against Key Leptospira Serogroups:
Leptospirosis is an illness induced by the bacterium Leptospira, which is composed of over 300 serovars organized into 25 distinct serogroups.
The newly developed, non-adjuvanted Eurican L4 vaccine grants robust protection against four critical Leptospira serogroups, such as L. Australis, which has gained prominence due to shifts in canine leptospirosis epidemiology, as well as L. Canicola, L. Icterohaemorrhagiae, and L. Grippotyphosa. Research conducted between 2017 and 2020 pinpointed L. Icterohaemorrhagiae (53%) and L. Australis (13%) as the most prevalent serogroups in European canines.
Merely two weeks post-initial vaccination, dogs exhibit a remarkable efficacy profile with Eurican L4: prevention of death and clinical symptoms, and reduced infection, urinary shedding, renal carriage, and kidney lesions. Puppies can receive their first dose at seven weeks, with a follow-up booster four weeks later and an annual booster thereafter.
**“Our vigilant monitoring of animal health challenges allowed us to identify a timely need for a pioneering vaccine addressing the current leptospirosis landscape,”** stated Erich Schött, Head of Pet Vaccines at Boehringer Ingelheim. “We are thrilled to launch Eurican L4 – a vaccine of exceptional efficacy against pertinent European Leptospira serogroups – to better shield dogs from this serious threat.”
Leptospirosis, a severe infectious disease triggered by the globally prevalent Leptospira bacteria, adversely impacts multiple organs, notably the kidneys and liver, and can prove fatal for canines. Dogs typically contract the bacteria from soil and water tainted with rodent urine. Although more frequent in warm, humid regions, leptospirosis can surface globally, often exacerbated by intense rainfall and flooding. Urbanization and climate change are exacerbating the risk factors in Europe.
**“Vaccination plays an essential role in the global fight against canine leptospirosis, with veterinarians offering vital advice to pet parents,”** Schött emphasized. “We take pride in leading the charge for pet protection against infectious diseases – ensuring the health of our animal companions.”
Boehringer Ingelheim champions innovation in disease prevention and management in animals. Offering an extensive array of vaccines, parasiticides, and therapeutic solutions, the company supports veterinarians, pet owners, farmers, and governmental entities. As a leader in animal health, the interconnection between human and animal well-being is pivotal to Boehringer Ingelheim, driving their commitment to impacting society positively.
As a biopharmaceutical titan in both human and animal health sectors and a top R&D investor, Boehringer Ingelheim is dedicated to pioneering treatments in areas with significant unmet medical needs.