Boehringer Ingelheim launches EURICAN L4 vaccine for leptospirosis in dogs
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Ingelheim: Boehringer Ingelheim has begun its launch of EURICAN L4, delivering a new vaccine to protect dogs against the growing threat of leptospirosis, a severe and reemerging infectious disease. EURICAN L4 is now available to veterinary practices in France, with additional countries in Europe to follow in 2025.
Leptospirosis is caused by Leptospira bacteria, of which there are more than 300 serovars within 25 serogroups.
The new, non-adjuvanted EURICAN L4 vaccine provides effective immunity against four key Leptospira serogroups, including L. Australis, which has emerged due to changes in the epidemiology of canine leptospirosis3, as well as L. Canicola, L. Icterohaemorrhagiae and L. Grippotyphosa. A 2017-2020 study identified L. Icterohaemorrhagiae (53%) and L. Australis (13%) as the most prevalent Leptospira serogroups circulating in dogs in Europe.
Already two weeks after primary vaccination, dogs can benefit from EURICAN L4’s outstanding efficacy profile: prevention of mortality and clinical signs, and prevention or reduction of infection, urinary excretion, renal carriage, and renal lesions. The first vaccination can be given to puppies starting at seven weeks of age, followed by a booster four weeks later, and then a yearly vaccination.
“As part of our ongoing careful monitoring of challenges to the health of animals, we recognized an opportunity to develop an innovative vaccine to address the current epidemiological situation of leptospirosis,” said Erich Schött, Head of Pet Vaccines at Boehringer Ingelheim. “We are pleased to introduce EURICAN L4 – with outstanding efficacy against relevant Leptospira serogroups in Europe – to help protect more dogs from the increasing dangers of this serious disease.”
Leptospirosis is a severe infectious disease caused by Leptospira bacteria that are widespread globally. This multi-organ disease, which particularly affects the kidney and liver, can be fatal for dogs. Soil and water, contaminated by rodent urine carrying the bacteria, are the main sources of dogs’ infection. Leptospirosis is more common in warm climates with high annual rainfall, but it can occur anywhere, especially after heavy rainfall and flooding. The risk of infection is increasing in Europe due to climate change and urbanization.
“Vaccination against leptospirosis is crucial for dogs around the world, with veterinarians providing important guidance to pet owners,” Schött added. “We are proud to be a leader in protecting pets from infectious diseases – and helping to keep animals healthy.”
