To vaccinate with Lepto, or not to vaccinate with Lepto

In the UK, we are hearing of some dogs dying from the vaccination, whilst other unvaccinated dogs suffer because of the vet not identifying a Lepto infection

In the UK, veterinary education is primarily controlled by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), which sets and monitors the standards for veterinary degrees, ensuring that graduates meet the necessary competencies to practice veterinary surgery in the UK; essentially acting as the regulatory body for the profession by overseeing both education and professional conduct of vets. 

• Key points about RCVS control over UK vet education:

• Accreditation:

• The RCVS accredits veterinary degree programs at UK universities, meaning they must meet specific standards to be recognized for producing qualified vets. 

• Registration:

• Only graduates from RCVS-approved programs can register with the RCVS and practice veterinary medicine in the UK. 

• Competency standards:

• The RCVS defines the required competencies that new veterinary graduates must possess. 

• Monitoring and inspections:

• The RCVS conducts regular visits to veterinary schools to assess if they maintain the necessary standards for education. 

• Fitness to practice:

• The RCVS also oversees the professional conduct of registered veterinary surgeons, addressing any concerns regarding their practice. 

Some 64 different species of Leptospira have been described to date, 17 of them are potentially infectious and are classified into over 300 serovars (Adler and de la Pena Moctezuma, 2010; Vincent et al., 2019).