David McDonnell, of Tauranga Vets, said in terms of human health and work place safety "it's a non-negotiable because it is preventable through vaccination".
He likened the vaccination to a premium insurance policy and hoped people facing tough financial times would not take the risk.
"You pay every year and that is protecting you, your family and your workers."
Dairy farmers in the Western Bay were more than 95 per cent compliant but he was also urging beef farmers to vaccinate.
"The last couple of outbreaks have been in beef herds so this is a good opportunity for them to vaccinate."
Leptospirosis could cause death in cows, mastitis and abortion, while calves were susceptible to red water, he said.
"While dairy prices continue to remain low and farmers are looking to cut costs it is vital for farmers to see leptospirosis programmes as an investment in the health of their families as well as their farms," Chris Leach from Dairy NZ said.
"Leptospirosis can be very costly as people may be unable to work for months, or even unable to fulfil the physical requirements of running a farm."
Jenny Weston, president of the NZVA's Dairy Cattle Veterinarians, said missing just one year of vaccinations put cattle right back to square one.
"If some cattle become infected during a lapsed vaccination period then they will continue to be a risk for infecting people even after vaccination has started again."
Federated Farmers animal welfare spokesperson Andrew Hoggard urged farmers to consider the health and safety implications of a decision to delay or not vaccinate.
"We have a responsibility to our workers and everyone involved in the food production cycle," he said.
