Effective immunization programs in herd health

Immunizations are an integral part of an effective herd health program. Vaccinations help to curtail the emergence of disease and limit its spread from animal to animal. The goal of a vaccination program is to provide optimal protection against disease, which requires strategic planning. Certain diseases are more prevalent or damaging to young stock than mature cows, for example. Or, some diseases may only cause reproductive losses, and are of more concern for animals at breeding time. The assistance and input of a veterinarian, when designing a vaccination program for your herd, is important to help pinpoint which diseases are the most important to control and when.

Keep in mind that vaccinations are only one part of a comprehensive herd health program. They cannot compensate for an unsanitary environment, poor ventilation or existing poor health. Also note that one of the most common reasons vaccinations don’t work is the failure to administer a booster vaccine at the proper interval.

Vaccines are offered in two basic forms. They are either killed or modified live. Each type has both advantages and disadvantages. The main advantage of modified live vaccines (MLV) over killed vaccines (KV) is that MLV tends to produce a stronger immune response that persists for a longer period. Because the response is stronger, revaccination may not be required as frequently as with a KV.

On the other hand, MLV may cause clinical signs of disease in some animals or may cause pregnant animals to abort. KV are not capable of causing disease at all, so they are safer for all classes of livestock. Discuss with your veterinarian the best option for your specific herd.

The following charts summarize a recommended vaccination program for US dairy herds.

Table 1. Recommended vaccination schedule for dairy heifers from birth to 6 months of age.

^a Follow state and federal regulations: replacement heifers should receive immunization between 4 to 10 months at the owner’s discretion depending on marketing strategies.

Table 2. Recommended vaccination schedule for heifers pre-breeding to calving.

Table 3. Recommended vaccination schedule for adult dairy cattle

^a Annual booster is necessary

^b Vaccination is recommended every six months in some areas.

Table 4. Recommended vaccination schedule for dairy herd bulls.

^a Annual booster is necessary

As a general rule, animals should not receive any other gram-negative vaccines, including Pasturella spp., Salmonella spp., Campylobacter sp., Haemophilis somnus, E. coli or Moraxella bovis within five days of any mastitis vaccines. In addition, any animals used for natural service should be vaccinated for Vibriosis.

Vaccination techniques

Using proper vaccination techniques is an important part of assuring successful immunization of cattle. The following are some guidelines for hygienic and safe vaccination.

• Conduct the vaccination procedure under sanitary conditions
• Change needles every 10 to 15 injections – OR- between cows if leukosis or other blood borne diseases are a herd problem
• Don’t mix vaccines unless it is recommended by a veterinarian
• Never put a needle that has been used in an animal back in the vaccine bottle
• Sterilize needles and syringes with boiled water only (no disinfectants).
• Always follow label directions
• Use separate syringes for different products
• Use correctly sized syringes and needles appropriate to the method of administration (18-16 gauge needles, ½” or ¾” for subcutaneous injections, 1” or 1 ½” for intramuscular injections).

Vaccination site selection is an important consideration as well. Whenever possible, administer the injection in front of the shoulder. IM injections should be approximately 2-3” below the top of the neck and 4-6” in front of the shoulder blade. Injection should be deep into the muscle tissue to help avoid irritation and scar tissue.

References:

Bovine Immunization Guidelines. 1993. JAVMA. 203:238:242

Related Links:

Health Management and Recommended Vaccinations for Dairy Replacements

Causes of Vaccination-Immunization Failures in Livestock

Care of Veterinary Vaccine Syringes

Understanding Vaccines

Dairy Preventive Herd Health Program (PHHP)

Dairy Herd Vaccination Programs

Vaccination and Medication Procedures for Cattle