Cooperative Extension Publications

Adapted by Extension Professor Donna Coffin, University of Maine Cooperative Extension
Reviewed by Extension Professor, State Livestock Specialist, Colt Knight, University of Maine Cooperative Extension

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Introduction

A herd health management plan is vital to profitable beef production. Some producers, however, do not vaccinate until they experience a loss. The investment in disease prevention is less than the cost of disease treatment. Don’t wait until a disease outbreak occurs before implementing a sound herd health program. For cattle to reach their performance potential, they must be healthy. Vaccinations are an approved practice for organic producers.

Many animal health problems can be controlled with good management, proper nutrition, and vaccination against infectious diseases. Beef cattle vaccination programs vary, depending upon the type of operation and area of Maine. The purpose of this fact sheet is to provide the cattle producer with a basic herd health vaccination program. It is important to contact your veterinarian to determine if additional vaccinations are required for your area.

Risk-based vaccinations are determined by your type of operation, how frequently you introduce new animals or transport animals to other areas as well as disease outbreaks in your area. Your herd veterinarian will determine the risk-based vaccination protocol that you should follow as well as the use of a single vs. multiple disease vaccination schedule.

Reminders

1. Modified Live Vaccines (MLV) provide fast, broad immunity and are excellent stimulators of cell-mediated immunity. They are generally preferred in recently weaned calves and usually required by most preconditioned sales. However, do not use modified live vaccines in pregnant cows and in nursing calves unless the cows were vaccinated with MLV in the last 12 months (check the label for specific requirements). If this requirement is not met, a killed vaccine must be used until the cow is open and the calf is weaned. Use only those vaccines that are dated for use (the expiration date is current).
2. Killed vaccines provide safe, protective immunity but must be given twice (usually 2-4 weeks apart depending on the manufacturer) if it is the first time viral respiratory vaccine is administered. Annual boosters are required after the initial two-injection sequence to maintain protection.
3. Booster Injection. The initial dose is a priming or beginning dose for many vaccines. A second or booster dose is needed 2 to 4 weeks later depending on the manufacturer. Maximum protection is usually not obtained until 1-2 weeks after the second dose is given. Annual boosters are needed to maintain protection.
4. Legal in Maine? Not all vaccines that can be purchased are legal to use in Maine. (Such as adult brucellosis vaccination in cattle.) When in doubt, consult your herd veterinarian.
5. Needles. It is recommended that a new needle is used on each animal vaccinated. Needle size of 16 to 18 gauge is suggested. Subcutaneous (SQ) needles should be ½ to ¾ inch long and Intramuscular (IM) needles should be 1 to 1-1/2 inch long. Once used, be sure to dispose of needles in a puncture-proof container with a lid for proper disposal.
6. Where to give injections. Injections should be given in the neck of the animal, never in the rump, following Beef Quality Assurance procedures. Animals should be restrained properly for the safety of the operator and the animal. When possible, if allowed on the vaccine label, administer vaccinations subcutaneously (under the skin) rather than in the muscle.
7. Stress and sickness diminish vaccination effectiveness. Stress from castration or other management activities and sickness can reduce the strength of protection afforded by the vaccination. Be sure to have adequate handling facilities when giving vaccinations.
8. Storage. Store vaccines as recommended on the label.
9. Records. Keep records of the date of vaccination, products used, serial numbers, expiration date, animal identification, etc.

Conclusion

Vaccination programs should always be customized for your operation. Items to consider while establishing a vaccination program include geographic region, type of cattle operation, frequency of introducing new stock, post-vaccination problems, and export or interstate shipping requirements.

For best results, always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for dosage, method, and route of administration, booster recommendations, and proper storage.

Preventing diseases through the use of a herd health management plan saves time and money. For best results, work with a veterinarian who is familiar with your beef cattle operation. Justifying the cost of preventive management is sometimes difficult. The annual cost of a vaccine health program ranges from $3 to $10 per cow-calf unit. Experiencing a health disaster certainly drives home the point that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

Source:

Adapted with permission: Powell, J., S. Jones, S. Gadberry and T.R. Troxel. 2010. Beef Cattle Herd Health Vaccination Schedule. University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service. FSA 3009

Reviewed by:

• Gary Anderson, Extension animal and bio-sciences specialist, University of Maine Cooperative Extension
• Dr. Beth McEvoy, Assistant State Veterinarian, Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry
• Richard Kersbergen, Extension professor and cooperating professor in animal and veterinary sciences, University of Maine Cooperative Extension
• Cindy Kilgore, Livestock Specialist, Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry
• Diane Schivera, Livestock Specialist, Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association
• Dr. Richard Brzozowski, Extension professor, University of Maine Cooperative Extension
• Dr. Don Hoenig, VMD, University of Maine Cooperative Extension
• Dr. Michele Walsh, State Veterinarian, Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry
• Dr. Anne Licktenwalner, DVM Ph.D., University of Maine Cooperative Extension

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Information in this publication is provided purely for educational purposes. No responsibility is assumed for any problems associated with the use of products or services mentioned. No endorsement of products or companies is intended, nor is criticism of unnamed products or companies implied.

© 2014, Reviewed 2024

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