Vaccination is a key preventive health tool in dairy farming. It enables cows, calves, and heifers to develop antibodies against specific diseases, so if they later encounter the pathogen, their immune systems can respond effectively. Proper vaccination reduces both the likelihood and severity of disease, acting as a form of insurance to protect against potentially costly health issues, as seen in herds affected by diseases like Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD) when vaccinations are missed.
Ensuring an effective immune response requires selecting and administering vaccines correctly. Vaccines are typically of two types: killed vaccines, made from inactivated pathogens, and modified live vaccines, which use live pathogens that have been altered to avoid causing disease. Consulting with a veterinarian is essential to select vaccines that align with local disease risks and are appropriate for each animal. Proper handling and administration are also critical, as errors can reduce vaccine effectiveness. Here’s a summary of best practices:
Preparing for Vaccination
- Read Instructions: Review the label and instructions for each new vaccine batch, noting any updates to dosage or administration.
- Injection Site Selection: Opt for subcutaneous (sub-Q) injections when available. Injections should be placed in the neck region to avoid affecting meat quality.
- Check Expiration Dates: Ensure vaccines are within their effective date range for maximum potency.
Needle Selection and Injection Technique
- Needle Use: Use single-use needles to prevent the spread of blood-borne diseases, such as Bovine Leukosis Virus (BLV).
- Needle Size and Injection Volume: Use a ¾ to 1-inch needle for sub-Q injections and a 1 to 1½-inch needle for intramuscular (IM) injections. Limit injections to 10 cc per site, spacing sub-Q injections at least 5 inches apart.
- Proper Disposal: Dispose of needles safely in sharps containers or securely sealed bottles to prevent injury.
Vaccine Handling and Storage
- Complete Dose Series: Follow booster schedules accurately to maintain vaccine effectiveness.
- Storage: Keep vaccines in the main refrigerator compartment, avoiding the door, where temperature fluctuations can occur.
- Minimize Reconstitution: Reconstitute only as much vaccine as needed at a time, keeping it cool and away from direct sunlight.
- Avoid Alcohol Use on Needles: Boil transfer needles to sterilize; alcohol can damage modified live vaccines.
- Mixing Technique: Gently rock the vial to mix rather than shaking, which can compromise vaccine quality.
Recordkeeping
- Detailed Records: Keep records of the vaccination date, product used, animals treated, person administering, and meat and milk withdrawal times. Use electronic or written records instead of whiteboards to ensure information is retained.
By following these best practices, dairy farmers can enhance herd health, reduce disease risk, and improve productivity. Vaccination is a cornerstone of effective herd management, supporting both animal welfare and farm success.
