WestVic Dairy News - June 2010 Edition
Vaccinate and rest easy
By Dr Martin Roche, DPI Warrnambool
Disease prevention is an investment which can return significant dividends. The cornerstone of any disease control program is good management, which may include vaccination programmes.
The cost of the loss of a single heifer to one of the Clostridial diseases will far outweigh the cost of the vaccine. The cost of a human case of Leptospirosis will also far outweigh the cost of annual vaccination of the herd.
Vaccination programs should be designed to protect against diseases that occur commonly in a district as well as any specific diseases occurring on individual farms. The timing of vaccination and the selection of product are important considerations. There are multiple brand names, combinations of products and varying vaccination schedules. Consult your veterinarian for specific vaccination protocols for your herd.
Vaccines do not give 100 per cent protection to 100 per cent of the animals vaccinated but they do increase the level of herd immunity and the level of disease resistance in individual animals. They are not a substitute for good livestock management practices. Vaccination may be used in the face of an outbreak of disease. However, the best disease control programs are those that prevent the appearance of the disease in the first instance.
Most of the commonly used cattle vaccines require two doses, one as a primer dose, a second dose about four to six weeks later and an annual booster. Little protection is provided by some vaccines until after the second dose is given. Vaccinate according to the schedule advised by the product chosen.
Cattle diseases for which vaccines are available include:
- Clostridial disease, including blackleg, malignant oedema, black disease, tetanus and enterotoxaemia
- Leptospirosis
- Campylobacteriosis (vibriosis) - bulls are usually vaccinated
- Pink eye
- Salmonellosis
- E.coli involved in neonatal scours in calves
- Pestivirus
- Mannhemia
- Johne’s disease (limited availability - seek advice from your government or private veterinarian).
Vaccination against Clostridial diseases and Leptospirosis is a wise move in all dairy herds whilst vaccination against the other diseases listed will depend on the circumstances in each herd.
Labels carry important information on expiry dates, dose rates, injection site, recommended vaccination program, storage and occupational health and safety. Use a cooler to protect vaccines while they are away from a refrigerator. Most vaccines are packaged in multidose containers for use with automatic syringes, which must be calibrated to deliver the right dose and sterilised before use. Read the instructions and follow them.
For more information, please contact your private vet or DPI District Veterinary Officer Dr Martin Roche on 55619908.
