Vaccinations
Cattle aquire two types of immunity during their lifespan. One type is passive immunity, which was discussed in the last issue of the International Wagyu Breeder (April/May 2019), and occurs through the consumption of colostrum. The second type of immunity is active immunity. Active immunity is gained through vaccinations, or through the exposure to disease. Managing through a disease outbreak is costly and time consuming compared to implementing a preventative vaccination program.
The first line of defensive to preventing disease begins before birth of a calf. A vaccination program must be introduced to the cow prior to birth so that antibodies can build in the cow’s immune system and passive immunity can be transferred to the calf through the production of quality colostrum. Beyond this, however, it is important to be mindful of and plan for situations that increase the stress level of an animal, or pose a threat to the animal’s health. Some examples include weaning calves, introducing an animal into a new group, moving an animal from the farm of origin, and/or changes in weather conditions. These situations warrant an added level of protection in order to preserve the animal’s immune system. When an animal’s immune system is compromised, they are susceptible to contracting disease-causing pathogens. While vaccinations in and of themselves do not prevent an animal from being exposed to disease, they do aid the animal’s immune system in fighting pathogens and help decrease the impact of the disease if contracted.
Two types of vaccines often used with beef cattle include modified live vaccines and killed vaccines. Modified live vaccines (MLVs) contain live microbes that have been altered so that they have the antigenic components (any substance foreign to the body that evokes an immune response) of the disease-causing agent but do not actually cause disease in the animal. Killed vaccines (KVs) contain antigenic components or killed pieces of the disease-causing agent. Vaccines work to protect the animal by exposing the immune system to antigens from a specific pathogen and tricking the body into thinking is has encountered the actual pathogen. The immune system is stimulated as a result and creates memory cells (a long-lived lymphocyte capable of responding to a particular antigen) for that specific pathogen. Memory cells have the potential to remain in existence for months to years. If the animal is infected by a pathogen that it was vaccinated for, the immune system respondes quickly with the help of memory cells before disease can set in. This process works similarly in an animal that contracted and successfully fought off disease and is exposed to it a second time.
In cases where an animal is exposed to a specific pathogen for a second time, whether that be through a booster (second) vaccine or naturally occurring, the immune system becomes even stronger in fighting the disease. Providing boosters to animals, especially young stock, is strongly advised in most cases. Typically, boosters are administered two to four weeks after the initial vaccination and followed by yearly injections thereafter. It is important, however, to follow the directions listed on the label of the vaccine, as it will advise if/when a booster is needed.
Disease types vary from one geographical location to another. As a producer, it is important to be aware of diseases prevalent to your area. Vaccines exist for many diseases, however not all need to be used on a routine basis. Your local veterinarian is a great resource for establishing an appropriate herd health program to protect your herd and meet your herd goals. Some common vaccines often utilized include around the USA include:
Cows 45-60 Days Pre-Calving Vaccinations
Killed Virus Complex (IBR, BVD, PI3, BRSV) Clostridial Complex
Tetanus Toxoid
Pinkeye Vaccination
Open Cows 30 Days Prior to Breeding
Modified Live Virus Complex (IBR, BVD, PI3, BRSV)
Clostridial Complex – for new breeding age heifers only
Calves 45 Days Prior to Weaning
Modified Live Virus Complex (IBR, BVD, PI3, BRSV)
Clostridial Complex – also consider Pinkeye
Vaccination Pasturella Vaccine
Tetanus Toxoid
*All calves should receive a booster vaccine 14 – 21 days following the initial vaccinations itemized above. This will improve the level of protection developed by the calves.
No matter what herd health program is implemented, it is important that vaccinations be administered according to the label directions in order for the animal to receive the full benefit. Proper timing, type of injection (intramuscular or subcutaneous), dosage, and type of vaccine all play a significant role in preventing disease. In addition, be sure to follow Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) guidelines when giving vaccines and/or medications.