Essential Cattle Vaccination Schedule
Importance of Vaccination for Heifers and Cows
Vaccination is crucial for keeping heifers and cows healthy. It prevents deadly diseases and ensures high milk production. Farmers who follow a strict vaccination schedule experience fewer disease outbreaks.
How Vaccination Protects Cattle
Vaccines help cattle develop immunity against dangerous infections. This reduces mortality and improves productivity. Diseases like Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), Hemorrhagic Septicemia (HS), and Black Quarter (BQ) can devastate a herd. Regular vaccinations safeguard livestock and improve overall herd health.
Related Information: Learn more about the importance of cattle vaccination from FAO.
Annual Vaccination Schedule for Heifers and Cows
An effective vaccination program is necessary to protect against common cattle diseases. Below is a recommended schedule.
Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD)
- First Dose: At 4 months of age
- Booster: Every 6 months
- Why It’s Important: FMD spreads rapidly and lowers milk yield.
Hemorrhagic Septicemia (HS)
- First Dose: At 6 months
- Booster: Annually before the monsoon season
- Why It’s Important: HS causes sudden death in cattle.
Black Quarter (BQ)
- First Dose: At 6 months
- Booster: Annually
- Why It’s Important: BQ leads to muscle swelling and high fatality rates.
Brucellosis
- First Dose: Between 3-8 months (Only for female calves)
- Booster: No booster required
- Why It’s Important: Brucellosis can lead to infertility and abortion in cattle.
Tuberculosis
- Testing Required: Annually
- Why It’s Important: Bovine tuberculosis can spread to humans through milk.
Leptospirosis
- First Dose: 3-6 months
- Booster: Annually
- Why It’s Important: Leptospirosis affects the liver and kidneys, leading to reduced milk production.
More Details: Learn about vaccination guidelines from OIE.
Best Practices for Cattle Vaccination
Farmers should follow strict hygiene and record-keeping practices to ensure successful vaccination.
Storage and Handling of Vaccines
- Keep vaccines refrigerated.
- Use clean needles for each animal.
- Discard expired vaccines properly.
Proper Administration Techniques
- Administer subcutaneous (under the skin) or intramuscular injections as instructed.
- Ensure the animal is healthy before vaccination.
Further Reading: Best vaccination techniques are outlined by Merck Veterinary Manual.
Common Vaccination Mistakes to Avoid
Many farmers make errors when vaccinating cattle. Avoid these common mistakes:
Using Expired Vaccines
Expired vaccines lose effectiveness and may cause adverse reactions.
Not Following Booster Schedules
Skipping boosters leaves cattle vulnerable to infections.
Administering Vaccines to Sick Animals
Vaccines should only be given to healthy cattle to ensure proper immune response.
More Tips: Read about cattle vaccination errors at Animal Health Australia.
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