I edmontese - Piedmontese Association of the United States

PIEDMONTESE | PROFILE
VET UPDATE
Vaccination Programs
Dr. Nagely Valley Vet Supply
When considering beef cattle vaccine programs,
they can be tailored to fit the specific herd and
address any unusual herd disease history. For a
general thumb rule used by many veterinarians
and beef herd owners you might consider this
approach for spring calving cows, or fall calving
cows: vaccinate the cow herd (and replacements
entering the breeding herd) about a month prior
to the breeding season, using a modified live virus
vaccine including IBR, BVD I & II, Lepto & Vibrio. The
purpose is to prevent abortion diseases. Many seed
stock herds elect to incorporate Lepto hardjo-bovis
vaccine also.
Many cow herds are vaccinated mid-term against
baby calf diarrhea, with the intent that protective
colostral antibodies will pass to the newborn calf.
There are several approaches to calf vaccinations.
One common approach is: vaccinate the calves at
6-10 weeks of age with a modified live virus vaccine
(IBR, BVD I & II, PI3, BRSV) in combination with
Pasteurella (Mannheimia) respiratory protection. If
Blackleg vaccine was not given near birth, then give
it at this time. The respiratory and blackleg vaccines
should be repeated again at weaning time for the
calves.
Pinkeye vaccine can be beneficial when given prior
to the summer fly and pinkeye season.
Food animal veterinarians are a great resource to
help guide you in sensible animal health programs.
FALL 2008 PIEDMONTESE | PROFILE 27