Managing Cattle Vaccination: Expert Advice

Vaccinations are essential for protecting your cattle from disease. A comprehensive cattle vaccine schedule protects the entire herd, reducing the risk of serious illness, reproductive issues, loss of productivity, and premature death. But which vaccinations do your cattle need and when? And what else can you do to prevent problems like neonatal calf diarrhea? Read on to find out…

Understanding cattle vaccines 

Cattle vaccines work by introducing a weakened or inactive pathogen (e.g. a bacteria or virus) into the immune system. When specialized immune cells encounter the pathogen for the first time, they develop antibodies, or proteins, that attack and kill it. The next time they encounter the pathogen, they recognize it and can quickly produce those antibodies again. This can prevent the disease from taking hold or reduce the severity of infection.

There are three types of vaccine used for cattle. Modified live vaccines (MLVs) contain a live version of the pathogen, modified so that it can’t cause disease. To make sure the entire herd builds the necessary immunity, several rounds of MLVs are typically given (revaccination).

Killed vaccines contain a dead version of the pathogen. The immune response caused by killed vaccines is not as strong as that of MLVs, so killed vaccines will typically contain an adjuvant to enhance the effect, and “boosters” may be given to reach full immunity.

Mixed vaccines contain both live and dead pathogens that target various diseases. They will usually require boosters to improve the immune response to the killed portions of the vaccine.

Key cattle vaccines

Cattle should be vaccinated against the following diseases:

Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) AKA “red nose” — an upper respiratory virus that can cause breathing difficulties, infertility, abortions, and birth defects.

Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus (BRSV) — a lower respiratory tract infection that can lead to pneumonia.

Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD) types I and III. — a virus that can cause immune system suppression, secondary infections, abortions and birth defects.

E. coli — a common bacteria that can cause neonatal calf diarrhea, a potentially fatal illness in newborns.

Rotavirus — a gastrointestinal disease that is also a common cause of neonatal calf diarrhea.

Coronavirus. — a respiratory disease that can also cause gastrointestinal problems in cattle.

Parainfluenza 3 (PI3) — an upper respiratory infection that can lead to secondary infections.

Leptospirosis AKA “lepto” — a bacterial infection that can cause abortions.

Brucellosis AKA “bangs disease” — another bacterial infection that can cause abortions.

Clostridiosis — diseases caused by strains of the Clostridium bacteria, including Clostridium chauvoei (blackleg), Clostridium haemolyticum (redwater), and Clostridium tetani (tetanus).

Bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK) AKA “pinkeye” — a very common (and very contagious) infection of the cornea

Cattle vaccination schedule

The optimal cattle vaccination schedule depends on location, age, purpose and reproductive status, and is best planned with the help of a qualified veterinarian.

Preventing neonatal calf diarrhea

Neonatal calf diarrhea (calf scours) is a common and potentially very serious disease that causes heavy diarrhea in newborn calves. Diarrhea may be yellow, green or gray in color, and may contain mucus and blood. The calf will become progressively dehydrated and will die if untreated.

Neonatal calf diarrhea is most often caused by infection with E. coli, rotavirus or coronavirus, either alone or in combination. Other risk factors include:

• A lack of colostrum (first antibody-rich milk from the mother).
• Poor absorption of colostrum.
• Poor nutrition.
• Close confinement with other animals.

The following preventative strategies can, therefore, reduce the risk of neonatal calf diarrhea:

• Vaccinate the entire herd against E. coli, rotavirus, and coronavirus.
• Administer colostrum as soon as possible after birth, as it contains antibodies from the mother.
• Provide adequate space for pregnant, birthing, and nursing cattle.
• Optimize feeding and hygiene practices.

Preventing reproductive diseases

Diseases that affect reproduction in cattle include IBR, BVD, leptospirosis and brucellosis. In addition to vaccinating the entire herd, you can also practice the following strategies for preventing reproductive diseases and their complications (e.g. abortion):

• Maintain impeccable hygiene standards.
• Use protective clothing and footwear when in contact with cattle.
• Do not allow co-grazing or drinking from natural sources.
• Secure farm boundaries to prevent contact with other herds.
• Keep visiting people and vehicles (e.g., deliveries) far from the herd.
• Clean and disinfect equipment shared between farms or herds.

Cattle clostridiosis: Vaccination and managemen

Clostridial diseases are caused by spores found in food and organic materials in the environment. If ingested by cattle, the spores can lay dormant (inactive) until triggered by some type of change in the animal’s body. For example:

• Changes to the diet, e.g., higher carbohydrate content.
• External tissue wounds, e.g., castration, injection.
• Internal tissue wounds, e.g., bruising, liver abscess caused by liver fluke infection.

Clostridiosis vaccinations can be administered as combination products that protect against multiple strains, reducing the financial and time costs. Vaccinate the entire herd and practice the following strategies for preventing clostridiosis:

• Practice excellent hygiene and infection control measures during castration.
• Use sterilized needles and equipment.
• Treat wounds with antimicrobials.
• Handle cattle carefully to avoid injury and bruising.
• Prevent animal carcasses or feces from contaminating water and food.
• Control liver flukes in the environment.
• Ensure good fermentation of soil to kill spores.
• If clostridiosis is present, identify and remove the source to prevent further transmission.

The most effective way to protect your herd and your livelihood

A proactive and comprehensive cattle vaccination schedule remains the most effective way to keep your cattle healthy and productive. The best vaccination plan for your herd will depend on various unique factors, so consult a qualified cattle vet to help you plan a tailored, effective schedule.