FutureBeef recently released a video for producers who want a refresher on best-practice vaccination.
Department of Agriculture and Fisheries extension officer, grazier and veterinarian Andrea McKenzie said in the video that vaccination was important to keep cattle herds healthy and productive.
"Vaccination is usually low cost and there is a quick payback if you vaccinate for the right diseases," Ms McKenzie said.
"Here are some of our top tips for effective vaccination."
- Treat your vaccines like you treat your milk. Heat, light and freezing will cause the vaccine to break down, impacting its effectiveness.
- Some vaccines need to be used within a day of opening, while others can be used up to 30 days after opening. Check the label to make sure your vaccine is still effective.
- Check expiry dates. Expired vaccines are likely to be ineffective.
- Use clean vaccine guns. Reusable guns should be disassembled, cleaned, sterilised, reassembled and calibrated between uses. Disposable guns should be discarded after use.
- Use clean, sharp needles. Replace them often to keep them sharp.
- Use 16-gauge half-inch needles for adult cattle and 18-gauge needles for calves.
- Always have spare guns and needles on hand.
- Avoid vaccinating cattle in the rain or in extreme dust. These conditions will increase infections and abscesses.
- Never inject two vaccines in the same spot. Try to keep them at least a hand span apart.
- Read and follow the instructions for storage, handling and use of vaccines. The instructions will give you important information about the timing of vaccinations and the need for and timing of booster shots.
Ms McKenzie said cattle vaccines - such as botulism, leptospirosis, vibriosis, 5 in 1 and 7 in 1 - should be given under the skin in the neck.
Keeping the needle at 45 degrees and the bevel parallel to the skin allowed the needle to rest under the skin but above the muscle, she said.
"Remember you need to keep good vaccine records for your Livestock Production Assurance (LPA) accreditation," she said.
"Records to be kept include vaccine name, date, number of doses used, batch number, dose rate, withholding period, expiry date and who administered the vaccine."
- Templates for vaccine record keeping can be found online at www.mla.com.au/lpa
- Head to FutureBeef's YouTube channel to watch the video. For further advice, contact your local veterinarian or beef extension officer.
- This article was produced by FutureBeef-a collaboration between Meat & Livestock Australia and the Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australian agriculture departments.
