A well planned out preventative health plan is important for any operation. It prepares weaned calves for the next stage of the production cycle. When it is running correctly they receive a leg up and perform better than those from a less than effective one. Keeping vaccines effective is a very important part of any animal health plan.
Course the greatest plan in the world won’t work properly if each step is not handled correctly. This goes for how you handle and administer the vaccines. Improper handling or administration of the vaccines can render it ineffective. As the saying goes “a chain is only as strong as it’s weakest link”. Here are some steps you can follow to make sure that your vaccines aren’t that weak link.
Use the best vaccines
The way that your supplier handles the vaccine can either set you on the right path or derail you before you even get started. For any vaccine to remain 100% effective it should be refrigerated at all times. If it is left unrefrigerated for an extended period of time (few hours) and all you will really be doing is wasting your money. Maintaining a high level of effectiveness is important for establishing immunity in your cow herd.
Keep vaccines cold and out of sunlight
When you have purchased the product always store it in a closed refrigerated container. If you do not have one of your own your supplier will often have a disposable container that you can use. Keep the vaccine cold and out of direct sunlight until it is time to give it to the calf or cow.
Protect vaccines chute side
Many beef producers tend to fail at handling vaccines correctly at the time of vaccination. You should always keep both the vaccines and syringes cool while working cattle. This even includes the bottle that you are currently using. The bottle should be kept in a cooler while not in use.
If you are using any vaccines that require mixing do not mix them until it is needed. A good rule of thumb is to only mix enough for what you are needing for the next 30 minutes. Mixed vaccines tend to lose their potency in a relatively short period of time, usually in a few minutes.
If you are curious about other ways to make working around the chutes safer for both you and the animal I discuss that here.
Do not disinfect with chemicals
Now you may be thinking that you would need to sterilize your needles just like your doctor does, and you would be wrong on that one. All sterilant will kill any MLV, Modified Live Vaccines, that you will be using. Even if your used it after you were done and storing it the sterilizer can still leave residue that can kill your vaccine. Instead what you want to use is just plain boiling water.
Use quality syringes
Selecting the correct syringe is very important in properly administering any vaccines. Both multiple dose as well as single disposable syringes are good for giving vaccines.
If you are going to use a multi-dose syringe then you should select the correct one for what you are wanting to administer. Generally the 25cc capacity ones are a good idea for any vaccine that requires 2cc doses. The 50 cc capacity will work well with the 5cc dose types.
As mentioned above when it comes time to clean your multi-dose syringe use boiling water. You will want to completely dissemble it then clean it with the boiling water. After you have cleaned it store it in a clean and dry sealable bag or container. This will prevent any dirt or other debris from contaminating it.
Do not lubricate vaccines with petroleum products
You should use the first draw of the product that you are using to lubricate your syringe. Lubricating with any petroleum based product can inactivate any MLV or CA products that you are using. Any lubricant such as silicone, mineral oil, vegetable oil or something like those is a big no no.
Protect vaccines from heat and light
Any sunlight or ultraviolet light will inactive your vaccines. Do not leave any vaccine bottles or syringes in direct sunlight even if it’s just for a couple of minutes. This includes any working tables, barrels, or truck tailgates. There are many ways that you can store these things and not cost a lot of money. Simply putting a syringe in a cooler while not in use is one way that you could go.
Review
In order to get the most effective use of your vaccines you should:
- Use the best product
- Keep it cold and out of sunlight
- Protect it chute side
- Do not use any disinfectants
- Use quality syringes
- Do not lubricate with petroleum products
- Protect from heat and light
