See tips for livestock vaccines for your beef herd from the experts at UF/IFAS extension.
In our last blog, we shared the different types of vaccines that you may use to protect the health and productivity of your beef herd. This information came from an askifas article; that article also shared tips on protecting the efficacy of the vaccines you use, as “vaccines are delicate products that must be handled and administered correctly to ensure their effectiveness.” See their tips for livestock vaccines below.
Tips for Livestock Vaccines
The article shared these tips for livestock vaccines to protect the efficacy of the product, and thus the health and productivity of your herd:
- “Order vaccines from a trusted source. Order directly from a trusted veterinary supplier or the company producing the vaccine.
- Order an adequate amount of vaccine. Be sure to include an additional 10% when placing your order to accommodate for potential vaccine losses that might occur during the handling of animals. If feasible, opt for bottles with a lower number of doses. Keep in mind that the shelf life of each vaccine differs. While some vaccines remain effective for several hours after being mixed, others retain their efficacy for a longer duration. Avoid using a vaccine that has been open and kept in the refrigerator for extended periods. Opting for bottles with fewer doses aids in determining the necessary quantity for the day.
- Maintain correct storage conditions. Review the guidelines regarding the proper storage of the vaccine. Most animal vaccines need refrigeration within the range of 35˚F–45˚F (2˚C–7˚C). Verify the optimal functioning of your storage refrigerator, position a thermometer inside, and regularly monitor the temperature. Keep in mind that refrigerators situated in barns or open sheds may experience temperature fluctuations during the day, which can impact the vaccine’s temperature. Prevent freezing or excessive warming of the vaccine at all times. Additionally, ensure that direct sunlight does not reach the vaccine.
- Observe expiration dates. Always check expiration dates, and always start using the oldest first. Once opened, make sure to mark it with the date, especially if you plan on storing it for future use.
- Follow directions for proper preparation and maintenance of vaccine shelf life after mixing. Follow the instructions provided on the bottle to guarantee the vaccine’s effectiveness. This step is of the utmost importance, because certain vaccines may need reconstitution with sterile water or the blending of components. It is essential to meticulously follow the given directions and ensure a gentle mixing process. Keep in mind that vaccines are fragile organic substances and should be shielded from temperature fluctuations. Avoid sudden temperature changes; handling a cold vaccine bottle with warm hands can swiftly alter the container’s temperature and potentially impact its effectiveness.
- Avoid exposure to UV light. Do not expose vaccines to ultraviolet light from the sun. Some vaccines can be rapidly deactivated if exposed to UV light.
- Use proper injection techniques. Always inject the vaccine according to the manufacturer’s directions. In animals, most vaccines are injected under the skin (subcutaneously, or SQ), intramuscular (IM), intranasally (IN; Figure 2), or intravenously (IV). Using the correct technique and location according to the species is essential. Use the right needle size and avoid reusing the same needle on another animal to reduce the risk of disease transmission. For deer, darts can be used for intramuscular (IM) injections, even though they are not ideal. When using darts, there are many variables that you need to consider. Common mistakes include missing, hitting the wrong spot, darting the same animal twice, or an incomplete dose discharge. If you are unsure whether the animal received the full dose, a second full dose is recommended. There are guidelines regarding vaccine management and administration in the livestock industry presented by the Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program (for more information, visit https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/an170). These best practices for vaccine management can be applied to all species, with the goal of successful vaccination and food safety.
- Keep good records. Always record dates, animal ID, and vaccine lot number. Keeping good records is critical to improving herd health over time and may be necessary for importing or exporting animals.
- Follow regulations for correct disposal of vaccine containers. Some vaccines have products that need special disposal and that you do not want on your farm. Read the instructions for proper disposal of used containers. Regulations can vary by state.
- Maintain access to emergency information. In case of an accidental human injection or exposure to the vaccine, have the emergency number at hand for everyone working on the farm.”
See our last blog in the series on a vaccination overview for cow-calf operations.
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