Cattle Vaccinations

The decision to vaccinate or not vaccinate your herd is your ranch decision. Some breeders want to raise their Dexters as natural as possible, so they avoid as many chemical exchanges as possible, during their Dexter's lifetime. Other breeders, whether that be by principal or by necessity they follow a specific vaccination plan, typically advised by their large animal veterinarian. Both herd management styles, require a lot of planning and discipline for being successful. A state can vary by county on what a vet would suggest to vaccinate your herd with. Some areas are more prone to certain diseases, so it is advised to vaccination to avoid possible considerable losses. In Texas we have some wonderful veterinarians that work for the Texas Agrilife Extension office who are experts in the field of immunology of bovines. Dr. Thomas Hairgrove is one of my favorites. He presented at our Region 7 meeting in 2019. Below are some helpful articles for our breeders.

Texas Agrilife article on Cattle Vaccines by Floron C. Faries Jr. Information includes types of vaccines ( Non-infectious and Infectious), safe handling, and proper vaccination procedures.

Texas Agrilife article on Basics of Cattle Immunity By Dr. Tom Hairgrove and Dr. Steve Hammack. Information includes how the bovine body works against diseases and vaccinations.

ALWAYS consult with your large animal veterinarian before administering vaccines. Also ask your veterinarian for advisement on the best vaccine regimen to use in your herd and geographical region.

1. Modified LIVE Vaccine (contains living organisms)
   • Strongly recommend you consult with your veterinarian before using any MLV. There is specific timing, cases and care to be taken when administering MLV.
2. Killed Vaccine ( contained killed versions of the organisms)
   • A much safer alternative to a MLV, but it does not come without risks, like allergic reaction to ingredients, lack of immune response etc. Many breeders choose to use the killed or inactivated vaccinations in their herd.
3. Toxoid Vaccine- (contains inactivated toxins)
4. Bacterium Vaccine - (contains killed bacteria)

Not all inclusive- Ask your vet for advice on what to give

• Black Leg and more (Some of the various brands below)
  1. Covexin 8- 7-way blackleg including red water, plus tetanus protection for cattle and sheep. For prevention of Clostridium chauvoei, septicum, novyi, perfringens Types C & D, haemolyticum (bacillary hemoglobinuria/red water) and tetani.
  2. Vision 7- Vision 7 with Spur Cattle & Sheep Vaccine is a seven-way blackleg protection vaccine for use in healthy cattle and sheep. The Vision 7 vaccine is used in the prevention of Clostridium chauvoei (Blackleg), septicum (Malignant edema), novyi (Black disease), sordellii and perfringens Types C & D (Enterotoxemia).
  3. Ultrachoice 8- 7-way blackleg plus red water protection for cattle and sheep. For prevention of Clostridium chauvoei, septicum, novyi, sordellii, perfringens Types C & D, plus haemolyticum (bacillary hemoglobinuria/red water).
• Respiratory and more
  1. ViraShield- IBR, BVD Types I and II, PI3 and BRSV
  2. Triangle 5- 5-way cattle vaccine that aids in the prevention of IBR, BVD Types I and II, PI3, and BRSV.
• Tetanus vaccines -
  1. Antitoxin- Consult with your veterinarian on the best KV regimen to use in your herd and geographical region.
  2. Toxoid- typically given as a preventative vaccination program
• Brucellosis vaccine - Must be given by a veterinarian

1. Intramuscular ( IM)- Most common are antibiotics and some vaccines
2. Subcutaneous (SQ)- Variety of medications and vaccines
3. Intranasal (IN)
4. Intravenously (IV)- *Typically vets only or trained individuals
5. Intradermal (ID)- Typically vets only due to the test being done like a TB or allergy test

Texas Agrilife Article on Proper Injection Techniques by Mario Villarino. This article, while states for dairy cattle, has very good sound advice on selecting proper equipment, keeping records, timing of shots, preventing site lesions etc.

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