“We often see reproductive vaccinations given to cows at preg-check time, which is four to six months before the next breeding season. For these vaccines to be effective against reproductive diseases like IBR, Vibrio and Lepto it is always best to administer them close to breeding - usually within 30 to 45 days of breeding,” Scruggs explains.

“Vaccine protection doesn't last forever. Some vaccines provide a high level of protection for only 60 - 90 days after it is administered,” Falkner adds. “So it is important to pay attention to the product's duration of immunity listed on the label and time the vaccine administration accordingly to maximize protection when it is needed.”

Falkner notes that the standard “revaccinate annually” statement on many vaccines does not indicate that they have demonstrated protection lasting a year. “Many vaccines that have no work on duration of immunity have this statement on the label,” he points out.

Regarding timing of when things are done on cattle operations, Falkner says, “A lot of operations do certain management practices like vaccinations simply because that's how they've always done it. But maybe the reason for doing something at a particular time is no longer valid. So it is wise to reevaluate ranch practices from time to time.”

As an example, he suggests stepping back and looking at when cattle are worked to see if there might be a better time to do things - such as preg-check at preweaning and giving reproductive vaccines at branding time in the spring to boost immunity prior to the breeding season.

“Have a total herd health plan for the management of the herd,” Falkner advises, and says, “Producers have got to use the right product, in the right way, at the right time, for the right reasons. If you're trying to get reproductive protection, you need to use a vaccine that's been demonstrated to do that.”

Falkner and Scruggs also suggest using a vaccine that offers flexibility - something that offers fetal protection from persistent infection while the IBR, PI3 and BRSV offer modified-live protection. It can be given prior to breeding or after cows are pregnant. Something that is safe to give to any cow or calf at any time offers flexibility and convenience for cow-calf producers to implement a vaccination protocol that fits their operation.

For more information on vaccine protocols visit with your local veterinarian.

TheCattleSite News Desk