Tick Tock

Properly time vaccinations for reproductive success.

Timing is everything when it comes to successful reproductive programs, and that includes timing of vaccinations to help prevent reproductive diseases. Following the timing guidelines on product labels is critically important to helping guarantee safety and efficacy.

“Vaccinating against reproductive diseases helps keep cows pregnant, helping protect your reproductive program and bottom line,” says Victor Cortese, director of the Veterinary Specialties Group at Pfizer Animal Health. “However, working with your veterinarian to set up vaccination programs and following labeled directions are key to vaccine efficacy and safety, especially when using modified-live virus (MLV) vaccines.”

Understand MLV vaccines
Different types of vaccines, such as an MLV or killed vaccine, stimulate the immune system in different ways. MLV vaccines contain live organisms that undergo limited replication within the body, while killed vaccines use dead organisms.

“MLV vaccines closely mimic a natural infection, since the animal is actually seeing the modified pathogen in a more natural form,” Cortese says. “As a result, MLV vaccines can help create an effective, balanced and what should be an entire immune response.”

Studies involving infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) virus vaccines have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of MLV vaccines, such as Bovi-Shield Gold® FP*, in helping protect pregnant heifers, cows and their fetuses. Cattle vaccinated with Bovi-Shield Gold FP within the preceding 12 to 17 months and then vaccinated during each trimester of pregnancy had abortion rates similar to the control group, which was vaccinated with a placebo.

Take steps to help protect your herd
“MLV vaccines are safe to use, but there are risks involved when using them in pregnant cattle,” Cortese says. “Using these vaccines against their label indications and without supervision from a veterinarian are the biggest risks of all.”

Cortese recommends these additional tips to using MLV vaccines successfully.

• Regularly consult your veterinarian: Your veterinarian is a valuable resource regarding the science and proper use of vaccines. Include your veterinarian as part of your reproductive health team.
• Write vaccination programs: Having written programs, which include timing guidelines, for your vaccinations will provide the guidelines for you and anyone administering vaccines on your operation. Reviewing them regularly with your employees and your veterinarian also will help keep them up to date.
• Keep accurate records: Vaccine administrations should be included in your reproductive records. Record the date the first vaccination is given, and review the records to determine when a booster shot is needed.

*Do not use in pregnant cattle (abortions can result) unless they were vaccinated, according to label directions, with any Bovi-Shield Gold FP or PregGuard Gold FP vaccine prebreeding initially and within 12 months thereafter. Do not use in calves nursing pregnant cows unless their dams were vaccinated within the past 12 months as described above. To help ensure safety in pregnant cattle, heifers must receive at least two doses of any Bovi-Shield Gold FP or PregGuard Gold FP product with the second dose administered approximately 30 days prebreeding.

Editor’s Note: This release is from Pfizer Animal Health.

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