VACCINATION PROGRAM FOR CATTLE

This program serves as a guideline for farmers in the Rustenburg district.  It may be adapted according to circumstances; please consult your local veterinarian

CONTENTS

CALVES


1) Less than three weeks old Heartwater blood and calf paratyphoid
2) Four months old Black quarter/botulism; Anthrax
3) One month later Repeat Black quarter/botulism; Contagious abortion (Brucella S19 — heifers only)
4) One month later Lumpy skin disease ; Brucella RB51 (heifers only)
5) Two weeks after weaning Live BVD combination
6) One month later Live BVD combination

All of these vaccines should be done before weaning as calves may be under a lot of stress after weaning and may not immunise properly.

ADULT ANIMALS


Annually in early summer Black quarter/botulism, Anthrax
Three to four weeks laterLumpy skin disease
Dairy cows and bulls (May be given with Lumpy skin disease)Three-day-stiffsickness
Heifers one month before breeding and cows three weeks after calvingLive BVD combination

OPTIONAL VACCINES


Three-day-stiffsickness Use in beef cows whenever vleis and open water occur on the farm.
Rift valley fever (inactivated vaccine)Use in years with above-average rainfall.
Campylobacter (Vibriosis)One month before breeding in infected herds or where neighbouring farms are infected.

FEED LOT- AND PHASE D CALVES


It is assumed that all the vaccinations mentioned under CALVES have been done already.

Six weeks before test or sale Mannheimia (Pasteurella) and virus respiratory disease combinations
Three weeks before test or saleSecond Mannheimia and multiclostridial vaccine.

These vaccinations should preferably be done before the calf enters the feed lot or phase D.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

  1. Only animals in good condition and that are not stressed should be vaccinated.
  2. All vaccines are biologic products and should be kept cool at all times, especially when working in the kraal.
  3. Never mix vaccines.
  4. Try to work as cleanly as possible, especially if a disease outbreak is suspected.  In this case a separate sterile needle should be used for each animal.
  5. Vaccination does not ensure 100% immunity in all animals.
  6. Never administer antibiotics with live bacterial vaccines (anthrax, contagious abortion).
  7. Take extra care when injecting contagious abortion — this vaccine is potentially harmful to humans.
  8. Always read the instructions on the vaccine pamphlet to make sure of the dosage, route of administration and whether pregnant animals may be done.
  9. Sterilise syringes and needles by boiling for 15 min. Do not use disinfectants as these may inactivate live vaccines.  It is always better to use disposable syringes and needles especially when vaccinating against Brucellosis.