MU Extension Publishes Vaccination Overview for Cow-Calf Operations

By Julie Harker

University of Missouri Extension has a new publication about vaccination programs for cow-calf operations.

The publication covers viruses and bacteria of concern, describes the difference between killed and modified live viral vaccines and provides a vaccine schedule example.

“The publication is meant to be a guide because, ultimately, your herd veterinarian is the best source of advice regarding a vaccine program,” said Craig Payne, extension veterinarian and co-author of the publication.

Goals of a cow-calf vaccination program include preventing reproductive losses in breeding animals. Vaccination also boosts antibodies in a breeding female’s colostrum, helping to protect newborn calves in the first few months of life. Vaccination of calves is focused on preventing pneumonia and blackleg and other respiratory and clostridial diseases.

Viruses and bacteria covered in a vaccination program are infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR), bovine virus diarrhea (BVD), bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), parainfluenza (P13), leptospirosis, campylobacter fetus (vibriosis) and clostridial diseases.

Combination vaccines are available, eliminating the need for multiple injections.

“There is not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ vaccination program,” said Payne. “The guide provides an example of a common vaccination schedule.”

“Vaccination Program for a Cow-Calf Operation” is available at https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g2104.