Vaccination

5 Tips for Vaccine Handling

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 16:53:41 GMT

Vaccines are one of the most effective and economical tools available to maintain herd health, reduce disease loss and support animal well-being. However, even the best vaccine can fail if it’s not handled correctly. Dr. Jon Townsend, dairy technical services veterinarian with Merck Animal Health, recently touched on the topic during a Dairy Calf and Heifer Association webinar .

“You’ve made the investment in those vaccines. You want to get the best response out of them. You want to get the best cow health possible,” Townsend says.

Whether you’re working with calves, replacement heifers or mature cattle, following consistent vaccine handling practices ensures your investment delivers the intended immunity. Here are five key guidelines to keep in mind.

1. Store Vaccines at the Right Temperature

Vaccines are sensitive, biological products. Many must be kept refrigerated at a specific temperature range to remain effective.

Use a dedicated refrigerator (not the one used for drinks and lunches), as frequent door opening causes temperature swings.
Place a thermometer in the fridge to monitor temperature regularly.
Avoid storing vaccines in the refrigerator door where temperatures fluctuate the most.

2. Don’t Mix all your Vaccine at Once

Many livestock vaccines are sold as two-part products. Once mixed, the live organisms begin to break down.

“Only mix what you’ll use in the next one to two hours if you have to mix up a vaccine,” Townsend advises. “Your modified live vaccines you have to mix. So don’t mix a huge bottle that’s going to take the whole day to use. By the time you get to the last dose that vaccine has potentially degraded, and you won’t get the same response that you would have immediately after reconstitution.”

3. Keep Mixed Vaccines Cool and Out of Sunlight

Heat and sunlight can rapidly damage vaccines, particularly modified-live vaccines.

Keep syringes and mixed bottles in an insulated cooler with cold packs.
Do not place vaccine bottles on the chute, in your shirt pocket, or on a truck dashboard.
Check your cooler throughout the day to ensure cold packs are still cold and not melted.

Unsure about what cooler to use? Consider making it yourself.

“You can either buy a fancy one, or you can make one yourself with an Igloo cooler and drill some holes,” Townsend says. In the end, the goal is the same. “It’s really important to keep that vaccine cool. If you’re using a multi-dose syringe, make sure you’re keeping [it] cool between calves.”

4. Maintain Needle Cleanliness

Contamination can destroy vaccine potency and introduce infection to animals.

Use new clean needles when drawing vaccine from the bottle.
Do not set uncapped syringes or needles down on surfaces like tailgates or barn rails.
If a needle becomes dirty, bent or touches anything questionable, replace it.

“We need to be thinking about changing out needles more frequently than [we] did 30 years ago,” Townsend says. “Then disinfect the needle and syringes after use or dispose of them, and think about disinfecting multi-dose syringes.”

Townsend also highlights the importance of making sure there is no disinfectant residue remaining after cleaning as it has the potential to inactivate your vaccines. Producers and veterinarians should work together to set up protocols for syringe reuse.

5. Use Sharp, Appropriate Needles

A sharp needle ensures a clean injection and reduces animal discomfort.

Replace needles regularly and check for sharpness.
Choose needle size based on animal size, vaccine viscosity and route of administration:
- Subcutaneous: typically 16 to 18 gauge, ½" to ¾"
- Intramuscular: typically 16 to 20 gauge, 1" to 1½"

Townsend specifically warns about the development of burrs, small barbs or defects that can catch on skin, on your needles after too many uses.

“If you wouldn’t want it going into your arm for a vaccine, you shouldn’t be putting it into a cow or calf either,” he says.

Overall, the immunity an animal gains from vaccination is only as good as the care taken in handling the product. Proper storage, careful mixing, maintaining temperature and using clean, sharp needles are straightforward steps that protect your investment and your herd.

Success From The Start: Calf Health Starts Before Birth

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 13:11:35 GMT

If a calf struggles during its first 60 days of life, it’s going to carry that through all phases of production. Starting a calf, whether in a traditional beef or beef-on-dairy scenario, the right way is paramount to the lifetime health of that animal.

This is the message stressed by Dr. Taylor Engle, Four Star Veterinary Services, during episode eight of “ The Future of Beef Show ” podcast. He says success starts before a calf is born.

“There are a lot of really good genetics in the beef industry we can use. However, if you put that calf in an environment to fail, genetics does not play a factor,” he says. “We have to do everything right from an environmental piece to maximize the genetic potential.”

Check out the podcast to learn more about these five key messages discussed by Engle and the podcast’s hosts:

Environment matters more than genetics. Engle emphasizes if you put a calf in an environment to fail, genetics won’t save it. Management and early life conditions are critical to an animal’s success.
Calf health starts before birth. Proper care of the cow before calving, quality colostrum and a clean birthing environment are crucial for a calf’s lifetime health.

Engle encourages producers to think about the cow’s condition before, during and after breeding.

“Everyone gets really fired up — and rightfully so — about colostrum. Not all colostrum is created equal,” he says. “It’s what we are doing to set that cow up to have the best colostrum for that calf. Whether it’s beef-on-dairy or native, the right vaccines for the right diseases at the right time matters.”
Communication is key across the production chain. Sharing information about calf health, vaccination history and management practices between different stages of production can significantly improve overall animal performance.

Engle encourages producers to record vaccination and treatment information and then share it. Communicating with the feedyard is important to help the feeder decide on how to treat cattle.
Don’t be quick to treat — understand the root cause. Instead of immediately administering antibiotics, veterinarians should first investigate the underlying management or environmental issues causing health problems.

“We were trained to think it’s a disease, and more often times than not, there is a disease present. But there’s been something along the process where we have stressed that animal and caused disease,” he explains. “We’re always looking at it from an environmental standpoint and a management standpoint — the calf isn’t the culprit. What’s going on? Why did that calf break with respiratory disease? They don’t spontaneously get sick. Something happened. Was it a weather, feed or stressful event?”

He adds management strategies and mentality can be keys to determining the cause of a sickness.

“It’s a hard thing — whether you’re a nutritionist or vet — to have that hard conversation with a producer, be upfront with them and say, ‘It’s something we’ve done,’” he says. “A lot of times, there’s management practices that messed up along the way, and the result is a disease.”

In his practice, he works with the producer to help them understand and recognize the management strategies to improve the outcomes.

“In the beef industry, a lot of the mentality is, ‘We’ve never done it this way,’” he says.
“In comparison, in the poultry and pig industries, producers will say, ‘If it increases my production, I’ll do it.’ They have the mentality of being willing to give something a try to see if it increases health.”

Engle adds, “I always tell producers if you want A results, you got to give A effort,” he explains. “You can’t have a C -plus effort and expect A results.”
Stress management is more important than treatment protocols. Focus on reducing stress and creating optimal conditions for calves, rather than relying solely on medical interventions.

“The calves don’t lie,” Engle says.

He emphasizes the importance of careful observation, advising producers to “read calves every day” and make real-time adjustments.

Beef-on-Dairy Calf Health
Engle also has extensive experience with beef-on-dairy calf management and production and discussed how those animals compare to traditional beef calves, highlighting how multiple touch points and movements bring beef-on-dairy calves unique challenges — including different feeding systems and varied vaccine and management protocols at each location.

As a positive, he says, “In the beef-on-dairy space, we have all the data points, or we have the opportunity to collect all the data points. Then you can start making decisions.”

With this complex — but data-rich — production model, there is significant potential for improving calf health and performance.

Engle challenges producers to think holistically about animal health, management and production.

“It’s not the animal that’s usually causing the problems,” he says in summary. “It’s usually producer’s management or oversight. As farms have gotten bigger, the skill gap as we go higher actually closes. Everybody who has 10,000-head of cattle on feed, or more, probably knows a lot about feeding cattle. But what are you going to do for a competitive advantage that the next feedyard isn’t? I think a lot of that’s looking internally at your management strategies and your consulting team. It’s a team effort to get to where you want to be. Set those goals and look at what you need to do better to be where you want to be in the next five to 10 years.”

Elanco Enters Agreement with Medgene to Commercialize HPAI Vaccine in Dairy Cattle

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 16:05:34 GMT

Elanco Animal Health Incorporated today announced it has entered into an agreement with South Dakota-based Medgene to leverage the company’s innovative vaccine platform technology. The agreement includes commercialization of a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) vaccine for use in dairy cattle. Medgene reports the vaccine has met all requirements of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) platform technology guidelines and is in the final stages of review for conditional license approval.

While the poultry industry has developed interventions and processes to reduce the spread or eradicate HPAI, those efforts have continued to be challenging as the current outbreak enters its fourth year. Dairy producers have worked quickly to protect their herds without the same tools and biosecurity options to tackle this devastating disease. The cross-species transmission of the disease into nearly 1,000 dairy herds across the U.S. since March 2024, along with zoonotic transmission to people, shows that more interventions are quickly needed. This virus is prevalent and predicted to persist over time, thus a cattle vaccine will be critical to slow virus spread between birds and cattle.

“As egg prices soar and milk production wanes in infected dairies, the need for new solutions to curb disease spread is evident,” says Jeff Simmons, President and CEO of Elanco Animal Health. “Elanco is pleased to partner with Medgene to bring customers options to fight this devastating disease and believes this product will become part of a routine vaccination protocol for the U.S. dairy industry. This partnership further strengthens our diverse dairy portfolio and advances our One Health platform of animal health solutions, not only benefitting our dairy customers, but helping curb disease spread for our poultry customers, and working to improve egg prices for consumers.”

“Medgene has an established reputation of supporting animal owners and their veterinarians with our USDA-licensed platform technology and bioinformatics software to design transformational vaccines. With our critically important H5N1 vaccine for dairy cattle in the final stages of approval, we’re excited to partner with Elanco to quickly bring this much needed solution to U.S. dairies,” said Mark Luecke, CEO of Medgene.

The USDA previously approved Medgene’s vaccine platform technology in cattle, allowing the company to accelerate H5N1 vaccine development. Medgene has existing vaccine manufacturing supply ready to deploy with the ability to support the U.S. dairy herd.

Your next read: “Tempo Has Increased” As HPAI Spreads in The U.S.

Iowa Secretary of Ag Weighs In on The H5N1 Battle, Vaccine Potential And Trade Sensitivities

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 13:49:17 GMT

Eggs continue to be a hot topic in the news as supplies are down, prices are up – and expected to go even higher – and consumers are understandably concerned.

At the center of the issue, fanning the on-going problem for poultry and dairy producers as well, is the Highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza A virus (HPAI H5N1).

AgriTalk Host Chip Flory broached the topic with Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig on Tuesday.

At the heart of their conversation was a two-part question – how does the U.S. address the virus and, in the process, prevent any potential negative ramifications on trade?

Naig says the federal government is taking what he described as a three-legged stool approach to addressing the problem in both industries.

He described the three legs of the stool as being USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), individual state animal health officials and industry.

“We work very closely with APHIS on this, meaning that they’re the ones that are providing the indemnity payments to producers. They are providing the disposal and cleanup assistance, but they must work in close collaboration with the states and state animal health officials,” Naig says. “And then, of course, you’ve got to have the third leg, which is industry.”

Biosecurity Measures
Naig noted that while the virus hit the poultry industry hard in 2015, it struck even harder in 2024.

“It’s not just in the Midwest or West, it’s been really all across the country now, affecting the egg laying industry, broilers and turkey production,” Naig says.

A significant positive, Naig says, is that biosecurity measures in the poultry industry appear to be preventing farm-to-farm spread. “The industry continues to get high marks for that, which wasn’t the case in 2015, which was so devastating because we didn’t have those strategies in place.”

“I believe, and our experience has been, that our USDA partners in this regard have been very strong,” he adds.

As Naig addressed the three-legged stool approach the U.S. is taking to addressing the virus in dairy, he says the three partners have more work to do.

“Frankly, there’s been a lot of criticism to share around the three legs, if you will, on how states have reacted, or how strongly USDA should have reacted, and what the industry is doing to try to contain that virus. So, I would say on the dairy side of things, it’s a different story (than in poultry). There’s a lot more work that’s yet to be done to even understand how that virus is impacting those (dairy) herds.”

What Is The Role For Vaccines?
Flory asked Sec. Nagy whether he believes a vaccine could be part of the solution to the virus or whether that would set up too many trade barriers. Flory also asked whether the virus is stable enough for a long enough period of time for a vaccine to be developed that would work effectively.

Both are questions the U.S. is grappling with as it tries to get ahead of the virus in dairy and poultry.

Earlier this month, Reuters reported the U.S. will rebuild a stockpile of avian influenza vaccines for poultry that match the strain of the virus circulating in commercial flocks and wild birds, citing the Department of Agriculture.

Naig told Flory that he believes a vaccine could be developed, with regard to poultry specifically, and its use negotiated into trade agreements.

“Those are challenges, and yet those are things that can be worked on and can be done, but it’s not easily done. I would want to put a flag there,” Naig says.

“I’m supportive of developing … we should try to figure out whether this can be an effective tool. If you’re in the broiler business or if you’re in the turkey meat business or if you’re in the egg business or maybe you’re in the genetics business, those are very different in terms of how you view that vaccine.”

Naig explains part of the different viewpoints on vaccine use have to do with the difference between poultry business segments.

“We need to recognize that those sectors are different in how they’ll view and potentially use a vaccine,” Naig says.

“Don’t treat them all the same. It’ll make way more sense for some than others.”

Naig did not weigh in on vaccine development for the dairy industry specifically.

The full conversation between Naig and Flory on AgriTalk is available below.

Your next read: Think Egg Prices Are Already Too High? USDA Says Retail Egg Prices Could Jump Another 20% in 2025

Protecting Potency: Best Practices for Effective Vaccine Storage on the Farm

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 21:16:57 GMT

Vaccines are only as effective as the conditions in which they are kept. That’s why paying a bit of extra attention to storage can go a long way when it comes to ensuring these immunizations do their job.

According to Curt Vlietstra, DVM at Boehringer Ingelheim, improper storage or handling can result in ineffective vaccines. Temperature fluctuations, exposure to light and improper handling can all impact a vaccine’s potency, reducing its protective power. Vlietstra advises farmers to pay close attention to vaccine storage conditions to help maintain effectiveness.

Top Vaccine Storage Pitfalls

Vaccines are sensitive biological substances that need specific conditions to maintain their potency. Three issues Vlietstra commonly sees when it comes to vaccine storage include:

Improper Temperature: Most vaccines must be stored between 35°F and 46°F. Any exposure to freezing or excessive heat can denature the active ingredients, making them ineffective.
Exposure to Light: Many vaccines are sensitive to light, which can also degrade their quality. These vaccines should be protected from UV light once removed from the refrigerator.
Expired Vaccines: Use older vaccines first and always check expiration dates. Storing newer stock at the back and keeping older doses at the front makes it easier to avoid using expired vaccines and helps maintain the effectiveness of your supply.

Steps for Proper Vaccine Storage

Vlietstra suggests implementing the following steps to help ensure vaccines are stored properly.

Invest in Reliable Refrigeration: “Don’t go with the cheapest fridge you can find,” Vlietstra advises. Instead, he recommends investing in a quality refrigerator that is designated solely for medical usage.

“I don’t want your lunch or drinks in there because the more time it gets open and closed, the more changes you have in the temperature. Plus, there’s a higher likelihood that it doesn’t get closed all the way.
Use Temperature Monitors: Implement temperature monitoring systems that alert staff if the vaccine storage deviates from the optimal range.

“Usually, a fridge doesn’t go bad overnight,” Vlietstra says. It slowly starts to lose its effectiveness. Having a good thermometer can warn you when your barn fridge is on its way out. Some of these thermometers even have wireless alerts that can connect to an app on your phone.”
Handle With Care: When it comes to vaccine handling, keeping doses at a stable temperature is crucial, even after mixing. Whether it’s hot or cold outside, Vlietstra recommends storing mixed vaccines in a transportable cooler to help protect them from extreme temperature fluctuations and sunlight.

“How we mix, handle and store these vaccines matters,” Vlietstra adds. “Have conversations with your veterinarian and consider implementing a training day to review proper storage and handling SOPs with your team. Regularly refreshing this training ensures everyone is on the same page, which can make a real difference when it comes to herd health.”

Your Next Read: Play Offense on Clostridia in Calves

How Dairy Producers are Boosting Profitability

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 14:00:00 GMT

In the ever-competitive world of agriculture, dairy producers are continuously exploring new avenues to ensure the sustainability and growth of their operations. In the face of fluctuating market dynamics and economic pressures, innovative profitability strategies have become crucial, particularly in the dairy industry.

Alternative Profit Strategies
With the spotlight on profitability, many dairy producers have turned their attention to alternative profit sources. This shift has been especially significant during times when milk prices are less than favorable. Robin Schmahl from AgMarket.Net highlights the beef-on-dairy strategy as a pivotal approach to increasing income. By integrating beef genetics into dairy herds, many producers have successfully split their breeding practices between sexed semen and beef, leading to substantial income boosts over recent years.

Understanding Market Dynamics
Market dynamics play a critical role in shaping milk production. According to Phil Plourd, head of market intelligence at Ever.Ag Insights, the unfavorable economic conditions have historically squeezed milk production. Despite this, he remains optimistic about the upcoming 12 months, suggesting they present the best profit potential for dairy producers in recent times. His observation that “Historically, more money generally means more milk,” underlines the intricate relationship between economic conditions and milk yield.

Challenges with Dairy Replacement Heifers
The adoption of beef-on-dairy practices has, however, led to a decrease in the availability of dairy replacement animals. This scarcity has driven up prices, presenting a challenge for producers, especially those planning for expansion. Larger operations are now strategizing ways to secure replacements either through internal growth or external purchases well in advance.

“I don’t think they’re going to wake up three days before they open the new dairy and say, ‘Oh, wait, I need heifers,’” Plourd says.

Adapting to Market Signals
While there is potential market growth with higher milk prices, current dairy heifer inventory doesn’t entirely align with this trend. However, Schmahl points out that the increased milk prices offer producers more flexibility, allowing them to invest in replacements or retain older cows to maximize their output.

Risk Management in a Volatile Market
Efficient risk management strategies are crucial to navigating the ups and downs of the market. Schmahl emphasizes the importance of engaging in risk management without capping potential gains. He recommends option strategies or revenue protection, advising producers to remain flexible and informed as they plan for the future.

“You don’t want to limit your upside,” Schmahl insists, while cautioning producers about using futures, encouraging a balance between protection and opportunity.

As the dairy industry continues its evolution, staying informed and adaptable is essential for producers looking to capitalize on emerging trends. By employing innovative strategies and maintaining a sharp focus on market signals, dairy producers can navigate economic challenges to secure and enhance their profitability.

Your Next Read:
A Promising Turnaround: U.S. Milk Production Sees Unexpected Growth

Livestock and mRNA Vaccines: What You Need To Know

Fri, 27 Sep 2024 01:56:43 GMT

As misinformation regarding the use of mRNA vaccines in livestock filter through social media, there are facts begging to be set straight.

Recently, a claim was made saying producers are required to inject livestock with mRNA vaccines.

According to USDA spokesperson, Marissa Perry says, “There is no requirement or mandate that producers vaccinate their livestock for any disease. It is a personal and business decision left up to the producer and will remain that way,” in response to the claim, Associated Press shared in an article .

National Pork Board’s Director of Consumer Public Relations, Jason Menke echoed the statement to AP, noting that the decision to use vaccines and other medical treatments to protect animal health and well-being are made by the farmer under the direction of the herd veterinarian.

To further explain mRNA vaccines and shed light on controversies, Dr. Kevin Folta, a molecular biologist and professor at the University of Florida, shares his viewpoint and experience with the technology.

What are mRNA Vaccines?

First introduced to the population through the COVID-19 vaccines, mRNA (messenger ribonucleic acid) vaccines have been in development for decades, says Folta in a recent AgriTalk segment.

He adds that the technology’s potential in human health makes it a likely candidate to have a place in animal health as well. However, “the technology is being maligned in social media, and is now shaping decisions at the level of state legislature,” Folta says. This leads to the growing importance that producers and consumers become more educated on the topic.

What Folta believes began in January of this year, based on claims with very little data, certain advocates against mRNA vaccines are concerned that mRNA vaccines are in use and development in livestock. Additionally, these vaccines may then be present in the food these animals provide.

Why mRNA Vaccines Are Not Present in Food

“It’s not in your food. It’s a vaccine for the animal that, just like any vaccine, protects the animal from disease,” Folta says.

Current mRNA vaccines being used in swine are injected into the muscle, Folta explains, which causes the development of the immune response protein to then stimulate the body to work against the virus.

“In the absence of the virus, it’s kind of like giving the virus or giving the body a ‘wanted’ poster that says, ‘when this individual comes along, and this virus comes along, work against it,’ and it’s all gone within hours,” he adds.

The mRNA never leaves the cells from where it was injected. RNA is a very unstable molecule that must be kept cold, buffered and in solvent, to remain viable, Folta explains.

Additionally, any licensed vaccine comes with a minimum time before that animal can enter the food chain, also known as the “withdrawal time,” says Alan Young, professor in the Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences at South Dakota State University and founder of protein platform (non-mRNA) vaccine company Medgene.

The Animal’s Genes Are Not Altered

While mRNA vaccines include genetic code, Folta says the use of a mRNA vaccines does not alter the animal’s genes in any way.

“This [mRNA] is an intermediate between the gene itself and the products that the gene encodes. So, it’s like having a blueprint and a house. The mRNA is like the construction worker. It takes the blueprint and manufactures the house. In the case of the cell, it takes the DNA blueprint and then takes a little bit of that information to build part of the final structure. The mRNA is just that intermediate, it does not change the genes. It doesn’t change the DNA itself,” he explains.

What are the Benefits of mRNA Vaccines?

More flexibility and faster response to new disease, Folta describes as reasons why mRNA vaccines are becoming more popular.

Traditional vaccines require large amounts of a virus to be raised and purified before being injected to elicit an immune response, he adds. Meanwhile, mRNA encourages the body to make a little piece of protein to elicit the desired immune response.

“It’s much cleaner, much easier. If you’re moving parts in this machine, to make this product that induces an immune response, it’s so good in so many ways,” Folta says.

In pork production specifically, researchers are working with mRNA vaccines that will work this way against porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), which is a viral disease that causes economic loss totals around $664 million per year in the U.S. (Holtkamp et al., 2013).

Additionally, the use of mRNA technology adds another tool to the toolbox, which may be helpful in combating diseases, such as African swine fever (ASF), avian influenza and other food-animal diseases.
“This stands to be a revolutionary technology if we don’t get in the way,” Folta adds.

Are There Risks to mRNA Vaccines?

Folta says everything has some sort of risk, but it’s important to weigh the benefits against the risk.
As seen with the COVID-19 vaccines, in rare cases, people experienced side effects from the vaccine. However, Folta is encouraged by the initial results in livestock.

“If you look in animals where these [vaccines] have been used, there have been no unusual effects noted. Everything potentially has risk, but it’s monitored, and especially in large animal populations, we can look very carefully at that for surveillance,” he explains.

mRNA Enters State Legislation

While some consumers spread misinformation about the use of mRNA vaccines, the ideas have also crept into state legislation.

The Missouri House Bill 1169 , with a special hearing set for Apr. 19 on the matter, aims to require a label be used on meat from animals treated with an mRNA vaccine, identifying the “potential gene therapy product.”
This bill falsely claims that mRNA vaccines would modify the genes of the organism, Folta explains.

mRNA vaccines are simply another modality that can protect animal health, which results in healthy animals producing the best and safest food products, Folta says, and provides producers with more options to help combat disease.

“To have affordable food, we need to have continual innovation in the animal, medical, veterinary space and mRNA vaccines are safe and an effective way to treat the animal that does not change the final product,” he adds.

The COVID-19 pandemic simply “broke the seal” to the development of these new modalities that will change the way human and animal diseases will be treated in the years to come.

More on Vaccines:

Genvax Technologies Secures $6.5 Million to Advance Novel Vaccine Platform

Cattle Veterinarians Have New Vaccination Guidelines

Don’t Assume That Old Refrigerator Is Good Enough To Store Vaccines

OTC Livestock Antibiotics Will Require Prescription June 11

USDA Approves New H5N1 Vaccine Trial for Dairy Cattle

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 20:12:30 GMT

As we near 200-herds being impacted by highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), the USDA says work is moving forward on a vaccine.

The agency has recently announced plans to conduct field trials for a vaccine aimed at preventing H5N1 from infecting dairy cows.

While four vaccines are licensed for avian influenza, none are approved for the current strain. And while a number of companies are working on a vaccine, the ag secretary says one company has presented sufficient information to allow him to authorize the first field trial.

“Hopefully we’ll be able to develop [a vaccine] in the near term with the information in this field trial,” says USDA Secretary, Tom Vilsack. “That will allow us to determine whether we can go to the next level, next set of steps necessary to ensure safe and effective use of the vaccine.”

The vaccine work is being overseen by USDA’s Center for Veterinary Biologics.

The secretary’s announcement comes after several ag industries, including dairy groups like the National Milk Producers Federation, sent a letter to the secretary supporting the development of a safe and effective vaccine one that can be used for dairy cows, turkeys and egg-laying hens.

Your Next Read: USDA’s Latest Farm Income Data Looks Brighter Than Early 2024 Numbers

How to Increase the Marketability of Beef-on-Dairy Calves

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 14:00:00 GMT

Many farms have become more innovative over the past few years by implementing beef genetics into their breeding programs. There have been two main advantages to adopting beef on dairy: management of replacement numbers and increased market value of the calves leaving the farm. A Wisconsin study found that 65% of the farmers surveyed sell their dairy beef crosses within the first week of birth, while 12.5% raised them to finish. No matter when beef cross calves are being marketed, steps can be taken to make them more marketable.

Don’t Skip Day One of Calf Care

The calves are not staying on the farm, but they should be treated like any other replacement animal. Dip navels with 7% iodine, administer proper vaccinations, and feed high-quality colostrum. Colostrum should be greater than 50 IgG to be considered high quality. Some farms have concerns about using their high quality colostrum on calves that may leave the farm. Many farms have had luck keeping their colostrum stocked by saving 50 to 70 lgG colostrum for market calves and greater than 70 for replacement heifers. Just like with replacement heifers, ensure colostrum is fed within a couple of hours of birth.

Track Calf Growth

For those marketing weaned calves, track average daily gain. Calves should have an average daily gain of approximately 1.5 lbs per day or double their birth weight by 8 weeks of age. Tracking weights weekly by using a weigh tape or portable scale will help determine whether these goals will be met. Collecting calf weights will also help determine when to vaccinate. Respiratory vaccinations should be given between 400 and 500 pounds. Ensure vaccinations are given at least two weeks before being transported from the farm.

Keep Health Records

Health records are extremely important when selling calves to a private buyer or through a contract. No matter what age the calves are marketed, buyers want to see that the calves are well cared for. Keep track of and provide vaccination and processing records. Signs of navel infections and respiratory disease will decrease the calf’s value. By collecting passive transfer for each calf, the farm can prove that the calves were given high-quality colostrum to set them up for future success. Being able to prove that providing the buyer with healthy calves by providing health records and sound calves will make your calves more marketable.

For more on beef-on-dairy, read:

What Is the Best Needle Size to Use When Working Cattle?

Thu, 24 Aug 2023 20:16:23 GMT

Does it matter what size needle I use? Is there a one-size-fits-all?

Choosing a needle isn’t quite as simple as grabbing any random one out of the vet box. Especially if your operation consists of animals of different sizes and ages, it’s important to consider several factors, say the veterinarians at Kansas State University’s Beef Cattle Institute.

Needle size has two components—diameter and length. Consider both components to appropriately match the job being done.

Needle Gauge

The diameter, or gauge, should vary depending on two factors:

• the size of the animal

• viscosity of the product

Bob Larson, DVM, shares his “go-to” needle preferences. For cows, he typically uses a 16-gauge needle, unless drawing blood or administering IV fluids, in which he might use a slightly larger diameter needle. For young calves, he prefers an 18-gauge needle. An 18-gauge needle would also be sufficient for goats, sheep and swine.

Additionally, the viscosity of the product should help determine a proper needle diameter. Logically, thicker, more viscous fluids should be administered using a larger bore needle to help the product flow faster into the animal. Alternately, most water-based products tend to be less viscous and can be used with a smaller bore needle.

Needle Length

When deciding the best length, consider administration protocols to ensure the product is administered in the proper location, such as subcutaneous or intramuscular, and the product’s efficacy is not affected.

For under the skin, or subcutaneous administration, needle length can vary based on preference.

Brad White, DVM, says skin thickness should be a determining factor of needle length, as the skin is much thinner in younger calves compared to that of an adult bovine.

Larson says 3/8” to ½” might be sufficient, while a longer needle can also be used if preferred, such as a 1.5” needle for cows and bulls and 1” for calves.

Longer needles have their time and place, though they pose a greater risk of breakage, especially when working larger numbers of cattle.

How Often Should I Change the Needle?

This can vary depending on the status of the herd. If any blood borne diseases are present, such as Anaplasmosis, Johne’s Disease or bovine leukosis virus, changing the needle with every single animal may be the most effective in preventing spread within the herd.

If there is no risk of disease spread within your herd, changing the needle every 5 to 10 animals might be more reasonable.

Burred or damaged needles should be changed immediately, as it may influence getting the product in the right spot to be effective.

More needle information and suggestions can be found in the Beef Quality Assurance manual .

Vaccines Using mRNA Can Protect Farm Animals Against Diseases Traditional Ones May Not

Fri, 19 May 2023 18:52:21 GMT

By David Verhoeven , Iowa State University

While effective vaccines for COVID-19 should have heralded the benefits of mRNA vaccines, fear and misinformation about their supposed dangers circulated at the same time. These misconceptions about mRNA vaccines have recently spilled over into worries about whether their use in agricultural animals could expose people to components of the vaccine within animal products such as meat or milk.

In fact, a number of states are drafting or considering legislation outlawing the use of mRNA vaccines in food animals or, at minimum, requiring their labeling on animal products in grocery stores. Idaho introduced a bill that would make it a misdemeanor to administer any type of mRNA vaccine to any person or mammal, including COVID-19 vaccines. A Missouri bill would have required the labeling of animal products derived from animals administered mRNA vaccines but failed to get out of committee. Arizona and Tennessee have also proposed labeling bills. Several other state legislatures are discussing similar measures.

I am a researcher who has been making vaccines for a number of years, and I started studying mRNA vaccines before the pandemic started. My research on using mRNA vaccines for cattle respiratory viruses has been referenced by social media users and anti-vaccine activists who say that using these vaccines in animals will endanger the health of people who eat them.

But these vaccines have been shown to reduce disease on farms, and it’s all but impossible for them to end up in your food.

Traditional Animal Vaccine Approaches

In food animals, several types of vaccines have long been available for farmers to protect their animals from common diseases. These include inactivated vaccines that contain a killed version of a pathogen, live attenuated vaccines that contain a weakened version of a pathogen and subunit vaccines that contain one part of a pathogen. All can elicit good levels of protection from disease symptoms and infection. Producing these vaccines is often inexpensive .

However, each of these vaccines has drawbacks .

Inactivated and subunit vaccines often do not produce a strong enough immune response, and pathogens can quickly mutate into variants that limit vaccine effectiveness . The weakened pathogens in live attenuated vaccines have the remote possibility of reverting back to their full pathogenic form or mixing with other circulating pathogens and becoming new vaccine-resistant ones. They also must be grown in specific cell cultures to produce them, which can be time-consuming.

There are also several pathogens – such as porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus, foot and mouth disease virus, H5N1 influenza and African swine fever virus – for which all three traditional approaches have yet to yield an effective vaccine.

Another major drawback for all three of these vaccine types is the time it takes to test and obtain federal approval to use them. Typically, animal vaccines take three or more years from development to licensure by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Should new viruses make it to farms, playing catch-up using traditional vaccines could take too long to contain an outbreak.

Advantages of Animal mRNA vaccines

All cells use mRNA, which contains the instructions to make the proteins needed to carry out specific functions. The mRNA used in vaccines encode instructions to make a protein from a pathogen of interest that immune cells learn to recognize and attack. This process builds immunological memory , so that when a pathogen carrying that same protein enters the body, the immune system will be ready to mount a quick and strong response against it.

Compared to traditional vaccines, mRNA vaccines have several advantages that make them ideal for protecting people and farm animals from both emerging and persistent diseases.

Unlike killed or subunit vaccines, mRNA vaccines increase the buildup of vaccine proteins in cells over time and train the immune system using conditions that look more like a viral infection. Like live attenuated vaccines, this process fosters the development of strong immune responses that may build better protection. In contrast to live attenuated viruses, mRNA vaccines cannot revert to a pathogenic form or mix with circulating pathogens. Furthermore, once the genetic sequence of a pathogen of interest is known, mRNA vaccines can be produced rather quickly .

The mRNA in vaccines can come in either a form that is structurally similar to what is normally found in the body, like those used in COVID-19 vaccines for people, or in a form that is self-amplifying, called saRNA . Because saRNA allows for higher levels of protein synthesis, researchers think that less mRNA would be needed to generate similar levels of immunity. However, a COVID-19 saRNA vaccine for people developed by biopharmaceutical company CureVac elicited less protection than traditional mRNA approaches.

Merck’s Sequivity is currently the only saRNA vaccine licensed for use in animals, and it is available by prescription to protect against swine flu in pigs.

Persistance of mRNA Vaccine Components

All mRNA vaccines are made in the laboratory using methods that were developed decades ago . Only recently has the technology advanced to the point where the body doesn’t immediately reject it by activating the antiviral defenses intrinsic to each of your cells. This rejection would occur before the immune system even had the chance to mount a response.

The COVID-19 mRNA vaccines used in people mix in modified nucleotides – the building blocks of RNA – with unmodified nucleotides so the mRNA can hide from the intrinsic antiviral sensors of the cell. These modified nucleotides are what allow the mRNA to persist in the body’s cells for a few days rather than just a few hours like natural mRNAs.

New methods of delivering the vaccine using lipid nanoparticles also ensure the mRNA isn’t degraded before it has a chance to enter cells and start making proteins.

Despite this stability, mRNA vaccines do not last long enough within animals after injection for any component of the vaccine to end up on grocery store shelves. Unlike for human vaccines, animal vaccine manufacturers must determine the withdrawal period in order to obtain USDA approval. This means any component of a vaccine cannot be found in the animal prior to milking or slaughter. Given the short lifespan of some of the agriculture animals and intensive milking schedules, withdrawal periods often need to be very short.

Between the mandatory vaccine withdrawal period, flash pasteurization for milk, degradation on the shelf and the cooking process for food products, there could not be any residual vaccine left for humans to consume. Even if you were to consume residual mRNA molecules, your gastrointestinal tract will rapidly degrade them .

Several mRNA vaccines for use in animals are in early stages of development . Merck’s USDA-licensed Sequivity does not use the modified nucleotides or lipid nanoparticles that allow those vaccine components to circulate for slightly longer periods in the body, so long-term persistence is unlikely.

Like in people, animal vaccines are tested for their safety and effectiveness in clinical trials. Approval for use from the USDA Center for Vaccine Biologics requires a modest level of protection against infection or disease symptoms. As with all animal vaccines, future mRNA vaccines will also need to be fully cleared from the animal’s body before they can be used in animals for human consumption.

mRNA Vaccines for More Farm Animals

Whether mRNA vaccines will displace other vaccine types for livestock is yet to be determined. The cost of manufacturing these vaccines , their need to kept very cold and warm up before use to avoid degradation, and the efficacy of different types of mRNA vaccines all still need to be addressed before large-scale use can take place.

Traditional vaccines for food animals have protected them against many diseases . Limiting the use of mRNA vaccines right now would mean losing a new way to protect animals from pesky pathogens that current vaccines can’t fend off.

(Farm Journal)

Article written by David Verhoeven , Assistant Professor of Vet Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, Iowa State University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article .

mRNA Conspiracy Theories: Ranch Group Offers ‘Fearmongering’ and ‘Misinformation’

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 20:23:57 GMT

Misinformation and conspiracy theories regarding the use of mRNA vaccines in livestock continue, despite efforts of the scientific community, the Animal Health Institute and government agencies.

Last week Drovers and AgWeb reported about a bogus claim on social media that producers are required to inject livestock with mRNA vaccines. USDA spokesperson Marissa Perry said, “There is no requirement or mandate that producers vaccinate their livestock for any disease.”

Further, the mRNA vaccines are not even available for cattle in the United States, and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association issued a statement indicating such in an effort to tamp down the internet falsehoods.

University of Florida professor Kevin Folta appeared on AgriTalk confirming to host Chip Flory that no mRNA cattle vaccine is approved in the U.S., but researchers are working on an mRNA vaccine for swine to battle porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS).

“It’s (mRNA) a vaccine for the animal that, just like any other vaccine, protects the animal from disease,” Folta said. And, “It’s not in your food.”

Despite Folta’s and assurances from many others in the scientific community, false accusations about the safety of meat and milk continue. Late last week one ranch group issued a press statement followed by a commentary, both filled with inaccuracies about mRNA and frosted with a coating of fear for consumers.

In the press release, R-CALF USA said after a briefing from its Animal Health Committee Chair, who “spoke with medical doctors and a microbiologist” who were unnamed, the group’s board passed a motion to bring the issue before the full membership at its next annual meeting to determine policy direction. Until then, R-CALF says mandatory country-of-origin labeling (COOL) must be adopted, because without COOL, “The American consumer has no way of knowing if the beef they are buying is coming from a country using this debatable mRNA technology in their cattle health management.”

R-CALF CEO Bill Bullard went even further in his commentary , calling the mRNA vaccine “an injection.” Additionally, he claimed that mRNA “hijacks living cells, tricking them into producing some level of immunity against human viruses.”

But the most egregious statement from Bullard seems to cavalierly tarnish beef’s safety image.

“There is great concern that living cells excrete the mRNA over time and the mRNA can then be transferred to animals and humans that have never received the mRNA injection,” Bullard wrote. “It is believed, for example, that humans can contact (sic) mRNA by eating meat from livestock that have received the injection.”

All of that is false, of course. To obtain confirmation we reached out to Dr. Jeff Savell, Vice Chancellor and Dean, Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University, who is also a Distinguished Professor, Meat Science. He promptly put us in contact with a faculty expert.

That would be Dr. Penny Riggs, associate professor of animal science at Texas A&M. More of her credentials later. But first, after reviewing the R-CALF releases she called them “fearmongering and misinformation.”

Quoting directly from the email Drovers received from Dr. Riggs:

“First. No mRNA vaccines are currently available for beef cattle. I understand that there are a couple of vaccines against respiratory disease and rotavirus for swine.”

“Second. No food safety risk exists for meat from animals that have received any vaccination.” [Regardless of vaccination type, proper withdrawal times should be ensured. Specified withdrawal times are based on the specific vaccine and its formulation components.]

“Third. mRNA from a vaccine will NOT be passed along in meat.”

So what about Dr. Riggs’ credentials? Start with a BS in Biology, and then a Masters in Cytogenetics from Purdue University. Then a PhD in molecular genetics from Texas A&M.

(Here’s a crash course in just what mRNA is and the important job it does, authored by Dr. Riggs for The Conversation.)

“Riggs’ research focuses on analyses of gene, RNA and protein expression, function, and signaling that regulate or influence aspects of beef quality, skeletal muscle traits, and developmental processes in beef cattle, as well as whole genome sequencing of bacterial pathogens. She has additional interests in genome technologies and genetic modifiers of disease susceptibility and in the role of animal agriculture and biotechnology in ensuring food and nutritional security,” according to her A&M profile.

And for good measure, Riggs “conducted postdoctoral work in the radiation biophysics lab as a Texas Aerospace Fellow at the University of Houston and the NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center.”

Regarding the misinformation about the safety of meat contained in the R-CALF releases, Riggs called it “unfortunate.” As agriculturalists, “we should be celebrating the advances in technology that enable more precise and effective strategies for ensuring animal health and well-being in order to continue producing the nutritious and safe meat, milk, and other animal source products that sustain life and good health.”

Riggs went on to address the commentary and press release specifically, noting they both contain numerous factual errors. The following are Riggs’ verbatim comments to Drovers:

1. mRNA itself is neither a vaccine, nor an injection. Specific mRNAs are produced in every cell of every living organism as the first step for every biological function. The mRNA is a specific and relatively short-lived nucleotide message that is translated into the proteins in our cells. The messages are destroyed in the cell after sufficient protein is made for each biological task (minutes to hours).

2. A vaccine is a derivative of a pathogen—such as a modified virus, a killed virus, part of a virus, or a specific mRNA copy of a small part of a virus—that can function as an antigen. That means that when the vaccine is delivered, often by injection, our bodies recognize that antigen and respond to it by making antibodies, enabling development of immunity to that original pathogen. What makes an mRNA vaccine different is that it is the minimal amount of sequence needed for eliciting an immune response. Viruses tend to mutate rapidly, so mRNA is an advantage for speedy vaccine production because the sequence can be revised as needed. Also, this type of vaccine doesn’t have to be grown – so there are fewer ingredients in the formulation that could have potential to elicit an allergic reaction. In short, the mRNA vaccine is a new tool that is very precise and can be formulated rapidly as threats emerge.

3. What does the mRNA in a vaccine do? THE mRNA from a vaccine DOES NOT rewrite instructions from the body’s DNA. The mRNA does not hijack the cell.

When the mRNA enters the cytoplasm of the immune system’s sentinel cells, the normal protein-making “machinery” present in the cytoplasm reads the message and generates a protein product that is then recognized as the foreign antigen. Then, our immune system is stimulated to produce antibodies, just like any other vaccine does.

4. Potential risks are very low for humans and livestock. Although vaccines are very safe and help protect people and animals from harmful viruses and other pathogens, they function by eliciting an immune response. Rarely, that triggering of the immune response may be harmful, or a person may have an allergic reaction to the materials used to formulate the vaccine – for example, people allergic to eggs should not receive a vaccine developed in eggs. So far, data only exists for the mRNA vaccines developed to protect again COVID-19 and the limited swine vaccinations. From data collected to date, the risk of adverse events compared to other types of vaccines is very low, achieving zero risk for anything is almost impossible.

5. NO, there is NOT “great concern that living cells excrete the mRNA over time and the mRNA can then be transferred to animals and humans that have never received the mRNA injection.”

6. NO it is NOT TRUE that “for example, that humans can contact [sic] mRNA by eating meat from livestock that have received the injection.”

This is false. These statements are unfounded fearmongering. Every morsel of food we eat that comes from plants or animals is loaded with the DNA, RNA (mRNA, rRNA, miRNA, etc), along with proteins and other contents of the cells from source organisms – no matter if it is spinach or steak. People can enjoy a great meal, digest the meat, and none of its DNA or RNA will be transferred to them. It’s just not physically possible for that to occur.

7. mRNA vaccines have been “in development” for a couple of decades, but mRNA is unstable and difficult to deliver as a vaccine. As a result of U.S. investments during COVID, the last hurdle was overcome – how to deliver the specific mRNA and keep it from being destroyed long enough for an immune response to occur. This is still expensive technology, but the big breakthrough enables highly specific vaccines to be formulated rapidly and deliver only what is required. However, tests have shown that even these types of mRNA molecules can’t survive very long in the cell – an estimate is that 50% of the mRNA from a vaccine is gone in about 20 hours, and completely destroyed within a few days.

8. NO, the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines that contain a portion of the Sars-CoV2 spike protein will not deliver mRNA to consumers who drink milk if it is injected into dairy cows. Yes, there are ways to genetically engineer animals to deliver protein products in milk – this was done in dairy goats many years ago, but it CANNOT be accomplished by an mRNA vaccine.

9. NO, people who eat meat from an animal treated with an mRNA vaccine, CANNOT absorb the mRNA from the vaccine in the intestinal tract.

In conclusion, Riggs wrote, “These outlandish claims are nothing more than fearmongering to push other agendas. The various state and federal proposed bills are not based on any kind of rational scientific evidence.”

Don’t Assume That Old Refrigerator Is Good Enough To Store Vaccines

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 17:32:44 GMT

There is a scenario with used refrigerators that occurs routinely across farm country: The old refrigerator is pulled out of the family kitchen when a new and improved version is installed. The old appliance is then moved to a garage, machinery shed or barn and repurposed. It might be responsible now for chilling a variety of items ranging from pharmaceutical products to employee lunches.

That’s fine if the refrigerator is up to the task. But that’s often not the case, according to research conducted by Emmanuel Rollin, DVM and clinical associate professor, College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Georgia*.

“It might be OK to store a Coca-Cola, but I wouldn’t want to leave my sandwich in some of them,” he says.

Rollin and team evaluated the performance of 20 refrigerators during a five-month period from July through November 2021. While the bulk of the refrigerators were household appliances, mini-refrigerators and a couple of commercial grade refrigerators were also evaluated.

“Our main objective for the study was to go out into the real world and see how vaccines and other refrigerated pharmaceuticals are actually being stored on the farm and whether they are staying at the temperature recommended on the product labels,” he says.

To maintain product integrity in refrigeration, the recommended temperature interval (RTI) for most biologics, including vaccines, is between 35°F and 45°F, according to Grant Dewell, DVM, associate professor and beef Extension veterinarian, and Troy Brick, DVM, assistant professor of vet diagnostic and production animal medicine, Iowa State University.

Not Up To Snuff

During the study, Rollin and team recorded the internal temperature of each refrigerator every 10 minutes, using a data logging device to accomplish that [Specifically, an InTemp Bluetooth temperature with glycol bottle (VFC/CDC) Data Logger that retails for about $175. It’s available here: link ] While only 20 refrigerators were in the study, the team collected about a million data points.

As suspected, the team found refrigerator performance was subpar in many cases. Results showed that household refrigerators were outside the recommended temperature interval 37% of the time, mini-refrigerators 27% of the time and commercial refrigerators 2% of the time.

Rollin says he was surprised the mini refrigerators, like those found in dorm rooms, performed as well as they did. Not surprising was that commercial units scored the best in the evaluation process.

“Because they’re designed for commercial spaces and have better quality components, they have a way to dial-in and maintain the temperature. They also may have fans to keep the air flowing to improve circulation and minimize hot and cold spots,” Rollin says.

Similar Findings Elsewhere
Rollin’s findings are much like those found by the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service in a 2008 study**. It evaluated 191 refrigerators used by producers, retail stores and veterinary clinics. Data loggers were used to record temps at 10-minute intervals over 48 hours.

Of 191 refrigerators tested, 76% were unacceptable for storing pharmaceuticals, because temperatures were not consistently maintained between 35°F and 45°F.

Refrigerator type and age were not critical factors in performance. However, refrigerator location did matter. The refrigerators in barns maintained the coldest (often freezing) temperatures. Refrigerators located in temperature-controlled environments performed better.

Rollin and team looked at similar factors:

They considered the location of the refrigerator and whether the temperature of the room affected its ability to cool products. The short answer in many cases was yes.

The cooling power or style of the refrigerator and its age were noted.

Researchers inventoried the types of items that were kept in the refrigerator. “That was interesting,” Rollin says. “Some of the refrigerators were packed. We saw everything from $100 worth of (product) inventory up to $15,000 of inventory in the refrigerators.”

Factors Not Evaluated
Since the completion of the study, Rollin says the most common question he has received from people is whether the refrigerated vaccines and other products are any good, once they’ve been stored outside a manufacturer’s prescribed temperature range for any length of time.

Because the study didn’t address that particular question, the University of Georgia study has no specific insights to offer.

“Every vaccine is different and has different adjuvants, so how far it can get away from the ideal temperature zone and for how long that can happen before impacting the product’s efficacy, we just don’t know that,” Rollin says.

Dewell and Brick say, in their experience, vaccines that have “undergone temperature cycles above or below the recommended storage temperature (over time) will have reduced efficacy and may be completely worthless due to deactivation.” They detail proper vaccine handling practices in this online article, Vaccines: Handle with Care

Where To From Here?
Rollin recommends that livestock producers along with their veterinarians consider how refrigerator performance on the farm can impact the efficacy of animal health products stored in them. Here are some of his recommendations next steps:

For existing refrigerators, set the refrigerator temperature correctly for the pharmaceutical products it contains, he advises. Use a data logging device for monitoring, if possible.

“Even a cheap $5 dial thermometer you can find in the cooking section at the grocery store is better than nothing,” he says. “It will give you the temperature at the specific time you check it.”

For between $20 and $30 Rollin says producers can purchase a digital thermometer, which can provide temperature highs and lows in the refrigerator over a 24-hour period.

If the producer is building a new office or farm building or has the resources, Rollin recommends purchasing and installing a commercial refrigerator.

Likewise, if financial resources are tight, producers can check with their veterinarian or product distributor to see if they will supply a thermometer, says Fred Gingrich, DVM and executive director of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP).

“When I was in practice I had these little USB data loggers I’d throw into clients’ fridges to monitor the temperature,” Gingrich recalls.

Keep the refrigerator organized and manage the inventory. “We saw a lot of refrigerators where products were just piled into them along with human food and human drinks, too,” Rollin says. “Keeping the refrigerator organized is going to make it quicker for somebody to reach in and get what they need and close the door rather than having it open for 10 minutes while they’re looking for something.”

“Those are all things that veterinarians can do to help producers,” Rollin adds. “A lot of times we’re selling these products and relying on them to work. So, I believe it’s our role to help producers make sure that those products are actually able to have their intended use of preventing disease.”

Recently, Rollin spoke with Dr. Gingrich about the refrigerator study on a ‘Have You Herd’ podcast, which is available for free at aabp.org. You can access it here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/814177/

References:

*Fallness, C. A., Rollin, E., Heins, B. D., & Berghaus, R. D. (2022). Maintenance of the last step of the cold chain: on-farm refrigerator storage and performance. The Bovine Practitioner, 56(2), 62–69. https://doi.org/10.21423/bovine-vol56no2p62-69

**“The Temperature Variability of Refrigerators Storing Animal Health Products”, T.R.Troxel, PAS, B.L.Barham, PAS, University of Arkansas, Division of Animal Health, Cooperative Extension Service.

Are We Over-vaccinating Beef-on-Dairy Calves?

Wed, 04 Jan 2023 14:27:26 GMT

The exploding phenomenon of using beef sires to add value to non-replacement dairy calves is creating an unprecedented merging of the U.S. dairy and beef sectors. Along the way, there’s some learning to be done on both sides.

“We love those calves,” declared Dan Thomson, DVM, PhD, who provides health consultation to major U.S. feedlots and also performs research at Iowa State University. “Their genetics have improved considerably in the past few years; they grade very well; and they are a consistent, steady supply of feeder cattle.”

But Thomson said there are some distinct disparities between the lives of full-blood beef calves and their beef-on-dairy cousins before they reach the feedlot. Of particular concern: vaccinations.

“When a beef calf is born, on Day 1 we might give it a clostridial vaccine and an intranasal vaccine,” shared Thomson. “Then at branding around 4 months old, they commonly receive a broad vaccination like a 5-way MLV, and some receive a Mannheimia haemolytica vaccine. And that’s it until weaning. They’re out on pasture with mama for the summer, and we won’t touch them for the next 3 months when it’s time for preconditioning and weaning.”

For calves growing up in the dairy production system, the scenario is much different. At the most recent meeting of the Academy of Veterinary Consultants -- a group of professionals dedicated to feedlot health -- Thomson said there was much discussion on the potential over-vaccination of beef-on-dairy calves.

“The concern stemmed from the fact that consultants are seeing beef-on-dairy calves struggling with bovine respiratory disease (BRD) after entering the feedlot, even though they’ve been given a whole host of vaccinations,” Thomson stated. “Some of our higher-risk populations of cattle for BRD at the feedyard are the beef calves that come in with no vaccinations, and the beef-on-dairy calves that have been blasted with vaccines.”

He said during the first 90-100 days of their lives, calf-ranched-raised calves may receive up to 20 vaccinations, including antigens for various viral respiratory disease agents like IBR and BVD,; and a host of bacterins ranging from blackleg, respiratory disease, enteric disease, pinkeye, and more.

Every vaccine sparks a challenge to the calf’s developing immune system. “I’m not an immunologist, but from a field perspective, it makes one wonder, ‘How many challenges can those little calves take?’” said Thomson. “I’ve seen protocols that call for vaccination on Days 1, 28, 35, 42, 49, 63, and at departure from the calf ranch. That’s very common.”

In addition to the systemic challenge, Thomson is concerned about the pain associated with a near-weekly needle poke. And he said there is research-based evidence that some vaccines change the microbiome of the nasal passages in calves, permanently altering their natural bacterial defenses.

Thomson would like to see the dairy and calf ranch sectors shift their focus away from super-sized vaccine protocols and toward at least four fundamentals that he believes will serve the calves and the industry much better:

Colostrum delivery – There’s no way to re-create the natural immunity conferred by the passive transfer of immunoglobulins and other helpful agents supplied by colostrum on the first day of life. Thomson said dairy managers have a good understanding of this, but would like to see equal focus on excellent colostrum quality and delivery for replacement and non-replacement calves alike.

BVD screening – Replacement heifers on many dairies are screened vigilantly, early in life, to cull out persistently infected (PI) BVD carriers. Again, Thomson suggested the equivalent handling of calves headed for the beef supply chain, as he believes BVD caused by PI carriers remains a significant cause of respiratory issues in feedlot cattle.

Rearing basics – Vaccines cannot make up for inadequate nutrition and water delivery, subpar sanitation of housing and feeding equipment, fly problems, and heat stress, according to Thomson. He said tending to all of those details for calves is more important than any shot you give them.

Transportation – “Putting day-old baby calves on a truck at their birthplace in the upper Midwest and shipping them to calf ranches in Kansas and west Texas has become a standard practice that I think needs to be adjusted,” stated Thomson. “They might be alive when they reach their destination, but you can’t tell me that it’s good for their immune systems.”

With strengthened communication and possible incentives between the various stages of the beef-on-dairy production chain, Thomson is optimistic about the future, merging veins of the industry.

“I think we’re on a very successful path to a system that benefits every sector,” he said. “You can’t vaccinate your way out of a problem once it’s started, but by tweaking the fundamentals at the ground level, we can create healthier animals with fewer disease challenges and stronger natural immunity.”

For more on beef-on-dairy, read:

New Johne’s Vaccine in the Works

Tue, 03 Aug 2021 17:39:10 GMT

A solution to the dismal cycle of Johne’s disease may be in sight, thanks to the development of a new vaccine “cocktail” to protect cattle from the insidious disease.

Scientists from the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) have developed a new, experimental vaccine to protect cattle from the bacterium that causes Johne’s disease, Mycobacterium avium subsp. Paratuberculosis (MAP).

According to the Johne’s Information Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Johne’s disease likely migrated to the United States when European settlers brought cattle with them from their native lands in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s.

For more than a century, U.S. dairy producers have battled the intestinal disease, which causes diarrhea, weight loss, decreased milk production, and eventual death. USDA estimates indicate that more than two-thirds of all U.S. dairy herds have at least one cow that is positive for Johne’s, with prevalence approaching 100% in larger herds.

Because the age of clinical onset can vary, many cows never show obvious signs of Johne’s disease in their lifetimes. But the silent nature of the disease also allows it to easily become embedded in a herd, as calves with naïve immune systems ingest the MAP bacteria that are shed via manure, colostrum and milk.

Older renditions of Johne’s vaccines have been available for decades, but carried multiple drawbacks. They often triggered large injection-site blemishes. And, post-vaccination, treated animals automatically tested positive for both Johne’s disease and bovine tuberculosis. So, to date, culling sick animals and basically “living with” the disease have been the main Johne’s control strategies.

Vaccine cocktail shows promise

The new vaccine is based on a novel approach to disabling the MAP organism. Rather than using the whole cells of the bacterium, as has been done with past commercial vaccine formulations, USDA/ARS researchers focused on four, individual proteins within the bacterium.

When mice vaccinated with the singular proteins showed promising results by way of reduced bacterial colonization of intestinal walls and lessened fecal shedding, the researchers proceeded to the next step. They combined all four proteins into a composite vaccine “cocktail” and testing it out on calves.

The results, published in the April 2021 issue of the journal Vaccine , showed the vaccinated calves:

Were rendered immune to the disease over the course of a year of monitoring.
Did not experience blemishes at the injection site; and
Showed little to no cross-reactivity with serological tests for both Johne’s disease and bovine tuberculosis.

Next in development of this promising new technology are additional efficacy trials as a path to commercial licensure and marketing. USDA officials say they, “welcome collaboration with an industry partner to explore the patented vaccine cocktail’s commercial potential further.”

Top Reasons Cattle Vaccines Fail

Thu, 12 Nov 2020 05:33:51 GMT

By: Jennifer Bearden, University of Florida Extension Agent

There are several variables in the vaccination equation: the people, the animals, and the vaccine. All these variables work together to create immunity to diseases in our livestock. With so many variables, things can sometimes go wrong and the animal fails to develop the desired immune response. Put another way; the animal can get sick even though it was vaccinated.

There are several reasons for vaccine failure. People are ultimately responsible for ensuring that all variables are correct, but here are some big mistakes we sometimes make:

Giving the wrong sized dose – carefully read and follow all label instructions.
Incorrect booster timing – schedule time to administer the initial vaccination only when you know you can booster it in a timely manner. Many vaccines require a booster 2-3 weeks after the initial dose. Be sure to read the label.
Incorrect vaccine injection site on the animal – some vaccines are supposed to go in the muscle; some are supposed to go under the skin. Again read the label instructions and follow them.

The animal is very important to the equation as well. Animals that are thin, sick, or animals under stress can fail to develop the desired response to vaccines. Cattle that are lacking in nutrients or are diverting nutrients to other physical needs may not develop the desired immunity. Young animals that still have residual passive immunity acquired from the mother since its birth, also may not develop lasting immunity. Check with your local vet for a livestock vaccination schedule.

The vaccine itself is important too, of course. Vaccines should be stored at the proper temperature. Check your refrigerator that you store vaccines in to make sure it maintains a constant temperature of 35-45 degrees F. Vaccines are sensitive to heat and freezing temperatures. Don’t store excess or unused, vaccine. Use all vaccine immediately and discard any unused vaccine. Be sure to use vaccines before the expiration date. Expired vaccines may become ineffective causing the animal to fail to develop immunity.

The take home message is always read label instructions carefully! Store and administer vaccinations according to the label instructions and recommended schedules, and maintain a healthy herd by following recommended best management practices.

Here is the complete article with charts.