What Vaccines Do My Cattle Need? A Guide to Protecting Your Herd

Keeping your cattle healthy is essential for maintaining a productive and profitable herd. Vaccines play a vital role in preventing serious diseases, which can not only impact your livestock’s well-being but also your business. Whether you’re managing a small herd or a large one, ensuring that your cattle are properly vaccinated is key to their long-term health.

At Rustebakke Veterinary Service, we’re dedicated to helping you protect your herd. Let’s take a closer look at the essential vaccines your cattle need, what diseases they prevent, and when to administer them.

Why Vaccination is Important

Vaccines help your cattle build immunity against diseases that could otherwise spread quickly and devastate your herd. By vaccinating your cattle, you can prevent outbreaks that lead to loss of livestock, decreased milk production, and economic hardship. It’s especially important to vaccinate cattle against diseases that are common in our region.

A well-planned vaccination program tailored to your herd’s needs will provide your cattle with long-lasting protection and help minimize disease risks.

Core Vaccines for Cattle

Here are the core vaccines that every cattle farmer should consider to keep their herd healthy:

1. Clostridial Vaccines (“Blackleg”)

Clostridial diseases, such as blackleg, can affect cattle suddenly and often lead to fatal outcomes. These bacterial infections can cause severe muscle damage and other complications. Vaccinating your herd with a clostridial vaccine is a simple yet highly effective way to prevent these deadly diseases.

2. Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVD)

BVD is a contagious viral infection that can cause respiratory and reproductive issues in cattle. It can lead to abortions in pregnant cows and severe immune suppression, making cattle more susceptible to other infections. A BVD vaccine is crucial in protecting the reproductive health and productivity of your herd.

3. Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR)

IBR is a respiratory disease that can spread rapidly among cattle, causing fever, nasal discharge, and eye infections. This vaccine is often combined with BVD to ensure comprehensive protection against both respiratory and reproductive diseases. Ensuring that your cattle are protected from IBR will help avoid outbreaks that can cripple your herd’s productivity.

4. Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that can be transmitted through urine-contaminated water or feed. It can lead to kidney damage, reproductive losses, and, in severe cases, death. Vaccinating your cattle against leptospirosis is critical, especially in areas where the disease is common.

5. Brucellosis

Brucellosis is a highly contagious bacterial infection that primarily affects reproductive health, leading to abortions and infertility in cattle. Vaccination against brucellosis is not only important for your cattle’s health but also often legally required in certain regions.

For more details on vaccination schedules and managing herd health, visit our Bovine Herd Health Management page.

When to Vaccinate Your Cattle

Vaccination schedules can vary depending on the type of cattle you manage (beef or dairy), the region you are in, and whether your cattle are breeding, pregnant, or calves. In general, cattle should be vaccinated early in life, with booster shots administered throughout their lifespan.

  • Calves: Most vaccines are given when calves are around 3 to 6 months old, with boosters needed in the first year to ensure long-lasting immunity.
  • Breeding Cows: Cows should receive vaccines before the breeding season to protect reproductive health. For diseases like BVD and leptospirosis, vaccinating pregnant cows is also recommended.
  • Bulls: Vaccinating bulls before breeding season can protect their reproductive health and prevent the spread of disease to the herd.

Working with your veterinarian to establish a proper vaccination schedule is the best way to ensure your herd remains protected year-round.

How Rustebakke Veterinary Service Can Help

At Rustebakke Veterinary Service, we understand the importance of keeping your cattle healthy and productive. Our experienced veterinarians can help you create a vaccination plan tailored to the specific needs of your herd. We offer a range of large animal services, from routine vaccinations to diagnostic services, to ensure your cattle receive the best care.

If you’re unsure which vaccines your cattle need, or if you want to discuss a vaccination schedule, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to provide expert advice and support.

Conclusion

Vaccinating your cattle is a critical step in protecting their health and ensuring a productive, disease-free herd. By staying on top of vaccinations and working with the team at Rustebakke Veterinary Service, you can give your cattle the best chance of thriving. If you need help creating a vaccination plan or have questions about herd health, reach out.