BEST PRACTICES Safely Using, Mixing, Storing, & Administering Vaccinations & Injectables When Working Cattle By Amanda Radke
T
he summer grazing season is upon us, and I’m sure most of you have already worked and moved your cow-calf pairs to summer pastures. For many, this time of year brings families and friends together for backgrounding and branding before the official turnout date. And whether you work calves now or in the fall, it’s always good to have a refresher on how to handle, store and administer vaccinations for safety and efficacy.
Here are ten simple tips to keep in mind:
1. Order vaccinations and supplies well in advance of the day you’ll need them. 2. Consult with your veterinarian and nutritionist if considering updating protocols or changing products. 3. Select a high-quality product considering both price and value. 4. Carefully read labels and follow as directed, checking both dosage and route of administration. 5. Store vaccines according to label instructions. 6. Always use a clean, sterile needle, and have spares on hand when administering to cattle. 7. Mix only one bottle at a time. 8. Heavy-duty coolers with ice are critical to have on site as you administer vaccines. 9. Always properly clean equipment and syringes after vaccinating. 10. Keep accurate records of vaccination and treatment status of animals. For a more in-depth look at these tips, you can reference the following articles: 1. “Management tips for vaccines and injectables” by Heidi Carroll for South Dakota State University Carroll writes, “A good herd health plan involves both a vaccination program and treatment plan developed with your veterinarian. Approximately 70% of beef operations administer vaccines to cows and calves at least one time every 12 months (NAHMS, 2007–2008). Additionally, 68% of operations used oral or injectable 6
GPL Fall 2021
