By Dr. Bob Kropp George Chiga Endowed Professor of Beef Cattle, Oklahoma State University Chairman, TLBAA Education Committee
A proper health program for your registered Texas Longhorn program should be partnership between your local veterinarian and yourself. Understanding the health requirements for entrance into most shows, sales and other events is critical so that necessary health papers can be generated in a timely manner. Since the size and scope of most Texas Longhorn programs vary substantially, there is no “one health and vaccination program that fits all”, but the herd health program that each Texas Longhorn breeder utilizes should be “tailor made” to fit the individual needs of the program. An outstanding working relationship with your local veterinarian is essential for your herd health program to be a success. Proper immunization is necessary to limit and possibly prevent common diseases of cattle, such as Clostridial (Blackleg, Maglinant edema and Entertoxemia) infections, Leptospirosis, Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR) virous, Parainfluenza3 (PI3) virus, Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD) virus, Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus (BRSV) and pneumonia resulting form pasteurella.
Killed (Inactivated) vaccines (KV) vs. Modified-Live vaccines (MLV).
The most common vaccines on the market are either killed or modified-live vaccines.
Killed virus (KV) - Most killed vaccines are pro-
vided in a liquid form that is ready for immediate use. The viruses in this vaccine have been killed, so when they are injected into an animal the dead virus stimulates an immune response. There is little risk for killed vaccine to cause disease. The vaccine contains an adjuvant which helps the dead viral particles to cause an immune reaction. Killed vaccines can be
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given to pregnant cows. Killed vaccine requires two doses to provide protection.
Modified Live Virus vaccine (MLV)
- Modified-live vaccines usually come in box with a dry pow-
der form in a bottle that must be reconstituted prior to use. Another bottle containing the reconstitution agent accompanies the bottle of the dry powder The reconstitution agent must be mixed with the dry powder prior to injection into the animal. These vaccines should be used within a few hours after reconstitution and they are very sensitive to heat and sunlight and should be handled appropriately. The viruses have been modified so that when the vaccine is injected into the animal they replicate as if they were the regular virus except they cannot cause disease. In this manner the immune response is similar to infection by the virus. MLV vaccine generally should not be used in pregnant animals unless you have followed the label of the vaccine you are using. MLV vaccines may provide protection with one dose but generally two doses are recommended. It is important that all vaccines are handled and stored properly to maintain their potency. ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE CAREFULLY. A vaccination schedule for various classes of animals on your farm follows. It is very important that you consult with your local veterinarian on terms of specific vaccinations that should be administered to your herd.
Vaccination Schedule
Pre-weaning_____________ Vaccinate all calves at approximately 2-4 months of age with two vaccinations • Vaccinate for Blackleg, Malignant Edema and Enterotoxemia by using a 7-way Clostridium Chauvoei-Septicum-Novyi-Sordellii-Perfringens Types C & D Bacterin-Toxoid. • Vaccinate for Leptospirosis by using a 5-way Leptospira Canicola-Grippotyphosa-Hardjo-IcterohaemorrhagiaePomona Bacterin Texas Longhorn Trails