Proper Handling of Livestock Vaccines

However, healthy animals don't just happen; they take time and care. One step to keeping animals healthy involves vaccinating them to protect against disease. To achieve effective protection against disease, it is important to handle vaccines properly.

To protect your animals against infectious diseases, it is important to vaccinate not only at the right time, but with the right product. Properly handling the vaccine from purchase to administration will ensure optimal immunity.

When buying vaccines, purchase from a reputable source that delivers high-quality vaccines. Most vaccines should be stored in a refrigerator. Heat can make the vaccines ineffective, so they should not be allowed to warm up to room temperature at any time. Also, be sure that the vaccines do not freeze. This could also make them ineffective.

If you buy vaccines that require mixing, use only the rehydration solution packaged with the vaccine. Determine how many animals you need to vaccinate, and mix only enough to vaccinate that number. Any leftover vaccine should be thrown away as it loses its effectiveness during storage. For some vaccines, this could be as soon as one to two hours after rehydration. So, only mix what you will use in a very short period of time.

Generally, there are two types of vaccines: modified live and killed. Modified live vaccines have been developed so that the disease-causing viruses will not cause disease but will allow the animal to develop immunity to the disease. This occurs when the virus reproduces in the animal's body, and the animal's immune system then develops antibodies. These vaccines are generally not safe to administer to pregnant animals because they mimic an infection. Killed vaccines are made from viruses or bacteria that are no longer active. This type of vaccine stimulates the animal's immune system to produce antibodies that prevent the animal from contracting the disease if it is exposed. These vaccines can be given to pregnant animals.

Follow the label directions for giving the injection. Some products call for subcutaneous (SQ) injections, which are given under the skin. Other products should be given in the muscle (IM). If you have a choice, it is better to give the injection SQ as this will minimize any damage to muscle tissue. The best area to give the injection is in the neck or in front of the shoulder.

In addition to the injection site, look for the timing of the vaccinations. Be sure to follow directions regarding the age at administration and whether another vaccination needs to be given at a later time. Younger animals tend to need a second injection two to four weeks later. Then, annual boosters are recommended using a single dose. If the animals receiving the injection will be used for meat, make sure you check the withdrawal times. Most withdrawal times are 21 to 28 days after injection. Handling vaccines properly will help ensure that the product will produce immunity against specific diseases in your sheep. And it will help keep those lambs bouncing happily across your pastures.