Importance of Vaccination in Preventive Health Management Program of Cattle

The term vaccination refers to immunization for the prevention and control of diseases of animals through use of vaccines for specific period of life. Immunization is an integral part of cattle health management.  There are many endemic diseases of cattle in India that seriously affect the health, production and performance of dairy animals leading to several economic losses. These diseases can be controlled by using specific vaccines to stimulate antibody response and providing immune protection to the animals for a specific time

Difference between an Immunization and a Vaccination:

Although the two words are often used interchangeably; these are defined as:

Vaccination: An act of introducing a vaccine into the body to produce immunity/antibodies to a specific disease.

Immunization: A process by which an animal becomes protected against a disease through vaccination. This term is often used interchangeably with vaccination or inoculation.

 How does vaccine work?

Most vaccines contain antigen proteins (derived from either virus or bacterium) that prevent disease by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies to fight the pathogen. A vaccine usually contains the pathogen or parts of it in inactivated or killed form; the body recognizes the pathogen and builds a defence against infection. Giving a small dose of antigen via vaccine improves the speed and efficiency of the animal’s next immune response to the same antigen, as the vaccinated animals’ immune system has a “memory” of that antigen. If an animal encounters the disease itself, there are already antibodies in place to fight the pathogens, and more are produced quickly. If enough antibodies are present to inactivate all the pathogens that invade, the animal won’t get sick, and the invasion stimulates rapid production of more antibodies for future protection. Most vaccines are given once or twice a year, to keep antibody levels high enough to protect against a specific disease

Types of commonly used Vaccines in cattle:

Vaccines are offered in two basic forms; killed or modified live vaccines. Each type has both advantages and disadvantages.

Killed vaccines are generally more stable in storage than modified live products and are safer for pregnant cows, but they usually require two doses (an initial vaccination and a booster) in order to stimulate immunity. Killed vaccines are safer, in general than modified live vaccines

Modified live-virus vaccines generally are administered in single doses (except for IBR, which requires boosters, since this vaccine doesn’t give long-lasting immunity) and develop a faster cell-mediated immune response than killed products do.  These vaccines trigger a broad immunity that involves both a humoral and a cell-mediated response.

Recommended Vaccination schedule and protocol in Cattle:

Note:  Vaccinate only healthy animals; malnutrition, helminth infestation, administration of immunosuppressive agents like corticosteroids, radiation therapy, etc. will suppress immune response to vaccine; generally no adverse reactions are noticed, occasionally a transient, palpable nodule may occur at the site of injection; in rare cases hypersensitivity may occur, immediate treatment with antihistaminics is advocated.

Some guidelines for vaccination in cattle

1. Animals should be in good health at the time of vaccination. Do not vaccinate an animal,  which is already in stress (like due to bad weather, scarcity of fodder & water, disease outbreaks, transportation, etc.)
2. The cold chain of the vaccines wherever prescribed should be maintained (may have to be kept at 2-8 ⁰C  temperature) till the time of vaccination. The manufacturers’ instruction on the route and dosage should be strictly followed.
3. Strictly follow vaccination schedule after consultation with veterinary experts.
4. A minimum vaccination coverage of 80% of population is required for proper control of the disease.
5. It is beneficial to deworm the animals to reduce parasitic load 2-3 weeks prior to vaccination for better immune response.
6. Vaccination should be carried out at least a month prior to the likely occurrence of the disease.
7. Vaccination of animals in advanced pregnancy may be avoided; even though in most cases nothing untoward may happen.
8. Keep records of vaccination for name of vaccine manufacturing company, Batch number, expiry date, dose and route of vaccine.
9. Create stress free environment for animals after vaccination

Common reasons of Vaccination Failure:

1. Lack of maintenance of cold chain from the time of manufacture till vaccination.
2. Poor immune response in weak and improperly fed animals.
3. Lack of herd immunity due to only a few animals being vaccinated.
4. Poor quality of vaccine – Quality will deteriorate if vaccine is repeatedly thawed and cooled.
5. Low efficiency or ineffective vaccine – May occur in case of strain variation such as  In FMD.

Dr.Vijay Muley

Head (Marketing)-Veterinary Division
Vetoquinol India Animal Health P. Ltd, Mumbai