Tailgate vaccinology

Abstract

Vaccination is an important tool to improve herd health as part of an overall biosecurity program. The large number of vaccines available, differences in vaccine efficacy, and diversity of management schemes and production goals can complicate the designing of a vaccination program and emphasizes the need to tailor such programs to the needs of individual clients. There is no single best approach to fashioning bovine vaccine protocols; therefore, it is imperative that the veterinarian understand the differences in vaccine labeling and formulation, and mesh this knowledge with the goals and management scheme of the client in the selection and timing of vaccinations. This presentation will review factors necessary to consider in the formation of vaccination programs, and discuss the application of these factors to both dairy and beef operations.