Vaccinations and worming

[mrsnav98]

Hi all. Wanted some advice regarding vaccines and worming. We have 7 cattle, 2 from an open herd that HAVE been vaccinated, and 5 from a closed herd. Our milk cow has been vaccinated for blackleg; not sure when. Our 2 bull calves and 2 heiffer calves have not been vaccinated for anything, nor wormed. We do feed everybody DE in their salt and minerals.

We were told by the organic, dairy farmer that we bought our 5 cattle from that since we live in a brucellosis free state, and have a basically closed herd, that we don't need to vaccinate; except maybe for blackleg, if we wish. We were also told by my step-father, who used to be a cattleman, that we don't need to worry about vaccines.

The 2 cattle from the open herd will be going into the freezer this winter, so they will only have been with us for approximately 8-9 months. Our 2 bull calves will go into the freezer within 2 years; one may be used as a bull first. Our 2 heiffers will be joining our milk cow in the milking parlor, hopefully, within the next 2 years.

So while we want to be as natural as possible, we also want healthy animals. We're open to any helpful, experienced advice. By the way, all 5 cattle from the closed herd are Jerseys, if it matters.

[Ceilismom]

If it were me, I'd talk to a vet that you trust. He'd be able to give you the pros and cons of vaccinating in your specific situation. Even if you don't take his advice, you'd be able to balance his advice with that of the dairy farmer and your stepfather.

"Vaccinated" is kind of a vague thing. Vaccinated against what, and when, and if boosters were required, were they given in a timely manner?

[G. Seddon]

Yes, definitely check with your vet. If you want to vaccinate your heifers for brucellosis, it needs to be done between 4-12 months (in Virginia), must be given by a vet and the heifer gets a metal eartag and you get a written record for your files; a copy also goes to the state vet's office.

Blackleg is something that probably should be done annually. It usually comes in a 7-way or 8-way shot, I believe.

Most people who vaccinate do so at weaning or younger, booster 3-4 weeks later, then annually. Deworming is usually done twice a year (spring and fall) but some people with small herds have a fecal analysis done to be sure it's necessary (DE has never been proven scientifically effective as a dewormer).

Your vet is the best person to advise you on this, for your specific area and how you use your cattle. Ask about withholding periods for animals that are going to slaughter. Everything will be easier if you have a chute and headgate for all this work.

Here's an article that gives an overview on vaccination -- hope it helps:

http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/400/400-007/400-007.html