Anthony Reed 1000 ASU Dr.# 479 Alcorn State, Ms 39096-7500  areed@lorman.alcorn.edu

One of the most common areas of controversy in overall herd health program for the cow/calf is that of designing and updating herd immunization schedule. There are over 90 different vaccines configurations produced in the United States for use in food animals to provide protection against disease caused by some 40 infection agents. Because of improved theology in production, better understanding of host immune mechanism, and more stringent industry government standards, the quality, safety and effectiveness of vaccines are better assured today than in the past. Benefit derived from their use, however, depend heavily several consideration. First, vaccination programs should be designed to meet the requirement of each producer. Second, vaccination programs should not be a substitute for good management practices, but should compliment them by minimizing disease within the herd. Third, vaccination schedule should be based on the incidence, exposure, and severity of the disease which the producer is trying to prevent. When using vaccines several general consideration should be uppermost in the producers mind

• Use all products as directed

• Store the product properly at 2 C - 7 C (35 F-45 F) in a dark place. (C-Celsius & F-Fahrenheit)
• Watch expiration dates
• Be aware of with-holding period of lactation and slaughter
• Use entire content within recommended time and dispose of unused content properly
• Use properly cleaned and disinfected syringes and needles
• Chemically disinfected syringes cannot be used with "live" or "modified live" agents
• Anaphylactic reaction may occur during immunization. Be prepared
• Do not insult stressed animals with vaccination and unnecessary handling
• Modified live agents are generally contraindicated in pregnant animals.
• Use the proper injection site to avoid as much tissue damage as possible (e.g. Avoid intramuscularly injection for all injectable products whenever other "labeled" routes of administration are available.)
• Use the proper technique of administration (i.e. the tenting method for subcutaneous injection).
• Do not attempt to replace good management with immunization