There are two vaccination strategies depending on where in lactation animals to be vaccinated are, as well as if you have ever used the product with your herd before.
First Year of Use:
Milking Herd
Establishment and maintenance of herd immunity is the key to success with this vaccine. Herds with known or suspected S. uberis infection should initiate use of the vaccine with whole herd vaccination followed by a rolling vaccination maintenance program. Whole herd vaccination involves vaccination of the entire herd with three doses spaced at monthly intervals and is accomplished in two months’ time.
Dry cows, Incoming Heifers
Dry cows and incoming heifers are managed separately from the rest of the herd. Cows in the dry pen when the rest of the herd is being vaccinated should be vaccinated beginning at three weeks fresh, with three doses of vaccine spaced at monthly intervals. If possible, heifers should be vaccinated at seven and eight months gestation, with a third dose five at three to four weeks fresh. Otherwise, vaccinate heifers on the same protocol as dry cows.
Individual Cow
If a cow shows an elevated somatic cell count on two consecutive tests, or has a single test above 500,000, a booster dose may be given.
Subsequent Years:
Once the entire herd has been vaccinated, a rolling vaccination schedule is used to maintain herd immunity. Rolling herd vaccination times vaccine doses to the lactation cycle, much like a J-5 type vaccine. Vaccinate at dry-off, mid-dry, and at three to four weeks fresh. Alternatively, cows may be vaccinated at dry-off, three to four weeks fresh, and at seven to eight weeks fresh.
If a cow shows an elevated somatic cell count on two consecutive tests, or has a single test above 500,000, a booster dose may be given.
To get your herd vaccinated, contact your local veterinarian and request the Hygieia Streptococcus Uberis Bacterin vaccine for dairy cattle today.
