What Vaccinations Does a Cow Need in Arab, AL?

Do you have cows, or are you thinking about buying some cows? Whether you’re raising your cows for meat or dairy purposes or you just want to have a few pet cows on your small farm, you will need to be aware of the vaccinations required for cows where you live.

In the United States, most recommended and required cow vaccinations are the same in each state. However, as a new cow owner, you may feel overwhelmed trying to find this information and can find it confusing and hard to understand. Read through the information below to find out more. If you still have questions, call Arab Veterinary Hospital at (256) 586-3183.

Heifers for Breeding

Live viral vaccine

A live viral vaccination for heifers intended for breeding includes infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, bovine viral diarrhea, parainfluenza-3, and bovine respiratory syncytial virus. Some other types of viruses may be able to be vaccinated against as well, but the necessity will depend on where you live and the recommendations of your large animal vet.

Dewormer

Dewormer is important for cows because it helps get rid of any stomach, lung, and intestinal worms they may have. This is important when cows are going to be used for breeding purposes, because there is always a risk the cow could pass these worms on to her calf if they are not managed. Additionally, dewormer can help control the presence of these worms as long as the cow is using it.

Leptospirosis vaccine

This vaccination is given for leptospirosis, which is a bacterial infection spread easily between animals. The vaccine is important in heifers who will be used for breeding because this disease can be spread to unborn calves. When this occurs, calves are usually stillborn, and heifers are at risk of becoming infertile. This illness is spread from infected cows through water sources and can sometimes be spread through grazing pastures as well.

7-way Clostridial

Clostridial is a bacterial disease that can affect cows of any age but is fatal to younger cows. There are several different types of clostridial, all caused by different strains of the clostridium bacteria, so it’s important to get a 7-way vaccination for your cattle to prevent all of these potential risks. The 7-way clostridial vaccination includes vaccines to protect your cows against malignant edema, blackleg, enterotoxemia, and black disease.

Brucellosis vaccine

This vaccination is not usually required by law for cows, but it’s a very good idea to have breeding heifers vaccinated against brucellosis. This is because the disease causes cows to spontaneously abort their unborn calves and can also cause calves to be stillborn or very weak at birth. The disease may also affect the milk production of cows who are nursing calves and can be a severe detriment to herds that are used for the breeding of calves. Brucellosis can sometimes be dangerous to other cows as well, but the most significant risk by far is in heifers.

Bulls and Cows Not for Breeding

Viral vaccine

Just like heifers intended for breeding purposes, bulls and cows not for breeding need vaccinations against bovine respiratory syncytial virus, bovine viral diarrhea, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, and parainfluenza-3. Once again, there might be other types of viruses your cows need to be vaccinated against, but this will depend on your location.

Dewormer

Dewormer is just as important in bulls and cows not for breeding purposes as it is in heifers for breeding. It’s important to keep your cows treated for worms at all times, since it is so easy for cows to develop a variety of worms. By keeping your cows on a good quality dewormer recommended by your livestock vet, you can ensure healthier herds with fewer issues.

Leptospirosis vaccine

In bulls and cows who aren’t intended for breeding, this vaccination is still important. Leptospirosis can cause serious illness in these cattle with symptoms including a high fever, meningitis, heart damage, and death.

7-way Clostridial

This vaccination is necessary for bulls and cows not breeding as well as for heifers intended for breeding purposes. Clostridial disease can be spread easily through a herd and are often fatal, making them very dangerous for cows of any age. By vaccinating the whole herd against these illnesses, you can prevent any outbreaks in your cows.

Conclusion

If you are new to cow ownership, you can check with local agricultural programs and organizations to help you learn more. Ask these resources if there are any other recommended or required vaccinations for cows in Arab, and find out if there are any concerns related to bovine health where you live as well.

Additionally, your large animal vet is a great resource if you’re looking for more information about the health needs of your cows. Be sure to contact the veterinarian with any questions or concerns you might have, and listen to the vet’s recommendations as well. Call us today at (256) 586-3183.