Many who have been involved in their dairy operations for a long time have settled into the routine nature of their vaccine regimens. As vaccines and our understanding of how to get the most out of them changes, so does our guidance for best practices. This article will remind and update herd managers regarding important practices for vaccine handling.
Many farmers are familiar with how to prepare vaccines. Managers should keep in mind that vigorously shaking can damage the product, releasing -endotoxins. Aggressive mixing should be swapped out for rolling it between your hands, swishing it around in the vial, both clockwise and counterclockwise, and turning it upside-down several times. If the vaccine or animal health product needs to be mixed, mix only what can be used within an hour or less. Some products are viable for a limited time once mixed. Mixing it as you use it helps ensure its effectiveness and reduces product waste when unforeseen delays happen, and as every farmer knows that isn’t the only time delays happen.
Lastly, make sure to label syringes clearly, and have separate syringes assigned to specific products. In the moment, it’s all too easy to mix up syringes, and labeling, simply put, helps. While on the subject of reusable equipment, sanitize using heat, never with detergents where residues can damage or destroy medication products. Needles are another often overlooked issue. The best practice is to change needles every 10-15 head and every time the needle is refilled from the bottle. Making these practices standard prevents needles from becoming contaminated, dull, developing a bur, or bending. Needles are cheap, compared to the cost of vaccines and animal health.
Standard operating procedure for farms should always include reading the vaccine label. This will allow farms to remain current and accurate with directions for use, storage guidelines, administration, and dosage. Farms should also be aware of vaccine temperature storage guidelines and whether their farm fridge and cow-side practices are really ensuring valuable vaccines are delivered to animals. Vaccines are a tool in every producer’s toolbox. Each of these practices can yield the desired outcome with an understanding of when, where, and how to use the tool best.