The Basics of Livestock Vaccinations

As living, breathing animals, livestock are susceptible to a wide number of debilitating and fatal diseases. One sick animal can quickly wipe out a whole herd, along with your financial future. It’s important to prevent the worst diseases from becoming a problem. And in the long run, the old saying is right: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

You should consult your veterinarian or local rancher's association for ideas and recommendations about the best vaccines, when and where to administer them, and how to get them. Your local organizations will have information about the diseases that are most common to livestock in your area of the country.

Many companies sell vaccines online or at specialized livestock supply centers. Don’t buy more than you need at the time; it’s better to buy more if you need it later than have expired medications on hand.

Vaccines usually come in one of three forms: a live vaccine usually requires only one dose for a long-term immunity; inactivated vaccines can be just as effective but usually require a booster shot at some point; and anti-toxins are usually the best as one-shot, short-term zaps for an ailment.

To administer the vaccine, follow all included instructions exactly. If the vaccine requires a syringe, boil the syringe for 40 minutes to sterilize it. If your vaccines are live, don’t use alcohol to sterilize the syringe.