How can producers optimize protection against Type II disease with the Type I vaccines that are available today?
A. Start by properly vaccinating replacement heifers. Replacement heifers should receive at least two doses of modified live vaccine, once at six months and again at 12 months of age. How early the series of vaccinations is started in a herd depends on a number of things such as colostral management and history of disease within the herd; however, the BVD vaccination program should not be started prior to three months of age. Once the heifer enters the breeding herd, boosters should provide ample protection against BVD. If killed vaccines are used to prime and immunize an animal, the label recommendations must be followed. More frequent boosters may be required to optimize protection against disease when killed vaccines are used exclusively.
