Whats the difference between a modified-live virus (MLV) and a killed-virus vaccine?
Just as its names implies, a MLV is a live-virus vaccine but its virulence has been reduced to a level that shouldn’t cause disease. Meanwhile, a killed vaccine is considered safer and more stable because it isn’t living. While MLV and killed vaccines can both be effective against viral respiratory pathogens, Stoltenow says most research indicates the MLV produces a stronger immune response. Why is it important that calves receive two doses of vaccine? Since a single dose may not be enough to produce an adequate level of herd immunity, North Dakota’s Stoltenow says giving a second dose is a kind of “insurance policy.” He emphasizes that two doses are especially important when administering killed vaccines because they don’t produce as strong an immune response as MLV vaccines. What vaccinations are important for calves? Stoltenow advocates vaccinating calves against what he calls “the big four.” These are: infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR), bovine viral diarrhea (BVD), bovine res
