Will clostridium vaccine last for second dose ????

[Ryesdexters]

I can't seem to find much info on testing our cows for BVD on the Internet. We have 4 cows and 4 calves, what is the best route for us to take ?
Regards
Steve

[Duncan MacIntyre]

There should be plenty of info about BVD, it is the most important viral disease of cattle in UK at the moment, and Scotland has started a compulory eradication programme. There will be info somewhere in the archives of this board, and there have been articles in the Dexter Bulletin.

It is not particularly a disease of housed cattle, and one of the most important means of spread is across fences, so try to keep your cattle separate from your neighbours, a difficult task for many dexter owners with small herds. Buying in untested animals is also a means of introducing it, especially pregnant females as they may be carrying a persistently infected calf.

If you want to test your herd ask your vet.

Duncan

[Rob R]

I tend to think that if you are worried about the cost of a second dose you have to question whether bother vaccinating at all.

As far as BVD goes, I've noticed a lot more emphasis has been put on it in recent years since reliable vaccines have been available, which is only right, as it costs a lot of money to develop a vaccine. I'm a member of the Moredun Foundation & would recommend joining if you're interested in the latest research in animal disease & vaccine development.