Piliguard - Start planning for pinkeye now
This exciting vaccine has greatly assisted farmers to cope with the annoying problem that is pinkeye. It increases an animal’s natural immunity to Morexella bovis; the bacteria that cause pink eye. It is designed to reduce the incidence and severity of the disease.
The vaccine comes in a 50-dose pack; it is administered by a single dose 2ml injection. It is recommended to give the injection under the skin in the neck. It can be administered at the same time as 7 in 1 provided they are given on opposite sides of the neck. The vaccine comes with a specific vaccinating gun that replaces air into the non-collapsible container. TVG can provide these guns and if stored correctly they can be used year after year.
The recommendation is to vaccinate all at risk animals greater than one week of age, 3-6 weeks prior to the expected onset of the pinkeye season, ie from October onwards.
It is important to note that we may still see pink eye in vaccinated animals. We should see significantly fewer cases and that the disease would be less severe.
To adequately control pinkeye it is important to address the factors that propagate the disease, these may include:
· Using fly control such as Arrest Easy Dose
· Minimising yarding of at risk stock by performing routine procedures (vaccinating and drenching) before the spread period
· Minimising exposure of at risk animals to dusty environments
Who should use the vaccine?
· Anyone intending to sell heifers for export
· Properties that have had a history of pink eye
· Properties who send heifers out on agistment or to out paddocks where regular checking of heifers is difficult
We would urge you to begin vaccinating ASAP to create immunity before you expect to see pink eye.
For more information or to order vaccine contact TVG. 55586666
Click here to view the rest of the 2009 December newsletter.