Anthrax Vaccine For Cattle

Nearly every summer, cases of anthrax in cattle are reported from pastures in South Dakota. Anthrax is a disease that can strike quickly, usually causing death losses without prior noticeable clinical signs in the animals. Anthrax is caused by bacteria, Bacillus anthracis, which has the ability to form very resistant spores in the soil. These spores can remain viable for many years on pasture, and become reactivated when the right environmental conditions exist. Fortunately for cattle producers, losses due to anthrax can be prevented through use of a vaccine that has proven its effectiveness through the years. 

Anthrax was among the first animal diseases for which a vaccine was developed. In 1881, Louis Pasteur developed a vaccine consisting of two different preparations given two weeks apart. This procedure gained widespread use and was only slightly modified over the next 50 years. In the late 1930’s a vaccine using a weakened, non-disease causing strain of B. anthracis was developed (the “Sterne” strain) and it is in fact the strain used in today’s vaccines.

Description

 This product has been shown to be effective for the vaccination of healthy cattle, sheep, goats, swine, and horses against Anthrax. This product was licensed prior to the requirement to establish a minimum age for use. The duration of immunity is unknown. For more information regarding efficacy and safety data, see productdata.aphis.usda.gov.

Anthrax Spore Vaccine is prepared from a non-pathogenic, nonencapsulated variant strain of B. anthracis. This vaccine strain is the Sterne Strain 34F2. This vaccine is a suspension of viable Bacillus anthracis spores in Saponin. It is tested for purity, identity, dissociation, spore count, and safety prior to release for sale. Anthrax is caused by Bacillus anthracis. It is highly virulent, and once access to the animal’s body is achieved, it multiplies quickly, invades the blood stream and produces a rapidly fatal blood infection. Symptoms of anthrax vary according to the species of animal and the magnitude of the attack. The average period of incubation ranges from 24 hours to as much as 5 days or more. The acute form, most common in cattle, sheep and goats is characterized by its sudden onset and rapidly fatal course. Affected animals may present with sudden staggering, difficult respiration, trembling, collapse with convulsive movements and death, which may also occur without evidence of illness. Swelling sometimes appears in different parts of the body, such as the throat and tongue, particularly in affected swine. Upon or near death, blood may ooze from body openings.

Anthrax, a disease caused by a bacterium called Bacillus anthracis, contaminates surface soil and grasses, where it may be ingested or inhaled by livestock or grazing wildlife. This is especially common in the western Texas Hill Country, where each year the disease kills livestock and wildlife. While normally not an attention-grabbing problem, a spike of cases in 2019 made headlines around the state. According to Dr. Jamie Benn Felix, a postdoctoral research associate in the Cook Wildlife Lab led by CVMBS Department of Veterinary Pathobiology’s (VTPB) Dr. Walt Cook, that spike may have been responsible for the deaths of more than 10,000 animals.

Directions for Use

Do not vaccinate within 42 days before slaughter. Shake well before use. Store at 2° to 8° C. Do not freeze. Do not mix with other products. Use entire contents when first opened. Do not use disinfectants to sterilize equipment. Safety in pregnant animals is unknown.

Dosage   

  • Cattle – 1 mℓ
  • Sheep and Goats – 0,5 mℓ
  • Administration by subcutaneous injection.
  • Animals should first be vaccinated at 3 to 6 months of age and annually thereafter.
  • In areas where animals are likely to be subjected to continued exposure to infection, vaccination every 6 months may be advisable.
  • Under normal conditions, annual revaccination will usually suffice.

Precaution

  • Since the immune response to the anthrax component depends on multiplication of the living organisms after injection, the administration of antibacterial drugs should be avoided wherever possible from shortly before and until 2 weeks after vaccination.
  • The inoculation of animals late in pregnancy should be avoided unless there is a serious risk of disease.
  • As with all vaccines occasional hypersensitivity reactions may occur. In such cases consult a veterinarian.
  • Usually no marked reaction follows vaccination although a transient swelling may appear at the site of inoculation and an animal may show a rise of temperature for 1 or 2 days.
  • Partially used containers should be disposed of at the end of each day’s operation in accordance with local waste disposal regulations, as under field conditions it may be difficult to avoid accidental contamination of the vaccine.
  • KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN, UNINFORMED PERSONS AND ANIMALS.
  • Although this vaccine has been extensively tested under a large variety of conditions, failure thereof may ensue as a result of a wide range of reasons. If this is suspected, seek veterinary advice and notify the registration holder.

Prices of Anthrax Vaccine For Cattle

$70.00-$80.00

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