The broad calf vaccination – protect against ill-thrift triggered by viral infection
Hiprabovis 3 is an optimal vaccine for use in calves as it provides broad spectrum
cover. It vaccinates cattle against three important viruses; bovine herpes virus 1,
bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVD) and parainfluenza virus 3 (PI 3). It is the only BVD
combination vaccine available in New Zealand.
About the Viruses
BVD may cause suppression of the immune system in calves. The result can be
increased susceptibility to other infections and diseases. BVD can also cause scours,
ulcers, drop in body condition and poor weight gains. Reduced weight gain and
efficiency of feed conversion due to BVD exposure has been demonstrated in
international research in beef systems to have a significant economic impact 1.
Bovine herpes virus is the cause of IBR (infectious bovine rhinotracheitis). This is a
viral infection of the upper respiratory tract, with symptoms including coughing,
difficulty breathing, runny eyes and noses. IBR has also been implicated with catarrh.
Parainfluenza virus plays a role in viral respiratory disease (along with IBR) which can
lead to serious pneumonia in some animals.
As an infection with these three viruses leads to a ‘growth check’ in calves, especially
when under stress or mixed with other animals, it makes good sense to vaccinate
calves to protect them from infection.
Why Vaccinate Calves with Hiprabovis 3?
It is important to maximise growth rates and health status of calves as these animals
represent the future of the herd.
Vaccinating heifer calves means they are less likely to be impacted by disease when
mixed with other animals at grazing. Young heifers are particularly susceptible as they
are exposed to all sorts of new stresses including changes in feed and new challenges
from parasites, infections, changes in social hierarchy, to name a few.
The best time to vaccinate calves against BVD, IBR and PI-3 is prior to being
transported to grazing blocks and/or co-mingling with other groups of calves. It is
important to commence the vaccination program at least one month before this occurs.
The cost of effective, broad spectrum vaccination against BVD, IBR and PI-3 is a tiny
percentage of a heifer’s value as a healthy adult.
Note: Farmers considering exporting Friesian heifers to China should not be
vaccinated with Hiprabovis 3, as vaccinated animals will test seropositive to
IBR during pre-export testing.
For more details phone AgriHealth on 0800 821 421 or visit www.agrihealth.co.nz
Hiprabovis 3 is a restricted veterinary medicine, registered pursuant to the ACVM Act,
1997, No A07140.
Reference
1Hessman, B. E. et al. Evaluation of economic effects and the health and performance of the general
cattle population after exposure to cattle persistently infected with bovine viral diarrhoea virus in a starter
feedlot. AJVR (70) 2009 pg 73 – 85.