Dr. Jessica Newberry: Vaccine Storage Tips | Ep. 93
Sep 4, 2024
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Dr. Jessica Newberry, a livestock health expert from Virbac with a robust background in veterinary science and agricultural economics, shares essential insights on vaccine handling for beef cattle. She emphasizes the critical importance of maintaining proper temperature and light exposure to ensure vaccine effectiveness. Practical tips, like using thermometers and understanding storage best practices, are discussed. Dr. Newberry also highlights the need for accurate record-keeping, aiming to enhance herd health management.
Proper vaccine storage and temperature control are crucial for maintaining vaccine efficacy and preventing costly losses in cattle health.
Accurate record-keeping and careful handling during vaccinations enhance herd management and ensure efficient communication among producers.
Deep dives
Vaccine Handling Importance
Vaccines are highly sensitive to temperature and light, making proper handling crucial for their efficacy. Both modified live and killed vaccines require specific temperature ranges to ensure they function correctly; exceeding these limits can render them ineffective or even harmful to cattle. For instance, modified live vaccines lose efficacy if they exceed 75 degrees, while killed vaccines can cause shocks if frozen or improperly stored. Consequently, producers must be vigilant about storage conditions, including using high-low thermometers to monitor refrigeration units, limiting temperature fluctuations, and placing vaccines on the bottom shelf for consistency.
Best Practices for Vaccination Procedures
Effective vaccination practices not only involve proper storage but also careful handling during the vaccination process. It’s essential to mix only the vaccines needed for immediate use, as over-mixing can lead to wasted doses and increased contamination risks if equipment is not properly sanitized between uses. Utilizing coolers and ice packs is recommended to keep vaccines at the ideal temperature while working in the field. Additionally, ensuring that vaccines are protected from light and heat during the procedure enhances the likelihood of their effectiveness.
Record-Keeping and Organizational Tips
Maintaining accurate records of vaccinations and treatments is vital for effective herd management and traceability in case of health issues. Producers should document product details, dosages, and expiration dates while utilizing organized storage methods, such as placing older vaccines at the front of the refrigerator. Color coding syringes and keeping a log can prevent mix-ups during vaccinations and improve overall communication within teams. By systematically tracking herd health interventions, producers can make informed decisions and improve safety regarding animal health management.
In this episode of The Beef Podcast Show, Dr. Jessica Newberry from Virbac talks about the vital role of proper vaccine handling in beef cattle production. She offers practical tips to maintain vaccine effectiveness and safeguard herd health, covering everything from temperature control to storage best practices. Don’t miss this insightful discussion—catch The Beef Podcast Show on your favorite platform to learn more about effective vaccine management.
"Simple steps like using a thermometer to track your refrigerator’s temperature can prevent costly vaccine losses and ensure effective herd protection."
Meet the guest:Dr. Jessica Newberry, a Missouri native, grew up on a farm transitioning from dairy to beef cattle. She earned her veterinary degree from the University of Missouri and holds advanced degrees in Agricultural Economics and Business Administration. Dr. Newberry is the Livestock Health Associate Marketing and Technical Director at Virbac, where she combines her veterinary expertise with business acumen to support the beef industry.
What you will learn:
(00:00) Highlight
(01:47) Introduction
(05:18) Vaccine handling
(06:51) Vaccines temperature sensitivity
(12:05) Handling vaccines
(16:55) Storing vaccines
(19:44) Record-keeping for vaccine use
(23:07) Final three questions
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