Vaccination is the administration of modified or killed microorganisms to stimulate an animal's immune system to produce antibodies against specific Common Ailmentss. Vaccination schedules are designed to provide protection during the period of highest disease risk, typically in young animals after maternal antibody levels have declined. The vaccination program for a homestead herd or flock should be developed with a veterinarian based on local disease prevalence and the specific species and breeds kept.
Calves receive a clostridial vaccine (blackleg, malignant edema, enterotoxemia) at 2 to 4 months of age, with a booster 3 to 4 weeks later, then annually. BVD, IBR, and leptospirosis vaccines are given to heifers before breeding and to the herd annually. Brucellosis vaccination is required in many states for replacement heifers, administered by a veterinarian between 4 and 12 months of age.
Clostridial vaccines covering enterotoxemia (overeating disease), tetanus, and blackleg are the core vaccinations for sheep and goats. Lambs and kids are vaccinated at 4 to 6 weeks of age, boostered 3 to 4 weeks later, then annually. Caseous lymphadenitis vaccine is recommended where the disease is prevalent. Rabies vaccination is required in many jurisdictions and is given annually or triennially depending on the vaccine.
Core vaccinations for chickens include Newcastle disease, infectious bronchitis, and Marek's disease. Marek's vaccine is administered to day-old chicks at the hatchery. Newcastle and bronchitis vaccines are given in drinking water or as eye drops at 1 to 2 weeks and again at 4 to 6 weeks. Fowl pox vaccine is administered by wing web stab at 8 to 12 weeks in areas where the disease is present.
A written vaccination log records the date, vaccine type and serial number, species, dosage, route of administration, and the person administering. Withdrawal times for meat and milk must be observed and recorded. USDA regulations require record keeping for certain vaccines, particularly brucellosis and rabies.