Report calls for collaborative approach towards cattle vaccination
Most farmers use one or more of the 38 vaccines currently registered for use in cattle in the UK.
Vets and farmers are being urged to work together as new research finds that vaccination strategies vary greatly across the UK.
In a study by the University of Nottingham, commissioned by AHDB Dairy, researchers found that most farmers use one or more of the 38 vaccines currently registered for use in cattle in the UK.
Some of these vaccinations were carried out in response to a confirmed or suspected diagnosed of a vaccine-preventable disease rather than as a proactive and preventative strategy. A minority had never vaccinated their cattle.
Furthermore, the research found that farmers trust their vet’s advice on vaccination, but the advice is not always followed. The farmers called for a more proactive approach from vets, but acknowledged that their time and resources are scarce.
“The aim of this research was to identify the motivators and barriers of farmers and veterinary surgeons to the implementation of vaccination strategies on British dairy farms," said research fellow Imogen Richens.
“The current trend of reduced use of antibiotics in farm animals emphasises the importance of preventive measures to control endemic diseases such as leptospirosis, which have an impact on the health of cattle and people working with cattle.
“We found there is an opportunity for farmers to be more aware of their herd’s disease status by working with their vet. Our research also highlighted concerns around the practical use of cattle vaccines (i.e. timeline of boosters and cold chain storage). Proactive communication between vets and farmers will improve compliance issues.”
In the study, researchers interviewed farmers and vets throughout England, Scotland and Wales to determine attitudes to vaccination. They also sought to examine decision-making processes in the absence of a national overarching preventative strategy.
Researchers say that the results indicate the positive appetite in both vets and farmers to structure a more collaborative approach towards endemic disease control.
AHDB Dairy will now focus on how to implement the key findings into practical guidelines to optimise cattle vaccination in the UK.
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
