Immunization to decrease pregnancy wastage in beef cattle .2. Available vaccines

The proper use of commercially available vaccines is one component of a total program for decreasing the risk of pregnancy wastage in cow herds. Numerous vaccines have been developed for the control of infectious agents identified as causing pregnancy wastage in cattle. These vaccines, however, must be used in accordance with the principles of immunology if they are to produce an immune response that decreases pregnancy wastage. The effectiveness of the vaccines depends on the route of administration and the kind of immune response elicited. By understanding the strengths and limitations of various types of vaccines and the type of protection necessary to defend the host from pregnancy-wasting organisms, the veterinarian can predict which vaccines are likely to help prevent pregnancy wastage in a particular herd.