[Guidelines for the vaccination of cattle and small ruminants - a summary].

Abstract

In cattle and small ruminants, vaccinations are one of the most important measures for preventing infectious diseases. Many animal diseases that caused tremendous losses in the past, such as IBR, BVD or FMD, have been eradicted through long-term vaccination campaigns. Regular vaccinations against these diseases could meanwhile be suspended and are now reserved for exceptional situations only under the auspice of competent authorities. The concept of core and non-core vaccinations, which has proven successful in companion animals such as small animals and horses, does not work for farm animals because for these vaccination concepts depend to a great extent on the respective farm situation. Nevertheless, there are vaccinations important for many ruminants - regardless of breed and farm situation. Most important at the moment is bluetongue virus serotype 3. This vaccination is currently recommended with high urgency for all susceptible ruminants. In addition, vaccinations against diseases affecting young animals are of general relevance in cattle. While the vaccination against neonatal diarrhoea is mainly used as a dam vaccination, the vaccination against enzootic bronchopneumonia is primarily recommended as a calf vaccination. The vaccination against Coxiellosis is becoming increasingly important in ruminants. Immunization against Pasteurellosis is important in lambs, while vaccination against Clostridiosis almost counts as a core vaccination in sheep and especially in goats. In addition to those mentioned, there are a number of other vaccinations that should be recommended depending on the region or herd situation. The synopsis published here briefly discusses different vaccination indications, those for which authorized vaccines are available in Germany and those for which alternative application modalities must be used. The complete vaccination guideline, which can be downloaded as a PDF file from the StIKo Vet homepage at www.stiko-vet.de, contains further information on the diseases, possible vaccination strategies and the usual, updated tables of approved vaccines.