General Pharmaceutical Care and Handling

July 2000
James Stice - Pasco County Extension Agent

Cattlemen spend a great deal of time and effort, not to mention money, to vaccinate and work their cattle. Please take a few minutes and review the following guidelines to prevent any problems and to insure that these products work to their full potential:

  • Purchase only federally licensed vaccines from a reliable source that is conscientious about the ordering, timely receiving and shipping, and storing of vaccines that they are going to sell you.
  • Purchase the proper vaccines for the cattle you are vaccinating - consult your veterinarian and/or read the directions carefully.
  • Keep vaccines refrigerated at all times (36 to 44 degrees F). Keep in an ice chest and out of the sun at the chute.
  • Mix only enough vaccine that will be used in a timely period (less than 1 hour).
  • Reconstitute modified live virus (MLV) vaccines with clean transfer needles.
  • Do not mix two different products in the same syringe unless it is part of the package (i.e. IBR / Leptospirosis vaccines).
  • Use only new needles to fill and refill syringes.
  • Consider using multi-dose disposable syringes that automatically draw from the vaccine vial, especially for modified live virus (MLV) vaccines. When using this method keep the vial in use in a shroud or cover to insulate and protect from sunlight.
  • Use the proper needle gauge and length. 16 ga. × ¾ or 1 inch for all subcutaneous (subq) injections. Use 16 ga. × 1 inch needles for intramuscular (IM) injections in young cattle. A 16 ga. × 1½ inch needle is used for IM injections in adult cows and bulls. Always use sharp needles - burrs take the hide, hair and debris resulting in injection site infections and abscesses.
  • Use the proper injection site as described by the product insert. Always use the subq route of administration when a choice is given between subq and IM. All injections are to be administered in the neck.
  • Syringe cleaning:
    • Don't use alcohol, disinfectants, or detergents in syringes used for (MLV) vaccines.
    • Use lots of hot water as a rinse, dry on clean paper towels, and store in a clean dry area.

Return to top