In the complex, demanding world of livestock management, optimizing animal health is not merely a goal—it is a foundation to economic success and an ethical responsibility. While advancements in nutrition and genetics have elevated productivity, the impacts of infectious disease remains the single largest threat to herd profitability and sustainability.
For cattle producers in the Intermountain West, a comprehensive, strategically implemented vaccination plan, such as IFA’s VAC Program, is an integral piece of a proactive defense against common infectious diseases and resulting monetary losses.
The IFA VAC Program is a trusted vaccination framework designed to provide targeted, seasonal protection against the most damaging bovine diseases, ensuring your cattle are resilient, productive and ready for market. This program is built on industry best practices and empowers producers to implement a systematic approach to herd health.
The following vaccination guidelines are specifically tailored for cattle in the Intermountain West. Ensure cattle receive adequate nutrition and mineral supplementation to strengthen immune response. Always verify the timing of vaccinations and carefully follow all label directions.
* All vaccination must follow label directions for administration
** Clostridial type and amount needed may vary by region
*** Vaccine selection in pregnant cattle is contingent on prior vaccination status
To truly get the most out of your herd health investment, you need to understand the language of vaccines. Understanding key vaccination abbreviations will help you protect your animals and maximize your profitability.
|
Abbreviation |
Term and Definition |
|
MLV |
Modified Live Vaccine: Contains a weakened form of the virus or bacteria, which stimulates a strong immune response. |
|
K |
Killed or Inactivated Vaccine: Contains dead pathogens that cannot cause disease but can still stimulate an immune response. |
|
VL |
Vibrio Lepto: Refers to a vaccine providing protection against Vibriosis and Leptospirosis, both reproductive diseases. |
|
IBR |
Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis: A common, highly contagious viral disease that primarily affects the respiratory tract. |
|
PI3 |
Parainfluenza 3: A virus that contributes to bovine respiratory disease, often causing mild symptoms on its own but predisposing cattle to secondary infections. |
|
BRSV |
Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus: A major viral cause of severe respiratory disease in young cattle, part of the BRD complex. |
|
BVD Type I & II |
Bovine Viral Diarrhea types 1 and 2: A complex viral disease that causes diarrhea, respiratory illness and reproductive problems. |
The IFA VAC Program is an investment in the long-term health, productivity and profitability of your cattle operation. By adhering to these guidelines producers can significantly reduce the spread of costly illness, minimize treatment expenses and ultimately improve cattle performance.
Couple this systematic vaccination approach with excellent nutrition, and you establish a powerful defense against disease for a healthier herd and a more secure future for your business. Consult with your veterinarian and IFA representative to customize this program and secure the necessary products to implement the IFA VAC Program on your operation today.
Information provided by Bryce Roholt, IFA Animal Health & Feed Tub Category Manager.
Bryce Roholt is the Animal Health and Feed Tub Category Manager for IFA’s Feed & Animal Health Division. Bryce previously worked for IFA at the Logan IFA Country Store from 2015 to 2019. In 2019, Bryce was recruited away from IFA to work at the Utah State University (USU) Agricultural Experiment Station, where he worked until returning to IFA in 2024. Bryce graduated from USU with a Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources and a minor in Animal and Dairy Science. He is currently finishing a Master’s Degree in Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Science from USU, with a research focus on bovine nutrition and reproduction. Bryce has a passion for the cattle industry and the hopes to help sustain the agricultural heritage we love through his efforts at IFA.