Ideal Vaccine Storage Temperature
- Cattle vaccines should be stored between 35°F and 46°F (1.7°C and 7.8°C) to maintain effectiveness.
- Deviation from this range can reduce potency and impact animal health.
Risks of Freezing Vaccines
- Killed vaccines are particularly susceptible to freezing.
- Can render the vaccine or its adjuvant ineffective.
- May lead to a weaker immune response in cattle.
- Gram-negative bacterial component vaccines (e.g., for scours and respiratory disease) are especially at risk.
- Freezing can release endotoxins, which are normally contained within bacterial cell walls.
- Exposure to free endotoxins may trigger severe, life-threatening reactions in cattle, similar to anaphylaxis.
Risks of Overheating Vaccines
- Temperatures above 46°F (7.8°C) can degrade vaccine potency.
- Modified-live vaccines are particularly sensitive.
- Should be mixed one bottle at a time and used within an hour.
- Heat and sunlight can quickly break down the vaccine once mixed.
Checking Your Farm Refrigerator
- On-farm refrigerators can be unreliable for vaccine storage.
- A study of 191 farm refrigerators found that only 26.7% maintained temperatures within the ideal range.
- Best practices for proper storage:
- Place a thermometer near the vaccines to monitor temperature fluctuations.
- Record temperatures at different times of the day.
- Avoid storing vaccines in the door or at the back where temperatures may be inconsistent.
Final Recommendations
- Always follow product label instructions for storage and administration.
- Consult with a veterinarian if there are any concerns about vaccine handling or effectiveness.
- Proper storage ensures that vaccines remain effective and cattle receive the full benefits of immunization.
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