VACCINATION OF CALVES

Chronicle (Levin), 20 November 1946, Page 6

VACCINATION OF CALVES

CONTAGIOUS ABORTION CONTROL Approximately 50 per cent. of the dairy heifers in the Dominion have, as.calves, been vaeeinated against contagious abortion, according to figures published in a circular released by the Department of Agriculture through the Levin Dairy Company. The campaign for the control of contagious abortion by calf vaccination, began in-1943 and the results have been consistently good. The 1945 calving returns from 1266 herds show that there were 2.8 per cent. of abortions from all causes in 16,075 two-year-old heifers which had been- vaeeinated as calves, whereas in the previous yeai there had been 22.3 per cent. of abortions in 17,098 unvaccinateci heifers in the same herds. Results were also available in 1945. for the 6,535 second pregnancies in heifers vaeeinated as calves. In these three-year-old heifers only 2.8 per cent. of abortions occurred. These figures, the statement adds, suggest that immunity from calf vaccination lasts through at least two pregnancies. As the work has now passed the experimental stage, the. Government has decided to introduce a scale of charges, and after consultation with the New Zealand Dairy Board, the following charges have been agreed 011 and will apply to all vaccinations carried oue before January 1, 1947: Herds with 14 calves or less, ls 6d per ca.lf. herds with more than 14 calves, ls 6d per head for the first 14 calves and ls 3d per head thereafter. In order to simplify the procedure as far as possible, it has been decided that dairy, farmers may now make applications in their own districts. Members of veterinary clubs should apply to the secretary of their clubs, all others should apply to the nearest inspectors of stock. Such applications must be sent before December 31, and forms are available at the office of the nearest veterinary club or inspector of stock. Although the experimental stage is now passed insofar as immunity during first and second pregnancies are concerned, it is important that accurate information should be obtained concerning the length of immunity. All farmers are, therefore, requested to fill in the full details concerning abortions. Farmers are requested to assist vaccination officers by providing reasonable facilities, and where there are only small herds. by arranging to have them assembled at the most convenient farm.