In recent years, in an effort to reduce their costs, there has been a tendency for producers to chop and change their vaccination programmes.
Such changes have been exacerbated by withdrawal of certain commercial vaccines, for example Suvaxyn E coli.
Not all vaccines used against one disease, such as E coli, are identical or necessarily compatible, points out Mark White, veterinary consultant to JSR Genetics. Where a two-dose primary course is required it may not be appropriate to use two different products for the two doses. Furthermore, one product may not act as a booster if it is a different product from the one used for the primary course.
He therefore advises producers to:
• Avoid swapping vaccines without good cause.
• Seek veterinary advice on the most appropriate way of making a change when it is needed.
