Animal health product manufacturer Zoetis has thrown its support behind the industry’s new Immune Ready vaccine program, which aims to enhance on-farm biosecurity and improve productivity in the beef industry. 

The initiative stemmed from growing concerns over the persistent threat of endemic diseases within the cattle industry.

Industry collaboratively determined the need for standardised vaccination guidelines to mitigate disease transmission during cattle trading across the supply chain.

A diverse working group comprising veterinarians from various sectors including dairy, beef, feedlots, live export, academia, and pharmaceuticals was formed under the auspices of the Australian Cattle Vets (ACV).

The group meticulously crafted vaccination criteria tailored to different classes of cattle and geographical regions, ensuring applicability across the diverse spectrum of Australian cattle production systems.

Central to the initiative is the adoption and promotion of adherence to the National Cattle Health Declaration (NCHD) alongside the newly formulated guidelines.

The NCHD is a vital tool for producers to convey crucial information regarding the health status and vaccination records of cattle being sold, empowering buyers to make informed decisions regarding health risks associated with their purchases.

Moreover, online cattle marketing platforms like Elders and Nutrien’s AuctionsPlus have been amended to facilitate the recording of vaccination treatments, providing transparent insights on vaccine status for buyers and bidders.

This means that producers can clearly see what treatments animals have been given and this provides the opportunity for higher prices and returns.

The Immune Ready guidelines are a great opportunity to discuss biosecurity, along with quarantine and induction processes on farm, improve productivity and mitigate against animal health challenges when buying and selling cattle.

By implementing these guidelines, producers can significantly mitigate the risk of disease outbreaks, fostering a more prosperous and vibrant future for the cattle industry.

Zoetis, the world’s largest animal health company, stands firmly behind the Immune Ready initiative.

With a steadfast commitment to advancing animal care, Zoetis plays a pivotal role in discovering, developing, and commercialising vaccines, medicines, diagnostics, and other technologies for both companion animals and livestock.

By championing standardised vaccination protocols and bolstering biosecurity practices, the industry can safeguard the health and welfare of cattle while ensuring sustainable growth and prosperity for generations to come.

Click here to read an earlier Beef Central article on Immune Ready.

For more information about Immune Ready visit https://www.immuneready.net.au/ 

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