Endotoxic overload can occur post vaccination in some situations and results in animals going off feed, temperature spike and depression. It can lead to disease outbreak or even death.

Gram negative bacteria and some gram negative vaccines have endotoxins in their cell walls. Gram positive bacteria do not. When these endotoxins are released it causes disease or sickness.

Cattle are particularly susceptible to endotoxins. Dairy calves are the most susceptible to endotoxic overload.

GUIDELINES TO PREVENT ENDOTOXIC OVERLOAD

Only vaccinate healthy animals.

Young calves of low body weight are particularly susceptible. Especially Jerseys and Wagus. UNDER 12 WEEKS OF AGE WAIT 3 - 4 WEEKS BETWEEN GRAM NEGATIVE VACCINES.

AVOID STRESSES Dehorning Heat stress Transport Calving

WEANING Avoid too many vaccines at weaning. Many vaccines such as Bovillis, MH+IBR and Bovillis Piliguard are best given prior to weaning to ensure calves have the highest level of protection at weaning.

Mishandling of vaccines can release endotoxins from the cell walls. STORE CORRECTLY DON'T OVER SHAKE DON'T USE OUT OF DATE VACCINE

DON'T GIVE GRAM NEGATIVE VACCINES IF: The calf is on antibiotics The calf is on anti inflammatories

ENDOTOXIC OVERLOAD: Can occur immediately or over a few days. It is rare but when it occurs it involves multiple animals.

SIGNS OF OVERLOAD: Dull / depressed. Reduced appetite. Increased temperature. Weakness. Breathing hard. Frothing at mouth. Abortion. Recumbency. Death.

If you suspect overload consult your vet.

GRAM NEGATIVE VACCINES WITH ENDOTOXINS Bovilis S Salmonella Buzz Bovilis MH Bovilis MH + IBR Scourshield Bovishield Vibriovac Piliguard All 7 in 1 vaccines for clostridials and lepto

Rotavec is gram negative but doesn't contain endotoxins so can be excluded from calculations.

THE RULE IS ONLY USE 2 AT ANY ONE TIME. IF YOU NEED TO GIVE 3 WAIT 2 WEEKS BETWEEN GIVING.

Consult your vet to create a vaccine program that works for you.