Vaccination Lesions
General description
- Vaccination can result in local reactions at the site of injection.
- These can include swelling, infections, pain and scarring.
- Vaccination lesions must be trimmed at abattoir processing.
- Affected animals may also be lighter and of lower carcase value than animals with no adverse response to vaccination.
- Good vaccination practice can reduce risk of lesions developing.
Cause
- Some vaccines produce local reactions as part of the body’s immune response. These mostly pass with time.
- Poor hygiene and/or technique can result in infection at the site of injection. These can producer unsightly swelling, pain and ill-health in the animal.
Clinical signs
- Swelling and pain at the site of injection. Swelling may result in discharge of pus and can lead to scarring and permanent lumps.
- Animals with infection may show signs of systemic disease, such as reduced appetite, weight loss and altered behaviour.
Diagnosis
- Swelling at the site of vaccination injection that persists beyond a few days is often an indicator.
- Lumps/abscesses/scars at common sites of vaccination (e.g. neck) identified at meat inspection, especially in more than one animal from the same consignment are strongly suggestive of vaccination lesions.
Treatment
- Infections at the site of vaccination resulting in abscess formation may need to be drained by surgical incision.
- Your veterinarian may prescribe a course of antibiotics for any systemically unwell animal with a vaccination site lesion.
Prevention
- Good, hygienic vaccination principles should always be used to minimise risk of vaccination site lesions developing.
- Store vaccines appropriately, use according to directions.
- Use sterile needles (change regularly), clean equipment.
- Operators should regularly wash their hands. Avoid vaccinating muddy or dirty cattle.
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