Testing and resulting cull:

• All susceptible, breeding age cattle should be tested before they are brought into the breeding herd. All positive cows should be culled.

• Newly introduced breeding animals should be tested and quarantine considered if not tested.

Vaccination:

• In the United States a live vaccine of strain RB51 is used. It is administered as 2 ml subcutaneously.

• RB51 is currently not being used in Brazil. Brazil vaccinates with strain 19.  Advantages of RB51 are that it does not generally produce mild clinical signs, and can be differentiated from positive animals.

• Heifers are the only animals vaccinated.  The vaccine does not protect bulls and they will often develop subsequent orchitis.

• Heifers should be vaccinated between 4 and 12 months of age. Dairy cattle should be vaccinated in the 4 to 6 month age range. Positive titers are seen up to 18 months of age.

• Vaccination of cows older than 12 months of age should only be considered in the face of abortion storms.

• All calves vaccinated are given a permanent ear tag and tattoo with the strain number and year in the right ear.

General hygiene:

• Veterinarians and cattlemen should thoroughly clean between cows all instruments used in reproductive procedures.

• If an abortion occurs then the area should be cleaned well before another susceptible cow is placed in this area.

Education:

• As is the case with any disease eradication program, education of all personnel involved is essential.