Cattle vaccination schedule: mandatory vaccines

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine

Foot-and-mouth disease vaccination is mandatory and is administered through government campaigns twice a year, in spring and autumn. Campaigns generally cover all cattle older than 2 months, as well as calves older than 14 days if born to an unvaccinated dam. Vaccinations are administered by staff from the Provincial or District Directorate of Agriculture or by authorised veterinarians.

Brucellosis vaccine

This vaccine is given to female cattle to protect against brucellosis. The general practice is to administer the conjunctival B. abortus S19 vaccine to female calves at 3–6 months of age, followed by a booster at a specified interval. Because brucellosis is also an important zoonotic disease that affects public health, vaccination is monitored under the official programme.

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) vaccine

This vaccine is administered to all cattle older than 3 months. LSD is a contagious disease that causes economic losses, so vaccination under the official programme is important.

Other vaccines

Depending on regional conditions and risk, vaccination programmes may also cover anthrax, rabies and calf diseases, including respiratory and diarrhoeal pathogens. Your veterinarian should determine which vaccines are necessary for your farm.

Sample general schedule (for guidance)

• 2 months+ during the campaign period: Foot-and-mouth disease
• Female calves aged 3–6 months: Brucellosis (S19)
• 3 months+: Lumpy skin disease
• According to regional conditions and risk: Anthrax, rabies and calf vaccination programmes

This is a general list. Official dates are announced each year and may vary by region. Contact your Provincial or District Directorate of Agriculture and your veterinarian for the exact programme.

Related guides