A questionnaire-based survey on the uptake and use of cattle vaccines in the UK

Cresswell, E.; Brennan, M. L.; Barkema, H. W.; Wapenaar, W.

Vaccines have been used in veterinary medicine since the inoculation of lambs with sheep pox in the 16th century (McVey and Shi 2010) . The administration of vaccines is now commonplace and is considered one of the most important aspects of global disease control (Tizard 2009 ). Strategic implementation of vaccination is important to cattle health and welfare, as vaccination can help to control and eradicate disease, as demonstrated by the global eradication of rinderpest (Normile 2008) , and control of rabies, foot and mouth disease and swine erysipelas (Lombard and others 2007) . In order for disease control to be effectively achieved via vaccination, correct usage is required, which includes administering vaccines via the correct route, at the appropriate time and to a specified target group of animals (Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture Alliance (RUMA) 2012). Incorrect administration may lead to breakthrough disease, rendering vaccination a wasteful, rather than beneficial exercise (Salisbury and others 2006) .