Selecting and using the right vaccines is an essential part of any successful cattle operation. With all the choices available,
it is important to understand the stringent labeling guidelines that are granted and enforced by the USDA to indicate a
product's expected level of protection. Here, you will find essential information to make sure you can effectively read the vaccine
label and choose which vaccines are best for you.
How the USDA grants claims.
The USDA can grant one of five possible levels of protection statements:
- Prevention of infection
- Prevention of disease
- Aid in disease prevention
- Aid in disease control
- Other claims
In each instance, data must fully support label indications and accurately reflect the expected performance of the product.
The decision as to which type of label claim will be granted is based on an evaluation by the Center for Veterinary Biologicals (CVB),
which is part of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the USDA. The CVB is the government agency that reviews and
grants licenses for veterinary vaccines.
The CVB has various options in granting a license. The CVB evaluates the supportive efficacy and safety data supplied by the vaccine manufacturer
and decides whether the vaccine can be licensed or not. They also determine what type of efficacy claim can appear on vaccine labels
and in advertising and promotional materials. Firms may voluntarily choose a lesser label indication. However, they cannot increase
the level of the claims above what the filed USDA data supports.
Click on "
Protection levels" to find details about each of these statements or "
How to find the facts" for details on where to locate claim information on product packaging.
Little known facts.
- You can find out the efficacy to expect from a vaccine simply by reading the label.
- Different products put this information in different places.
- You also can get this information from the USDA, from this Web site or by asking your veterinarian.
Bovi-Shield GOLD is a registered trademark of Pfizer Inc.