UBAC® Vaccine: Targeting Gram positive bacteria includingStreptococcus uberis

Streptococcus uberis is the predominant environmental pathogen causing mastitis in New Zealand. Traditional preventive measures, such as internal teat sealants, give protection during the dry period and at calving. UBAC® can aid in the control of mastitis throughout the year. Although mastitis is more prevalent at calving time. Strep uberis infections are present throughout the lactation. Using teat sealants in heifers can be difficult due to infrastructure and labour requirements. UBAC® offers another option. UBAC®, developed by HIPRA Laboratories and introduced to the New Zealand market by Agilis Vet Ltd, in 2024 offers a targeted approach against gram positive bacteria including S.uberis
infections.

International studies have demonstrated that UBAC® vaccination can reduce the incidence of S.uberis infections by up to 50%. Additionally, vaccinated cows that do contract the infection tend to recover more swiftly, leading to decreased antibiotic usage and associated costs. This aligns with the New Zealand Veterinary Association's goal to eliminate the need for antibiotics in maintaining animal health by 2030.

UBAC®'s vaccination regimen can be tailored to suit the herds requirement. The protocol includes an initial sensitizer vaccination followed by a booster 4 weeks later. Boosters are then required every 4 months.

E.g. Heifers, vaccinated 7 weeks before the heifer mobs, planned start of calving, boostered 3 weeks pre heifers PSC, then booster just before mating. Cows – 1st vac 6-8 weeks before planned dry off, booster 4 weeks later. Then booster 4 monthly. You could start anytime of the year to work in with other herd management tasks.

STARTVAC® Vaccine: Combating Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli
Staphylococcus aureus is another major mastitis-causing pathogen, often leading to chronic infections that are difficult to cure. STARTVAC®, a polyvalent inactivated vaccine, has been evaluated under New Zealand field conditions to assess its efficacy against such infections.

A study conducted across 15 farms in three primary dairy regions of New Zealand investigated the role of STARTVAC® in managing mastitis. The findings suggest that vaccination with STARTVAC® positively influences udder health, making it a valuable component of mastitis management strategies in New Zealand dairy herds.

Incorporating STARTVAC® into herd health protocols can lead to a reduction in clinical mastitis cases and somatic cell counts, thereby enhancing milk quality and yield. By proactively addressing Staphylococcus aureus infections, farmers can improve overall herd health and reduce economic losses associated with mastitis.

Herd Selection. Which Vaccine?
These vaccines are not for all herds. Selecting herds who vaccines would be beneficial for is important. Taking milk samples to confirm the common pathogens in the herd first is crucial. Vaccinating heifers with UBAC® who have had issues at calving time can be considered in all herds.

Conclusion
Integrating vaccines like UBAC® and STARTVAC® into mastitis prevention programs offers your dairy farmers effective tools
to combat prevalent pathogens. These vaccines not only improve udder health and milk production but also support the industry's move towards sustainable and antibiotic-free farming practices. Both vaccines are able to be used in Organic farming operations.