Use of vaccines in cattle

Find out more about the uptake of cattle vaccinations across the UK between 2011 and 2024.

Vaccine sales

The vaccines included in the uptake report are classed as Category One vaccines in the NOAH Livestock Vaccination Guideline. This means they are the highest priority vaccinations and should be considered as default vaccinations unless appropriate justifications have been clearly identified by the vet and farmer working together.

The total number of doses of cattle vaccines sold increased by 24% between 2011 and 2024. In total, 10.5 million doses were sold in 2024.

Many factors contribute to fluctuations in vaccine sales, including changes in the dose regimes along with manufacturing and supply issues. Sales from wholesalers do not necessarily equate to use in that year. However, monitoring sales is still useful in estimating the likely level of protection in the target group. 

Table 1. Estimated uptake of vaccination (%) for cattle in the UK between 2018–2024

Vaccine use analysis

The largest increase in estimated vaccine uptake from 2011 to 2024 was IBR (up 88%) followed by calf enteritis (up 84%) and pneumonia (up 62%). This demonstrates the cost benefit ratio seen in preventing these diseases.

Compared to 2011, and continuing the trend from 2023, the estimated Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) vaccine uptake has decreased, with the uptake rate in 2024 being the lowest reported since 2011.

The proportion of cattle vaccinated for leptospirosis has remained stable in recent years ranging from 30–33%.

Pneumonia outbreaks in calves and youngstock can lead to a high usage of antibiotic treatments.

There are a wide range of pneumonia vaccines available covering different pathogens that are effective at preventing infection.

IBR causes severe respiratory disease that can lead to fatal pneumonia. The virus can infect the upper respiratory tract and the reproductive tract.

Mortality is low, but economic losses can be important as performance is impacted.

Infected animals which recover can become carriers of the virus and continue to spread disease.

There are effective vaccines available which offer protection against infection.

BVD is a highly contagious viral disease of cattle and can lead to heavy economic losses if uncontrolled in a herd.

Vaccines protecting against BVD infection are a valuable tool for disease control.

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have developed compulsory BVD eradication schemes.

The Defra Animal Health and Welfare Pathway in England provides subsidised BVD testing.

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease caused by bacteria of the Leptospira genus. It is a common infection in dairy and beef herds and causes infertility, abortion and poor milk yield. 

Calf enteritis, or calf scour, is a common problem found on most cattle farms in the UK. It can be a major cause of poor growth and calf mortality.