The new livestock program to keep cattle healthy

Producers could be rewarded for vaccinating their cattle as Immune Ready gains ground. Read the details here.

The success of a new accreditation program for cattle could be put to the test in the next few weeks as massive offerings of livestock go under the hammer.

Immune Ready was launched in 2023 as an initiative of the Australian Cattle Veterinarians.

It offers buyers information on the vaccination status of cattle before purchase and gives some assurance stock will arrive with low disease risk. And to be part of the program, vendors must sign a national cattle health declaration to verify the treatments had been given. The national cattle health declaration is provided by Animal Health Australia and is a legal document.

Producers who have completed the Immune Ready program are entitled to display the logo at the time of sale.

ACV president Craig Wood said he anticipated “a significant presence of Immune Ready cattle” at the upcoming weaner sales.

“We’re seeing a growing interest among producers, which should reflect in the upcoming sales,” Dr Wood said.

He said the Immune Ready stamp offered multiple benefits to vendors.

“Primarily, it’s a mark of health and quality, which can indeed translate into higher earnings,” Dr Wood said.

“Additionally, it assures buyers about the robust health of the cattle, making them a preferable choice.”

Dr Wood said buyers were often willing to pay a premium for cattle that were part of certified health programs.

“This trend is particularly noticeable in sectors like feedlots, where the health and immune status of cattle are crucial for efficiency and productivity and premiums are already paid,” he said.

“These guidelines give producers a tool and mechanism to communicate the current health program of their cattle to potential buyers across various trade markets.”

Dr Wood said uptake of the Immune Ready program had been promising, but was still in the early stages of implementation.

“To engage more producers, it is the responsibility of all industry bodies and representatives to discuss and communicate the benefits of the program through the supply chain.” he said.

“Healthy cattle create a more viable industry which is good for the industry, the economy, and consumers.

“The ACV is also planning further targeted awareness campaigns and offering more educational resources to highlight the program’s benefits and we look forward to and encourage other industry leaders to do the same.”

Immune Ready has wide industry backing including of all three major vaccination companies – Coopers, Virbac and Zoetis.

There is also widespread industry support from not only the ACV but Cattle Australia, Meat and Livestock Australia, Animal Health Australia, Australian Lot Feeders Association and Dairy Australia.