IYAK suggests the following, but it is always best to consult your veterinarian for specific requirements in your area. If you have any suggestions or questions and would like the membership to be informed or to comment, please email ckhdcr@aol.com:
ABOUT VACCINATIONS & ANTIBIOTICS:
1. The Bangs vaccination, inoculation of yak heifers under 12 months of age against brucellosis, is required for all bovines going to most shows and sales, including the National Western Stock Show in Denver, and for transport across many state lines.
2. The Bangs test for brucellosis is required of all bovine animals, male and female, for most shows and transport across many state lines.
3. All yaks should be inoculated at weaning and annually thereafter with a 7-way or 8-way Blackleg vaccine. Alpha-7 is recommended for a single shot application that will not harm an existing fetus.
4. An annual parasite control shot in the fall, such as Ivermec is recommended. In climates with more parasite problems, another shot in the spring is recommended.
5. A short (3 day) quarantine period is recommended for all yaks newly purchased or returning from a show or sale, in order to watch for potential "shipping fever" problems or other communicable diseases. An antibiotic injection of Bio-Mycin 200 or LA-200 is recommended following a long haul or attendence at a show to ward off both of the above.
6. When choosing an anitbiotic, read the small print. Nuflor and Mycotil, for instance, are very effective for pneumonia symptoms, but both have warnings against use in cattle of breeding ages as abortion may occur. Furthermore, one is injected into the muscle and the other under the skin. Take precaution and read the insert before use.
7. There are several fly control products on the market. If you don't want to put a fly tag in the ear, try tying one around the horns with a string that would break if the yak got caught on something.
Use a squeeze chute to do this! Also, an insecticide dust bag or liquid rub at the entry to the mineral block pen area is effective for horn flies and face flies. Place it low enough to assure face and back contact.
