Bangs vaccination later

[merrymotheroffour]

The vet came out today for a blood test on my new Dexter, "Essy Brown," for Bangs/Brucellosis, as I wanted to test since she does not have a tatoo or tag for the vaccination. I questioned him about whether or not he can vaccinate her now, should it come back negative, to ensure she will not contact it in the future. I plan on milking, and give my family the milk, so certainty is important, however the vet said he didn't think he was legally able to vaccinate a cow over the vaccinations age.
I was talking with a ACDA guru, and he said that an older cow (mine is about 4) can be vaccinated for bangs later on, so am I missing something? I know it would be off label, but does that make it illegal?
I know Bangs is rare now, but I have small children and don't want to risk it...
Has anyone vaccinated for Bangs in an older cow? Any information would be helpful. Thanks

[ssrdex]

As far as I know in California you have to be a licensed vet to even administer the vaccine, & you can't have it done after a year old

[legendrockranch]

States will vary as to the protocol on bangs vaccinating an adult cow.
I know this won't help you, but here is what Texas does.

www.tahc.state.tx.us/animal_health/brucellosis/BrucellosisAdultVaccinationProtocol.pdf

I would contact your local states animal health commission or what ever the regulatory commission for you state is called and find out the correct protocol, better safe than sorry.

Barb

[ctownson]

Barb is correct in that states vary in their rules; however, one year old is very common as the upper limit.

[merrymotheroffour]

Thanks for the replies. She came back negative, and I had my first cup of milk today. What an exciting treat...now if I can just get her baby to share more I'll be in butter heaven!!