New research found that most farm vaccine refrigerators store critical drugs at the wrong temperature, putting livestock health at risk, and urgent farmers to use grants to upgrade their equipment.
The study, conducted by MSD Animal Health, found that 84% of on-farm refrigerators store the vaccine outside the recommended temperature range.
Company experts warn that this situation could undermine the effectiveness of important animal health treatments.
FETF support for critical upgrades to vaccine refrigerators
In light of this, farmers are encouraged to use the latest Agricultural Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF) grants to cover the costs of specialized vaccine refrigerators.
The recently announced FETF scheme from DEFRA provides up to 50% of funding for the cost of purchasing medical-grade vaccine refrigerators.
This support can save farmers hundreds of pounds and protect livestock health while ensuring that the vaccine is stored at the correct temperature.
The importance of proper vaccine storage
Maintaining proper vaccine storage is essential to maintaining vaccine efficacy. If they are not kept at the appropriate temperature, it reduces their effectiveness and increases the risk of not doing it as intended.
MSD conducted research on 19 farms in southwestern England, revealing widespread issues with vaccine storage.
None of the vaccine refrigerators surveyed showed that the recommended temperature range was maintained between 2 and 8°C.
A total of 84% of the refrigerator recorded at least one temperature above 8°C, some reaching 24°C. Meanwhile, 58% of the refrigerator recorded temperatures below 0°C, and one recorded low immersion as −12°C.
In many cases, temperature remained outside of the safe range long enough to adversely affect the effectiveness of the vaccine.
Paul Williams, antiminants technical manager at MSD Animal Health, warned of the risks. He explained: “Farm storage is the weakest link in the vaccine cold chain.
“Animal health vaccines are very vulnerable and when damaged, their effectiveness is irreversible. We can’t tell by looking at whether they are still effective.
“If you have a vaccine stored on a farm, you need to check the maximum and minimum temperatures every day. If it’s outside the 2-8°C range, something needs to be done.”
Farmers’ advice: Best practices for storage
MSD also reminded farmers of best practices when it comes to vaccine storage. It should not be placed behind the fridge. Refrigerators should not be placed on doors that are likely to freeze or fluctuate each time the temperature opens.
Furthermore, factors such as fridge age, placement, and ambient temperature can have a major impact on its performance.
Williams concluded: “In an ideal world, vaccines should not accumulate on farms, but if possible, they should be used as quickly as possible and transported in cool bags.
“Do not remove all vaccines from the fridge at once, as it takes time to vaccinate many animals.”
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