Optimizing needle practices for healthier cattle

USAgNet - 04/25/2024

Maintaining cattle health requires meticulous management of hypodermic needles, crucial for the effective delivery of veterinary products. Needle choice depends on the cattle’s weight, the method of product administration, and the product's viscosity. A smaller gauge needle minimizes discomfort and tissue damage but must be sturdy enough to avoid bending.

Under Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) guidelines, injections are required to be administered in the front shoulder area, and needles must be replaced after every 10 animals or if they show signs of wear or contamination. This ensures the effectiveness of the medication and maintains high standards of hygiene.

In incidents of needle breakage, immediate action includes marking the location and seeking veterinary assistance to remove the needle surgically. If retrieval is unsuccessful, the animal must be identified and removed from the food supply chain, and its disposal must be managed ethically at the end of its life.

Blood-borne pathogens like bovine leukosis virus and anaplasmosis pose significant risks, which are intensified by improper needle use. To diminish these risks, needles should be changed between animals, especially in herds known to harbor these infections.

This is a crucial step in a comprehensive disease prevention strategy that also includes controlling carriers like flies and ticks and sterilizing other veterinary instruments.

Disposal of needles should be conducted responsibly using designated sharps containers, which can be obtained from medical supply companies. Collaboration with local medical or veterinary authorities can provide guidance on safely managing the disposal of these potentially hazardous materials.

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