Cattlemen using bands to castrate bulls must adhere to proper vaccination procedures and timing of vaccine in order to obtain protection against tetanus. Banding has become a popular castration means, particularly for larger bull calves. The type of necrotic lesion that develops on the scrotum is conducive for the tetanus organism (Clostridium tetani) to grow and produce toxin that can result in classic signs of severe muscle tetany. Cases of tetanus seven to ten days following banding are not uncommon, even though a dose of tetanus toxoid was administered. Death can result only a day or two after signs of tetanus are apparent.
The initial dose of tetanus toxoid vaccine is frequently given at banding to prevent tetanus. However, to prevent tragic losses you should follow label directions and administer two doses of toxoid before banding.
Keep in mind, there is a reason the tetanus toxoid products on the market require two doses. Protective immunity will not be sufficient following one dose. One dose of tetanus toxoid will sensitize the immune system, but it is usually ten days or more before any significant amount of antibodies are produced. In addition, this initial immunity may not be strong enough to protect against tetanus. This is why many tetanus toxoid labels call for a booster dose 3 to 4 weeks following the initial dose. Antibody production increases significantly within a couple of days following the booster dose and protection against tetanus is much greater.
Therefore, banding at the same time as the initial dose of tetanus toxoid, may result in tetanus before sufficient immunity can be stimulated. It should be recommended to band no sooner than when the second dose is given. For optimum protection all product label directions should be followed carefully.