What is the purpose of vaccination in animals?

The purpose of vaccination in animals is to create immunity. Vaccines contain antigens, which are components that mimic a pathogen, or the disease-causing organism. When an animal is vaccinated, its immune system recognizes these antigens as foreign invaders and stimulates an immune response. This process leads to the formation of memory cells that provide long-term protection against specific diseases.

Vaccination is crucial for preventing the outbreak of transmissible diseases within animal populations, which not only protects the health of individual animals but also contributes to the overall health of herds or flocks. This is particularly important in agricultural settings, where disease can have significant economic impacts.

While increasing growth, enhancing breeding, and reducing stress are important objectives in animal husbandry, they are not the primary purpose of vaccination. Vaccination focuses specifically on preventing disease and building immunity, forming a key component of responsible animal management and health care practices.