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Posted: June 3, 2021

Premier 1 Supplies offers VIMCO® Mastitis Vaccine for Goats

Washington, IA — Staphylococci are the primary cause of mastitis in dairy goat farms. This bacteria contributes to large economic milk production losses and animal replacement costs.

Until now, there hasn’t been an USDA approved mastitis vaccine for meat and dairy goats in the USA. Meanwhile, producers in Europe have successfully administered mastitis vaccines to over 5 million small ruminants since 2014. The result has been a reduction of 58% in clinical signs.

That’s why Premier 1 Supplies has partnered with HIPRA (an animal health company based in Spain)—to bring VIMCO® to producers in the USA.

VIMCO® targets Staphylococcus aureus and CNS (Coagulase Negative Staphylococci), the bacteria most commonly associated with mastitis. It’s administered via two intramuscular injections: 5 weeks prior to kidding; and a second 3 weeks after the first dose.

The combination of VIMCO® vaccination against Staphylococcal mastitis with good livestock management can lead to: fewer clinical and subclinical mastitis cases (reducing the need for antibiotic treatment), a reduction in the severity of clinical cases, less discarded milk from high somatic cell counts, lessened bacterial shedding, few replacement animals required from culling, increased profits from milk production (reduced milk loss) and healthier animals.

Prevention is better than the cure. Remember that vaccination alone can not solve every problem and should be combined with a mastitis control program. Premier encourages producers to work with their veterinarian and follow recommendations based on his/her advice.

Posted: April 11, 2018

Premier 1 Supplies Acquires Small Ruminant Business From Pipestone Veterinary Services

Washington, IA — Premier 1 Supplies, LLC announced that it has acquired the Sheep Business Unit from Pipestone Veterinary Services, PLC, a Minnesota-based company. The Sheep Business Unit was responsible for providing practical healthcare and nutrition knowledge to sheep producers throughout the United States, including a wide array of small ruminant feeds and supplements. The purchase will better serve the needs of Premier’s sheep and goat customers across the United States and Canada.

The asset purchase of Pipestone’s Sheep Business Unit fits into Premier’s strategy to advance the sheep industry through an education-first approach. Premier will provide its customers with access to Pipestone’s small ruminant veterinarians as well as other on-staff experts including Dr. Dan Morrical, the just-retired sheep specialist from Iowa State University. Dr. Morrical was responsible for ISU’s educational programs in all areas of sheep production, ranging from nutrition, genetics, marketing and management.

“The acquisition of Pipestone’s Sheep Business Unit complements our existing sheep and goat supply business. We can now provide a wider range of services—from sheep care to nutrition to field-tested products. This investment represents a win-win for customers,” said Ben Rothe, chief executive officer of Premier 1 Supplies. “The acquisition will allow us to provide programs, knowledge, and assistance to sheep producers at a time when many university sheep extension programs are downsizing.”

“Pipestone is thrilled to team with a company that shares the same passion for helping sheep producers as we have had for the past 75 years.” said Hannah Walkes, President of Pipestone. “We view this as a tremendous opportunity to bring an even greater level of service and commitment to producers via an expansion of the Shepherd’s Club combined with Premier’s reach in the industry.”