Combating clostridial diseases in sheep
Blackleg, pulpy kidney, struck, tetanus black disease and clostridial mastitis are but a few of the clostridial diseases that can affect unvaccinated sheep. Clostridial infections of sheep have been recognised for well over 200 years as a cause of rapidly fatal disease. Infections progress quickly and many sheep may be found either dead or dying at once. Treatment with antibiotics is rarely effective so the importance of a comprehensive vaccination programme cannot be over stressed.
Breeding ewes should be vaccinated against pasteurellosis and the seven main clostridial diseases, not only for their own sake but also to pass on protection to their lambs once they are born. Provided they have already received a primary course of, for example, Heptavac-P Plus (ideally when they joined the flock), an annual booster injection will give year-long immunity. Timing this booster so that it occurs a month before lambing will help ensure there are sufficient antibodies in the ewe’s colostrum to be passed to her offspring. The following diagram shows the importance of the annual booster for providing continued protection.
If you have bought in any replacement stock, it is best to assume the worst case scenario regarding their history and vaccination status. Treat them as though they have not received anything and then they won’t get missed. These sheep have to survive all year to be productive and will be at constant risk from clostridial diseases and pasteurellosis. They can be treated similarly to breeding ewes, with two injections of Heptavac-P Plus a month apart, ideally followed by an annual booster a month before lambing.
Likewise with stores– don’t assume that they were vaccinated as lambs. Unless you can be certain that they were fully vaccinated, treat them as though they weren’t. They will benefit from vaccination against several of the clostridial diseases and pasteurellosis. After they have settled in, they should be given two injections of Ovivac-P Plus a month apart.
The cost of vaccinatingagainst clostridial diseases and pasteurellosis is relatively small when you consider the likely benefits, and the improved animal welfare and peace of mind it can bring.
To help sheep farmers formulate effective vaccination schedules, Intervet, the manufacturer of Heptavac-P Plus and Ovivac-P Plus, has produced a very handy and easy-to-use vaccination planner. The device helps plan vaccination schedules for ewes, lambsand bought-in replacements to help protect them against clostridial diseases, pasteurella and also against losses due to stillbirths and abortion caused by EAE and toxoplasmosis.
Contact the practice for more information.