Why vaccinate?
Clostridial vaccination for your sheep is a crucial preventative measure against a range of lethal bacteria in the environment, including diseases such as tetanus, pulpy kidney, and blackleg.
Clostridial diseases cause high rates of sudden death, as lethal toxins accumulate quickly to a dangerous level before treatment is possible.
Therefore, vaccines are key for clostridial management and starting vaccination at a young age is best to help prevent deaths.
When to give vaccinations?
We recommend giving the first dose to lambs at tailing, then a booster at weaning.
Hoggets need a booster during the winter and spring seasons to help maintain protection.
From then, most annual vaccines are given pre-lamb to boost colostrum antibodies and protect ewes during lambing. This can be given 2-4 weeks before lambing, but earlier may also ok – check your plan with your vet.
Which vaccine to use?
Ultravac 5-in-1 is the traditional clostridial vaccine and it comes in a range of formulations, some with added selenium and vitamin B12.
Note, the B12 option contains only a small amount of selenium (1mg), as it’s primarily designed for lambs. The +Se option contains more selenium (5mg), but this may still be insufficient depending on your stock’s needs. Trace element monitoring by your vet can help ensure levels are optimal.
Unfortunately Ultravac 6-in-1 is no longer available in New Zealand.
However, more recently developed and locally manufactured is Covexin 10, a 10-in-1 which covers all of the clostridial diseases we see in sheep and cattle in New Zealand. It is growing in popularity as the next step in clostridial management and particularly in reducing sudden deaths from C. sordellii and C. perfringens type A, especially over winter and on crop.
We’re more than happy to discuss a vaccine schedule and selenium requirements for your flock. Get in touch for tailored advice.
