Does this sound like a familiar phrase? Clostridial diseases are one of the most common causes of sudden death in stock.
With activities such as disbudding and tailing around the corner and stock prices looking positive, it’s worth having a quick refresher on the topic.
What are clostridial diseases?
There are numerous strains of clostridial bacteria, which are abundant in the environment and even in the guts of healthy animals.
Disease occurs when the right conditions are met, and the bacteria start producing toxins. For example, trauma during handling or fighting (black leg), overeating on starchy feed, or deworming without vaccination (pulpy kidney), sudden dietary changes (enterotoxaemia), wounds (tetanus and malignant oedema), etc.
Since animals die so suddenly, the only protection available is prevention via vaccination.
What vaccines are available?
Ultravac 5in1 comes with a range of formulations that may include small doses of selenium and vitamin B12.
Ultravac 7in1 is essentially a 5in1, plus cover for two strains of leptospirosis.
Covexin 10 is the only vaccine that offers protection against all of the clostridial strains found in New Zealand.
When should I vaccinate?
An initial dose is given, followed by a booster four to six weeks later and then once annually.
Protection for lambs can start as a pre-lamb vaccination in ewes, or they can be vaccinated at tailing time. Calves should be vaccinated as soon as possible after four weeks of age. It is wise to assume that beef finishers have not been vaccinated and give them two injections with a broad spectrum clostridial vaccine as soon as they arrive.
You will reap the benefits if you can save the cost of losing even a single animal!
You’re welcome to get in touch with your KeyVet for an in-depth discussion about clostridial protection.
