B905
Vaccination Program

Introduction: In general, it is not practical to suggest one vaccination program that is suitable for all sheep or goat producers. Specific recommendations must be made on an individual basis to apply to the various health problems encountered. Only in situations where the sheep or goat population as a whole is considered to be at risk, such as enterotoxemia, can blanket recommendations be made. Local veterinarians are the best qualified persons to give advice on developing sound flock/herd vaccination programs. The various classes of sheep and goats must be considered when identifying health risks that need attention. The common classes are breeding females, breeding males, newborns, replacements, and feeder animals. Preventive health programs and recommendations are different for each class.

This discussion will familiarize the producer with disease conditions in sheep and goats that can be prevented using vaccination procedures. A general vaccination program will then be outlined and should be modified under the direction of a local veterinarian.

Bluetongue - see page F82.
Cause: Bluetongue is caused by a virus that is spread by the insect Culicoides, a biting midge. Generally, the disease produces oral erosions or ulcers, nasal discharge, crusty nostrils, and lameness.

Vaccine: A vaccine is available and can be used when necessary. Multiple strains of the bluetongue virus exist. Therefore, success may depend upon the use of the proper vaccine strain as well as the immune response of the animal.

Campylobacteriosis (Vibriosis) - see page F102.
Cause: This disease is caused by Campylobacter fetus spp. fetus (In general, this infection in sheep and goats is NOT caused by the same organism that causes abortions in cattle, and the vaccine for cattle is NOT effective.) The name of this bacteria has been changed from Vibrio fetus intestinalis to Campylobacter fetus spp. fetus. This disease causes abortions and dead or weak newborns. It is probably the most common cause of abortions in sheep.

Vaccine: A bacterin (killed organisms) is effective. It usually requires two vaccinations initially to ewes/does and lambs/kids. Annual booster vaccinations are then required. Recommendations for this vaccine may vary according to conditions and past disease history.

Caseous Lymphadenitis (CLA) - see page F108.
Cause: CLA is caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis. The disease causes enlarged lymph nodes and abscess to form throughout the body.

Vaccine: There are different vaccines available. One contains a toxoid of C. pseudotuberculosis alone. Another is in combination with Clostridium perfringens type D and Clostridium tetani toxoids. In most cases, the first vaccination can be given at 3-4 months of age after passive immunity fades. Many products should be boostered again 4 weeks later and repeated annually, thereafter.

Contagious Ecthyma (Orf or Soremouth) - see page F129.
Cause: Soremouth is caused by a pox virus. This virus and the vaccine itself may affect man, so caution should be used when handling affected animals or the vaccine. In sheep and goats, lesions are found primarily on the lips but also may affect nostrils, eyelids, mouth, vulva, teats, and feet. This disease is transmitted by direct and indirect contact.

Vaccine: The soremouth vaccine is a live virus vaccine. This vaccine should be used only in flocks/herds where soremouth is a problem. Read administration directions thoroughly, and wear rubber gloves for protection from the vaccine. Do not use the vaccine in flocks/herds free of the disease because the vaccine procedure will introduce the virus to that flock/herd. In problem flocks/herds, the lambs/kids may need to be vaccinated at 6-8 weeks to help prevent the disease. In flocks/herds with severe problems, the vaccine may need to be given when the lamb/kid is just 2-3 days old. Protection from vaccination may last from 2 years to life depending on the vaccine and the animal’s immune response. Most producers choose to vaccinate the entire flock/herd at one time, and then only vaccinate newborns and new additions, thereafter.

Enterotoxemia - see page F203.
Cause: Clostridium perfringens type B, C and/or D cause enterotoxemia. Toxins produced by this anaerobic bacteria cause this common disease in flocks/herds. Sudden death is the most frequent sign, with other symptoms also present.

Vaccine: Clostridium perfringens type C and D toxoid is effective when administered under proper conditions.

Other Clostridial Diseases (Blackleg, Malignant Edema, etc.) - see page F120.
Causes: Clostridium chauvoei, Clostridium septicum, Clostridium novyi cause these problems. These bacterial soil inhabitants cause occasional disease in sheep and goats. C. chauvoei and C. septicum may normally be found in the intestinal tract. Proper hygiene and sound animal management is helpful in prevention. Generally, affected animals show lameness and subcutaneous swelling, with a rapid progression towards death.

Vaccine: An effective vaccine is available and may be used when conditions justify.

Enzootic Abortion of Ewes (EAE)
Cause: Chlamydia psittaci causes EAE. This organism is classified as a rickettsia, which is smaller than a bacteria and larger than a virus. This organism generally produces abortions, conjunctivitis (eye infections), arthritis in lambs, epididymitis (resulting in reduced fertility or sterility in males), pneumonia, and diarrhea. It is a major cause of abortions in ewes.

Vaccine: An EAE vaccine is produced and is usually administered in combination with a vibriosis bacterin.

Leptospirosis - see page F468.
Cause: This disease is caused by the bacteria Leptospira pomona, L. icterohaemorrhagiae, L. grippotyphosa, and others. Generally, this disease is found to cause abortions, anemia, and systemic disease in sheep and goats. The necessity for vaccination may vary due to exposure risk and other factors.

Vaccine: Killed bacterins are available that produce protective levels of immunity in most animals.

Tetanus - see F120.
Cause: The bacterium Clostridium tetani causes tetanus. The bacteria inhabit contaminated soil and enter the body through open wounds such as castration, tail docking, or lacerations. Man is susceptible to tetanus. The death rate can be high (usually over 75%) in affected animals. The disease usually manifests itself as muscle spasms, stiffness, and other nervous system signs.

Vaccine: Tetanus toxoid is effective in prevention when administered to healthy animals.

Vaccination Programs: The following suggestions are for a typical flock/herd. Each operation has specific concerns and needs; therefore, it is highly recommended that a local veterinarian be involved in all vaccination decisions.

Lambs/kids from non-vaccinated mothers at 1-3 weeks of age:

Lambs: Give a vaccine for Clostridium perfringens type C & D, C. tetani, C. novyi, C. sordellii, C. chauvoei, C. haemolyticum, and C. septicum; repeat this vaccine twice, every 3-4 weeks.
Kids: Give a vaccine for Clostridium perfringens type C & D and C. tetani; repeat this vaccine twice, every 3-4 weeks.

Lambs/kids from vaccinated mothers at 1-2 months of age:

Lambs: Give a vaccine for Clostridium perfringens type C & D, C. tetani, C. novyi, C. sordellii, C. chauvoei, C. haemolyticum, and C. septicum; repeat this vaccine in 3-4 weeks.

Kids: Give a vaccine for Clostridium perfringens type C & D and C. tetani; repeat this vaccine in 3-4 weeks.

Other lamb/kid vaccines:

If contagious ecthyma (soremouth) is a problem in the flock/herd, administer a contagious ecthyma vaccine at 1-2 months of age. If it is a severe problem in the flock/herd, the vaccine may need to be given when the lamb/kid is 2-3 days old.
If caseous lymphadenitis is a problem, administer a caseous D-T vaccine (Clostridium perfringens type D, Clostridium tetani, and Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis) at 3-4 months of age in animals where the mother has previously been vaccinated. A second dose should be given in 3-4 weeks. In lambs/kids from mothers that have not been previously vaccinated, a first dose should be given at 1-3 weeks of age. This first dose should also be repeated in 3-4 weeks. Some vaccines can cause significant problems in goats already infected with CLA and should be used with caution.

All adult males and females approximately 4-6 weeks prior to the lambing/kidding season:

Sheep: Give a vaccine for Clostridium perfringens type C & D, C. tetani, C. novyi, C. sordellii, C. chauvoei, C. haemolyticum, and C. septicum.

Goats: Give a vaccine for Clostridium perfringens type C & D and C. tetani. All adult goats should be vaccinated a minimum of twice a year for Clostridium perfringens type D. They require more frequent vaccination because they do not respond as well as sheep do to the vaccine.

Other vaccines for adult animals:

In problem areas, Campylobacter (vibriosis) and Chlamydia (enzootic abortion) vaccines should be given to females prior to the breeding season. After this initial series, a single dose is required 2-4 weeks prior to the breeding season each year, thereafter.
If caseous lymphadenitis is a problem, administer a caseous D-T vaccine (Clostridium perfringens type D, Clostridium tetani, and Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis) to all ewes, does, rams, and bucks 4-6 weeks before the lambing/kidding season. Some vaccines can cause significant problems in goats already infected with CLA and should be used with caution.

Variations to the above recommendations exist; therefore, it is highly recommended that a local veterinarian be involved in all vaccination decisions.

B905 Vaccination Program

B905
Vaccination Program