Backroads Veterinary Care, LLC

Vaccine protocols for Sheep and Goats

HJ Hamlen, DVM, and

C Hinken, Central New Mexico Veterinary Technology Program, Class of 2010

Universally recommended:           

CD-T  - Protects against Clostridium perfringes which causes bloody scours in young goats and lambs (Type C) and Overeating Disease in grain-fed lambs and goats (Type D).  Protects against Clostridium tetani, which causes tetanus, or “lock jaw”.

Protocol: Follow manufacturer’s directions. Repeat in 21-28 days and then annually. One should vaccinate pregnant ewes and does 2-4 weeks before lambing/kidding. Colostrum will then provide passive immunity to lambs and kids protecting them for the first 50-60 days of life.   This protection is important to prevent disease during tail docking in lambs and disbudding in kids, as well as preventing tetanus after castration.  First lambing ewes should be vaccinated two times in late pregnancy, 2 to 4 weeks apart. Lambs and kids should be vaccinated at weaning and then again 2-4 weeks later, then annually.

Optional /Flock Dependent recommendations:

Many of the vaccines on the market are polyvalent. For the most part, they are effective against C. perfringens (types C and D) and C. tetani AND some combination of other diseases. Depending on the location of the flock and specific health concerns, one or more of these vaccines would be used. Listed below are several diseases of issue for goats and sheep. When choosing a vaccine, one should consider which, if any, of these are risks to a particular flock. It is certainly possible to over-vaccinate causing problems for the animals and also financial concerns for owners.

Soremouth – (contagious ecthyma) a viral skin disease of sheep and goats. It can also be spread to people.  Not recommended in flocks free of disease. If it is started because of disease presence, it must be repeated annually.

Campylobacter fetus (Vibrio) –a bacteria that causes abortion in sheep.

Chlamydia psittici– a bacteria that causes enzootic abortion in sheep and goats.

Footrot – vaccine does not prevent the disease but combined with regular maintenance and care can reduce symptoms. Vaccine should be administered every three to six months especially in preparation for the rainy season.

Rabies – only recommended in flocks living in areas where rabies is seen in wildlife (skunks, raccoons, coyotes, and foxes, or those traveling to events where vaccination is required.

Brucella ovis – a bacteria that causes ram epididymitis. 

Caseous lymphadenitis (CL) –  a disease caused by the bacteria Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis that produces abscesses in lymph nodes.

Escherischia coli – causes scours (diarrhea) in sheep and goats.

For a list of vaccines available for sheep and goats and meat/milk withdrawal times visit the Maryland Small Ruminant website, and for general information on vaccinating sheep visit the University of Minnesota Extension website.