Maiden ewe vaccinations
Although tupping may seem a way off, it is time to think about pre-tup vaccinations for young sheep.
| Vaccine | How many injections | When to inject |
| Toxovax | 1 injection for life | 4 weeks pre-teaser |
| Campyvax | 2 injections 4 weeks apart (option to boost annually) | Ideally finished before teaser out |
| 5-in-1 |
2 injections 4 weeks apart, boost annually |
Booster 10-21 days pre-lamb |
Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis causes abortion during early and mid pregnancy. It is spread through cat faeces so controlling wild cats is important. This disease can also be spread through semen from infected rams or teasers so vaccination should occur four weeks before the teaser goes out.
This is a live vaccine, it is very fragile and is made to order. Order the required amount at least four weeks before you need it.
Campylobacter
Campylobacter causes abortion at the beginning and end of pregnancy. Infection occurs through contaminated feed and water or by contact with aborted material. Dispose of any aborted foetuses and placentas.
It is advised to finish the vaccination programme before tupping begins. This vaccine can be given at the same time as Toxovax. Vaccination can be boosted annually pre-tup; however this is usually not necessary in ewes older than two-tooths as these have had true exposure to the disease and have sufficient immunity.
If you suspect a campy outbreak, contact Totally Vets for a diagnosis and options to control this disease.
Clostridial diseases
Vaccination for clostridial diseases should be boosted 10-21 days pre-lamb in all ewes to ensure there is protection for the lambs passing through colostrum. This is especially important to protect against pulpy kidney and tetanus which can cause sudden death early in life. Colostral transfer protects the lamb for up to 12 weeks, at which stage their 5-in-1 vaccination programme should begin.
Ideally all animals should have been vaccinated already. If not, begin this now.
Minimise other stresses at the time of vaccination as stress will reduce the immune response to any vaccine.
