Table 17.1 ■.
A Suggested Vaccination Schedule for Lambs and Kids
| Disease/Vaccine | Vaccine Timing | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Bacterial Diseases | ||
| Clostridial diseases—C, D, and T (CORE) | Vaccinate at 6–8 weeks, and revaccinate 3–4 weeks later. If ewes were not vaccinated for Cl. perfringens, their lambs may be vaccinated at 2–3 days of age and revaccinated 2–3 weeks later. Feeder lambs should be vaccinated at time of purchase, and 2–4 weeks later. |
If not previously vaccinated, ewes must be vaccinated twice at 6–4 weeks before lambing, with the last dose 4 weeks before lambing. If previously vaccinated a single dose is sufficient. Revaccinate annually. Withdrawal time 21 days. |
| Footrot Dichelobacter nodosus |
Vaccinate before the anticipated problem. Revaccinate between 6 weeks and 6 months later, | Revaccinate every 6 months. Withdrawal time 60 days. |
| Caseous lymphadenitis Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis |
Vaccinate sheep and goats over 3 months of age. Revaccinate 4 weeks later on the opposite side of the animal. | May be combined with clostridia. Annual revaccination. Withdrawal time 21 days. Do not use in known infected animals because a severe reaction may result. |
| Campylobacter fetus-jejuni bacterin | Vaccinate before breeding and revaccinate in 60–90 days. | Annual revaccination. Withdrawal time 21 days. |
| Bacterial pneumonia (M. haemolytica and P. multocida) | Vaccinate breeding ewes and revaccinate 2–4 weeks apart. Revaccinate again 2–4 weeks before lambing. Lambs vaccinated under 3 months should be revaccinated at 4–6 months. | Revaccinate ewes annually before breeding or during pregnancy according to the label recommendations. May be combined with clostridia. Withdrawal time 21 days. |
| Chlamydia | Vaccinate 60 days before breeding and revaccinate 30 days later. | Administered with Campylobacter bacterins. Annual revaccination. Withdrawal time 60 days. |
| Anthrax | In known problem areas vaccinate twice at a 2–3 week interval. | Withdrawal time 42 days. Annual revaccination. |
| Viral Diseases | ||
| Soremouth | Vaccinate lambs at 1 month. Revaccinate 2–3 months later. Range lambs entering a feedlot should be vaccinated at least 10 days previously. | Use this vaccine well ahead of lambing or showing. Do not use within 24 hours of dipping or spraying. Withdrawal time 21 days. |
| Bluetongue | Vaccinate lambs over 3 months of age and revaccinate 3 weeks before the breeding season or after lambing. | Do not vaccinate pregnant animals. Vaccine is strain specific so select it carefully. Withdrawal time 21 days. |
| Rabies | Vaccinate lambs over 3 months of age. | Revaccinate annually or 3 yearly depending on the vaccine. Withdrawal time 21 days. |
This table is an example of a consensus vaccination program. Individual programs are variable and will reflect animal health, local environmental and housing conditions, severity of challenge, and disease prevalence in addition to professional judgment. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on the label.