Download Clostridia in Sheep - Langford Veterinary Services

Langford Veterinary Services / Farm Animal Practice
The Importance of Vaccinating
Sheep Against Clostridia
Clostridial bacteria are present in the soil for long periods of time and cause
several devastating diseases of sheep, which progress rapidly and can result in
losses of up to 50% of lambs and sheep on a farm. Sheep are often found dying
or dead, and treatment is rarely effective. Vaccination is essential for control,
cost effective and easy to implement.
Diseases caused by Clostridia
Lamb Dysentery
Found in lambs under two weeks old; commonly the
strongest lambs which drink most milk are most affected.
Lambs are found dead.
Pulp Kidney
Found in lambs at 4-10 weeks old if their dams were not
vaccinated or in six month old lambs from vaccinated
dams who have not themselves been vaccinated.
Vaccination against Clostridia
Braxy
Clostridial vaccines are highly effective in sheep and
vaccination is the only option for control of the diseases
listed (right).
Found in weaned, unvaccinated lambs eating frozen
grass during winter. Lambs are found dead.
Vaccination of ewes before lambing
Found in all ages of unvaccinated sheep in late summer,
Black’s Disease is associated with migration of fluke.
Immunity to Clostridia passes from ewes to lambs in
colostrum. Vaccination of ewes four weeks before lambing
protects the newborn if enough colostrum is taken in
the first two hours of life. Vaccination must be made as
stress-free as possible to prevent abortion.
Vaccination of lambs
The immunity from colostrum only lasts 10 to 12 weeks,
so lambs should be vaccinated against clostridia at about
eight weeks old. A booster should then be given two weeks
later.
Black’s disease
Black Leg
Found in all ages of unvaccinated sheep, the bacteria
enters through a wound. Affected sheep become dull,
feverous and if a limb is involved sudden onset of
lameness is seen.
Big head
Found in unvaccinated rams during summer when
head-butting, the bacteria enters through wounds on the
head. Rams develop swollen heads and eyes.
Vaccination of adult animals
Tetanus
Adult animals must receive a booster vaccination annually
to ensure continuing protection.
Found in unvaccinated lambs, lambs develop limb
stiffness leading to paralysis and death.
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Langford Veterinary Services Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of the University of Bristol