Wynnstay Group Plc
Lambing Guide 2016
PRE VACCINATION VACCINATE EWES NOW TO HELP PREVENT UNNECESSARY LAMB LOSSES A recent post mortem study at a Fallen Stock Collection Centre (FSCC) has shown that sheep producers are still losing too many lambs to pasteurellosis and clostridial diseases like pulpy kidney.
As far as autumn ewe replacements are concerned, you should always assume the worst-case scenario regarding their history and vaccination status. Treat them as though they have not received anything then they won’t be missed. They can be treated similarly to breeding ewes, with a full primary course of two injections of 2mls of HEPTAVAC® P-PLUS 4-6 weeks apart when they come into the flock, followed by a booster 4-6 weeks before each lambing, along with the older ewes. Remember that vaccinating the ewe 4-6 weeks before lambing not only boosts her own immunity, it also increases the concentration of protective antibodies in the ewe’s colostrum and these pass to the newborn lamb when it suckles. This helps give young lambs the protection they need against clostridial diseases and pasteurellosis until they can be vaccinated themselves.
For example, October 2015 saw an increase in diagnoses of pasteurellosis in unprotected lambs caused by Mannheimia haemolytica or Bibersteinia trehalosi. The project also recorded a large early spring peak of pulpy kidney disease in lambs. In almost all cases these were young lambs (two to eight weeks old) and neither the ewes nor the lambs had been vaccinated. Remember that pasteurellosis and clostridial disease vaccines in sheep work very well and are costeffective, which means that most of these losses could have been prevented. Indeed, protecting your next crop of lambs starts well before they are born – by ensuring boosters are given pre-lambing – so it’s a good idea to start thinking about future disease protection after ewes have been put to the tup.
Ask your SQP for more advice on helping to protect your sheep against pasteurellosis and clostridial disease. (article provided by Merial, 2015)
Heptavac P Plus 25-250 Doses or 50ml - 250ml
15326-29
Bravoxin 10 50ml - 100ml or Promo Pack 6 x 100ml Injector
39972-3/49092
For the active immunisation of sheep and cattle against disease caused by clostridial species. The recommended injection site is the loose skin on the side of the neck and animals can be vaccinated from 2 weeks of age. The on set of immunity is two weeks after the primary course.
Covexin 8 100ml - 500ml
13209-11
A suspension for injection for the active immunisation of sheep and cattle from 2 weeks of age against various species of clostridia. Onset of immunity is 2 weeks after the primary course. For sheep and lambs over 8 weeks of age give a 5ml initial dose followed by a 2ml dose 6 weeks later. For lambs 2–8 weeks of age, from unvaccinated ewes or ewes of unknown vaccination status: 2ml initial dose followed by a second dose 4–6 weeks later. For cattle of all ages give a 5ml initial dose followed by a second 5 ml dose 6 weeks later. Administration via subcutaneous injection preferably in the loose skin on the side of the neck. sheepandbeef@wynnstay.co.uk 5
PRE VACCINATION
Combined 7 in 1 Clostridial plus Pasteurella vaccine for the active immunisation of sheep as an aid in the control of lamb dysentery, pulpy kidney, struck, tetanus, braxy, blackleg, black disease and clostridial metritis organisms. The vaccine may be used as an aid in the control of pneumonic pasteurellosis in sheep of all ages from a minimum age of 3 weeks and in the control of systemic pasteurellosis in weaned fattening and breeding sheep.