Spring is the ideal time to assess what vaccinations your stock will need to protect them against common clostridial diseases such as tetanus, pulpy kidney (enterotoxaemia) and blackleg.
Jane Dwyer, District Veterinarian with North Coast Local Land Services said, “With the change in season, it is important to remember to vaccinate your livestock as vaccination is a cheap insurance policy.
“A vaccine can cost less than one dollar per animal, depending on the number of animals being treated, and provides protection against unnecessary deaths.”
Blackleg is the most common Clostridial disease seen in cattle on the North Coast and infection occurs following the ingestion of bacterial spores from contaminated feed or soil. The spores enter the bloodstream and lodge in the muscle where they lie dormant without causing illness until triggered by an injury or excessive exercise. The bacteria then rapidly start to produce toxins causing lameness and swelling of the infected muscle, loss of appetite, fever, and death within 48 hours. Most often animals are simply found dead. Young, fast- growing cattle between 6 and 18 months of age that are in good condition are generally the most affected.
Pulpy Kidney (enterotoxaemia) is another clostridial bacteria which causes sudden death in ruminants and all cattle, sheep and goats should be vaccinated against this disease. The Spring flush of new growth is a particularly risky time for livestock as the change in diet can allow the clostridial bacteria to flourish in their intestine, producing a toxin which overwhelms their system and causes sudden death.
Tetanus is not commonly seen these days due to widespread vaccination but can occur in unvaccinated or poorly vaccinated stock. Infection occurs through penetrating wounds such as marking wounds, failed ring castration, dehorning, foot-trimming wounds and dog bites. Common symptoms include a stiff legged gait, bloat, a locked jaw, prolapse of the third eyelid, muscle spasms and death.
A booster of 5 in 1 or 7 in 1 for cattle and 5 in 1 or 6 in 1 for sheep provides important protection against deadly clostridial diseases.
For even greater protection against pulpy kidney there is an 8 in 1 vaccine available that protects against three types of the clostridial enterotoxaemia bacteria (C. perfringens B, C and D) rather than just the “D” type contained in the 5 in 1 vaccine. Vaccinate calves from 6 weeks of age. Two doses are required, 4 to 6 weeks apart. Give the first dose 4 to 6 weeks before marking and a booster at marking.
Adult stock of unknown vaccination status should also receive two doses 4 to 6 weeks apart. An annual booster thereafter is recommended.
More regular boosters may be required to prevent against pulpy kidney, as some vaccines only provide protection for three months, so it is recommended to give a booster every time there is a change in feed, such as introduction to lush spring pastures.
Livestock producers who have a question about vaccinating livestock or livestock animal health, should contact their local private veterinarian or District Veterinarians at North Coast Local Land Services on 1300 279 299.
