With the lambing season approaching for mid-season flocks, it’s time for farmers to start administering vaccinations.

In particular, a clostridial vaccination should be given to ewes that are four-to-six weeks away from lambing.

It is vitally important that ewes receive this dose as it will have a knock-on effect on their offspring. If ewes are vaccinated on an annual basis it will allow for their antibody levels to remain high, which will then be transferred to the lamb and give it protection.

Clostridia – which is a bacteria – can cause many different types of diseases in sheep such as: metritis in ewes; lamb dysentery; and pulpy kidney.

By vaccinating ewes, farmers can drastically reduce the incidence of these diseases from occurring.

According to Teagasc, pulpy kidney is the most common type of clostridial disease found in sheep – in Ireland. It is commonly found in fast-growing lambs. These animals – that are usually over one month-of-age – are consuming high concentrate diets, or are suckling heavy milking ewes.

A common problem on sheep farms is not giving lambs the full primary course. Therefore, by not completing the vaccination course, lambs are still susceptible and this could lead to losses.

Furthermore, not administering the correct dose of the vaccine will cause the animals to have a lower antibody response which may result in health problems.

Moreover, another cause for concern is the incorrect storage of the vaccine. It must be kept refrigerated as per the instructions and is sensitive to temperature changes.

According to Teagasc, it is advisable to use a vaccine that covers as many clostridia and toxins as possible as the difference can be ‘catastrophic’. Moreover, the price difference between the two vaccines (per sheep) is small.

Finally, using dirty needles is a quick way to spread disease from one animal to the next. Therefore, it is important to regularly change needles.