A universally recommended vaccine for sheep and lambs

Herd vaccinations are a vital part of raising healthy sheep and lambs. One of the most widely recommended and used flock inoculations is called CD-T toxoid. CD-T toxin offers multifaceted protection in three ways: it protects against enterotoxemia caused by Clostridium perfringens types C and D, as well as tetanus (also known as lockjaw) caused by Clostridium tetanus. Read on to learn more about this vital vaccine and the common lamb and sheep diseases it protects against.

Clostridal 3, 7, and 8-way vaccines for sheep

Although the typical 3-way clostridial vaccine is sufficient in most cases, 7-way and 8-way clostridial vaccines are also available, providing increased coverage against clostridial diseases such as malignant edema and black leg. Vaccination against tetanus and enterotoxemia types C and D are the most common and effective options for flocks of sheep and lambs.

Vaccines against type C and D enterotoxemia

Also known as “hemorrhagic enteritis” or “bloody diarrhea,” type C enterotoxemia is most common in young lambs, often born within a few weeks. The main implication of this disease is that it causes a bloody infection in the small intestinal system of the lamb. The actual cause of this disease is sometimes difficult to assess, as it is also related to several conditions, including a sudden increase in milk supply (perhaps when removing a littermate), change in feeding (ie , bacterial growth, progressive feeding, etc.), chronic indigestion and even genetic predispositions. Inoculation of lambs in their early stages of pregnancy is a common method to prevent enterotoxemia type C, followed by vaccination of lambs at 7 to 8 weeks of age.

Type D enterotoxemia is very similar to type C in that it can be caused by many of the same underlying conditions and genetic predispositions. However, it is mainly predicted by overeating, giving it its colloquial nickname of “pulpy kidney disease”. Lambs older than one month are common targets of this disease. In most cases, fast-growing lambs in the herd are affected because they already have bacteria in their gut that proliferates as a result of a sudden change in feed. This excess bacterial growth causes a toxic reaction that is often fatal. Enterotoxemia type D vaccine is effective in preventing this condition when given to mothers during pregnancy.

tetanus

It is important to administer a tetanus antitoxin at the time of cutting and castrating the lambs. This is especially important if elastrator bands are used. Although temporary, this vaccine provides immediate protection against Clostridium tetanus. By contrast, tetanus toxoid vaccines offer more adequate protection, but take at least 10 days or longer to become effective in the bloodstream. They also require periodic booster injections to remain effective.