Sheep and Goat Vaccine and Health Management Schedule

Marcy Ward, Extension Livestock Specialist, New Mexico State University
Shad Cox, Superintendent – Corona Range and Livestock Research Center, New Mexico State University
John Wenzel, Extension Veterinarian, New Mexico State University
(Previously published with New Mexico State University: Guide B-127: Sheep and Goat Vaccine and Health Management Schedule)

Most livestock vaccine and health management protocols revolve around the animal’s stage of production. For sheep and goats, it is recommended to vaccinate prior to lambing, weaning, and breeding. The purpose of this publication is to offer a guide in establishing a health management schedule. Every operation is unique, and it is therefore imperative that producers consult with their veterinarian before establishing a specific vaccination and health protocol.

Table 1 provides information on vaccine timing, recommended and optional vaccines, and covered diseases.

Table 1. Recommended Vaccine and Health Management Schedule for Sheep and Goats
Stage of production Timing Recommended vaccines/health management Diseases covered Optional vaccines*
Pregnant sheep and goats

Photograph of a pregnant goat ewe.

 2–4 weeks prior to lambing or kidding
  • Clostridium perfringens types C and D and tetanus. Will need to use cattle vaccines labeled safe for sheep and goats.
  • Topical external parasite control (permethrin)
 Clostridium perfringens types C and D and tetanus

Keds and lice in sheep
Kid goats

Photograph of kid goats.

 

 At lambing or kidding
  • Topical and drench wormers to dams [However, more recent recommendations state that only those animals in need of anthelmintic treatment be treated – selective treatment].
 Prevents internal parasite
infestation		 SE/vitamin E can help prevent white muscle disease
New lambs

Photograph of sheep lambs.

 Lambs 2 weeks of age
  • Dock tails and castrate
 300 I.U. tetanus antitoxin, if dam was not vaccinated during gestation
30 days after lambing or kidding. Booster at 45 days (2 weeks later).
  • Clostridium perfringens types C and D antitoxin
 Enterotoxemia Ovine ecthyma for soremouth
Ewes and does

Photograph of sheep ewes.

 60–30 days
pre-breeding
  • Campylobacter fetus-jejuni bacterin
  • Chlamydia psittaci ewe vaccine
  • Clostridial 8-way (once)
  • Caseous lymphadenitis (CL)
 Vibriosis (late-term abortions)

Chlamydia (late-term abortions; vaccine can be used in both sheep and goats)

Eight clostridial strain
bacterial diseases

CL, a contagious bacterial disease that causes skin lesions and abscesses
Bucks and rams

Photograph of boar goat bucks.

 30–60 days
pre-breeding
  • Clostridial 8-way
  • Anthelmintic (de-wormer) [Again, only recommended for the treatment of those individuals that need it as opposed to a blanket treatment regiment].
 Eight clostridial strain bacterial diseases

Prevents parasite infestation

Things to Consider

  • Read all labels carefully before administering vaccines or other treatments.
  • For optimal parasite control, a fecal egg count should be done to assess level of infestation, and may determine potential anthelmintic resistance. Your veterinarian can assist you with this process.
  • When treating for parasites, it is now recommended that you remain consistent with your de-worming protocol. The key is to get the appropriate dose per animal. Animals that are under-dosed have an increased risk of becoming anthelmintic-resistant.
  • For external parasites like keds and ticks, topical permethrin-based products work well.
    • Caution: Avoid applying to dairy goats. Zeta-cypermethrin products can be used as an alternative.
    • Depending on weather and level of infestation, a second dose may be needed two weeks later to sufficiently treat the animals.
  • Ewe lambs and doelings will require an additional dose (total of three) of both Campylobacter and Chlamydia vaccines to ensure full protection prior to their first breeding season.
  • Older sheep and goats who have been properly vaccinated as young animals should only require annual vaccines covering the clostridial (i.e., 8-way) and anti-abortive vaccines (i.e., Vibrio).
  • Clostridial vaccines can be highly reactive at the vaccination site. To reduce blemishes, use clean, high-gauge needles (18 g) and subcutaneous administration techniques.

To learn more about external parasite management, refer to NMSU Extension Guide B-112, Guide for Control of External Parasites of Sheep and Goats.

Figure 01: Illustration showing an example animal health protocol with corresponding schedule in a farm flock situation.

Figure 1. An example animal health protocol with corresponding schedule in a farm flock situation.

Figure 02: Illustration showing an example animal health protocol with corresponding schedule for sheep and goats on range.

Figure 2. An example animal health protocol with corresponding schedule for sheep and goats on range.