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Should I vaccinate my goats?
Although some producers have had no problems so far without implementing a vaccination program, it is recommended that you vaccinate your goats.
What should I vaccinate my goats against?
1. Overeating Disease (Enterotoxemia) and Tetanus
What vaccine should I use?
1. Clostridium Perfringens Types C and D +Tetanus Toxoid in one vaccine, against overeating disease and tetanus. This vaccine is labeled for goats.
2. Multivalent clostridial vaccine ( 8-way vaccine) One example of a multiway clostridial vaccine, labeled for sheep, is Covexin8. Covexin8 is more reactive and may cause a higher incidence of adverse reaction at the injection site. Covexin8 may preferably be used in herds which have had problems with blackleg and malignant edema (gas gangrene). Although blackleg and malignant edema are common and costly infections in sheep and cattle, they are very uncommon in goats.
What dosage should I use when I vaccinate my goats?
Always read the instructions provided with the vaccine.
1. Clostridium perfringens Types C and D + Tetanus
Dosage (Bar-Vac CD/T; Fermicon CD/T)
- 2 mL per animal, regardless of age and weight
When
Bucks. Once a year
Breeding females. Once a year: 4 to 6 weeks before kidding (some immunity is passed on to the kids), or twice a year: 4 to 6 weeks before kidding and 6 months later (4 to 6 weeks before breeding if breeding does once a year).
Kids. If breeding females have been vaccinated before kidding, vaccinate kids at week 8 of age, then give a booster at week 12 of age. If breeding females have not been vaccinated before kidding and you experience problems, vaccinate kids at 2 weeks of age, then give a booster at 6 weeks of age.
2. Multivalent clostridial vaccine
Dosage (Covexin8)
- 5 mL per animal, regardless of age and weight. Kids get 5 mL initially, then a 2 mL booster 6 weeks later.
When
Bucks. Once a year
Breeding females. Once a year: 2 to 6 weeks before kidding (some immunity is passed on to the kids).
Kids. If breeding females have been vaccinated before kidding, vaccinate kids at week 10-12 of age, then give a booster at week 16-18 of age. If breeding females have not been vaccinated before kidding and you experience problems, vaccinate kids at 4 weeks of age, then give a booster at 10 weeks of age.
How should I give the injections and where?
Both Clostridium perfringens Types C D /Tetanus and multivalent clostridial vaccines are given in sub-cutaneous or intramuscular injections. Sub-cutaneous injections are favored because of the greater tissue damage at the injection site from intramuscular injections.
For sub-cutaneous injections, pinch loose skin between thumb and index finger high on the neck (close to the head as possible) and insert the needle. Make sure that the needle is under the skin and does not stick out on the other of the pinched skin.
Is there a slaughter withdrawal time?
Yes, there is a 21 day waiting period between vaccination and slaughter for both vaccines.
Should I vaccinate my goats against tetanus before castration and/or disbudding?
Should I give a Tetanus Toxoid booster to my goat if a severe wound occurs?
Yes.
Give a subcutaneous injection of Tetanus Toxoid for long term protection (one year).
Tetanus antitoxin can also be given to protect goats when a wound occurs, but this only protects for approximately 30 days
Are there other vaccines on the market?
Yes, many other vaccines are available, including those for leptospirosis, chlamydiosis, sore mouth, bluetongue, footrot, etc. However, those should be used to control existing problems upon veterinary recommendations - often only after management changes have failed
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