Important vaccinations for sheep
Sheep can be vaccinated against various diseases.
Q fever (Coxiella burnetii)
Q fever is a bacterial infection that usually occurs in sheep without clear symptoms, but it can cause abortion or the birth of weak or dead lambs, particularly in the last stage of pregnancy. The bacteria are shed through, among other things, afterbirth, amniotic fluid, faeces, urine and milk. Humans can also become infected, sometimes with serious consequences. Pregnant women should therefore not assist with lambing.
European regulations (Animal Health Law)
Since April 2021, new European regulations apply. These do not directly require vaccination everywhere, as is the case in the Netherlands, but they do require Member States to monitor and report Q fever when the situation demands it. Most EU countries have their own programmes, in which vaccination is often recommended or required during outbreaks.
In the UK, there are no formal, government-imposed control programmes or nationwide mandatory vaccination requirements for Q fever in livestock.
Enterotoxaemia (Clostridium)
Enterotoxaemia, also known as pulpy kidney disease or overeating disease, is a condition in growing lambs caused by Clostridium perfringens type D. This bacterium normally occurs in the intestines of sheep. However, when it multiplies rapidly, too many toxins are released, which can lead to sudden death in lambs. Vaccinating pregnant ewes provides protection for lambs through the colostrum. Lambs can be actively vaccinated against enterotoxaemia from 2 to 3 weeks of age.
Summer pneumonia (Pasteurella / Mannheimia)
Summer pneumonia is caused by the bacterium Mannheimia (Pasteurella) haemolytica. It mainly occurs between May and October. The risk increases during stressful periods, such as weaning or moving to new pasture, with poor ventilation in housing or during changing weather conditions. It often affects growing lambs and causes symptoms such as coughing, fever, rapid breathing, nasal discharge and sudden death. Vaccination with Heptavac P can be used preventively.
Footrot (Footvax)
Footrot is a contagious interdigital skin infection caused by the bacterium Dichelobacter nodosus in combination with Fusobacterium necrophorum. Vaccination is possible against this condition. Vaccination reduces the severity of outbreaks, speeds up recovery and protects non-infected animals. After the primary course, vaccination twice a year is usually sufficient.
Bluetongue
Bluetongue is a viral disease caused by the bluetongue virus. The virus is transmitted by biting midges and can occur in all ruminants. Vaccination is the only effective protection and must be carried out annually, preferably before the midge season from May to July.
Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. Contact the national animal disease reporting centre if you suspect an infection.
Orf (Ecthyma)
Ecthyma is a highly contagious viral skin infection in sheep caused by a parapoxvirus. It causes sores and scabs on the skin and mucous membranes, particularly around the mouth, but also around the eyes, udder and hooves. Other names include orf or scabby mouth. This disease can also occur in humans, often affecting small cuts on fingers and hands. Vaccination is used in high-risk areas or during outbreaks to reduce symptoms. Pregnant ewes are often vaccinated 3 to 4 weeks before lambing, so that lambs receive antibodies through the colostrum.
A healthy sheep enterprise requires a well-considered vaccination policy. Vaccination protects against serious infections, with Q fever being an important and often mandatory vaccination in some countries. Always consult your veterinarian to determine the best vaccination strategy for your sheep.
Also read about Deworming sheep as part of a healthy sheep enterprise.
