Conditions warrant vaccination
Recent cases of pulpy kidney in adult sheep have prompted the Riverina Livestock Health and Pest Authority vets to encourage producers to review or implement livestock vaccination programs.
Riverina LHPA district vet based in Narrandera, Gabrielle Morrice says clostridial diseases such as tetanus, blackleg and pulpy kidney, have historically been the cause of flock and herd losses.
"Now these diseases can be easily prevented with adequate vaccination programs, such as 5-in-1 vaccination," said Dr Morrice.
"Nearly all vaccines require an initial ‘priming’ dose followed by a booster shot 4 to 6 weeks later to confer adequate immunity against the disease.
"For some diseases, this immunity will provide lifelong protection (such as tetanus and blackleg). For other diseases, such as pulpy kidney, the protection will be shorter, so it is recommended that susceptible stock are vaccinated prior to high challenge and revaccinated frequently if the challenge remains high.
"Treatment of clostridial diseases in sheep and cattle is generally unrewarding, so prevention is the recommended control. As several diseases can present in the same way, it is recommended that a vet is engaged to ensure a correct diagnosis is made."
Dr Morrice said Botulism is another clostridial disease, but it is not present in the normal 5-in-1 vaccine.
"Botulism can also occur if cattle (or sheep) are chewing on bones and decaying material as a result of phosphorus or protein deficiency. It may become an issue this year with the presence of many dead mice in stored feed," she said.
"Prevention is the best cure with botulism – ensure stock are provided phosphorus (especially if cattle are observed to be chewing bones) and avoid feeding out contaminated feed. If this is not possible, vaccination is recommended to prevent botulism.
"Leptospirosis is another disease to be aware of this year, as it can be spread by rodents contaminating feed or water sources. It can also be prevented by vaccinating cattle against the disease. It is best to vaccinate so that cattle are protected at the most vulnerable stage (i.e. before mid-pregnancy for breeding cattle and at an early age for young calves)."
For further information on vaccination contact the district vet at your local Riverina LHPA office.
Media contact: Kylie Dunn 6391 3720 / 0428 465 378