Protect lambs with Heptavac-P Plus booster for ewes
Giving ewes their pasteurella and clostridial booster of Heptavac-P® Plus 4-6 weeks before lambing not only continues their protection against these killer bacteria, but also ensures that lambs are protected via antibodies in the ewe’s colostrum.
But the timing of this booster is critical. For optimum protection, it is important that the interval between either (1) starting the primary course of Heptavac-P Plus (which comprises 2x2ml doses 4-6 weeks apart) and the annual booster, or (2) between boosters, does not exceed 12 months. Getting booster date wrong could mean having to start the primary course for ewes again, adding costs and delaying full protective immunity.
The pre-lambing booster vaccination must be given 4-6 weeks before lambing because this is when a ewe is making colostrum. The ewe produces antibodies in response to vaccination, and vaccination increases the concentration of these protective antibodies in her colostrum. These pass to the newborn lamb when it suckles giving it ‘passive’ protection which lasts until the lamb can itself be vaccinated from three weeks of age with Ovivac-P® Plus.
Lambs taking in high levels of immunoglobulins (from the colostrum) end up healthier and faster-growing, with fewer losses in those critical first weeks of life. One study has shown that lambs out of Heptavac-P Plus vaccinated ewes were all found to have protective levels of antibodies circulating in their blood 5-10 days after birth. This increases their immunity against certain clostridial diseases.
A second study revealed how lambs from vaccinated ewes were free from pasteurella when blood tested after being challenged at two, 15 and 20 days of age. Lambs from unvaccinated ewes tested positive.
The pasteurella pneumonia bacterium is carried on nearly all sheep’s tonsils, yet is the biggest killer of sheep; animals succumb to infection when stressed or if their immunity is compromised in any way. Equally, the organism that causes clostridial-disease is widespread and found in the soil. Both diseases can strike without warning and are often fatal.
Discuss protecting your flock from pasteurella pneumonia and clostridial disease with your vet.