Some farmers experience very few problems, while others view the vaccine as a vital production cost to lower mortality. The timing of vaccination depends on the health programme in place on the farm and the highest risk factors.

Offspring from vaccinated ewes that have received sufficient colostrum can have their vaccinations delayed for up to three months, provided there is a low disease profile on the farm. Where pasteurella is a known risk, protection derived via colostrum from vaccinated ewes offers cover for about four weeks. Therefore a decision to vaccinate needs to take into account previous experience and the potential risk.

Lambs born to unvaccinated ewes can be vaccinated from three weeks of age, with earlier vaccination not recommended due potential interference with maternally derived natural antibodies. Selection of the most suitable vaccine also depends on the greatest risk on-farm. Ovivac P Plus covers a narrower range of clostridia, while it also covers pasteurella pneumonia. Heptavac P Plus covers additional clostridia threats, as do Covexin 8, Covexin 10 and Tribovax 10. There is not a huge difference in the price of the various vaccines (95c to €1.20 per dose), with the greatest difference of 10c/dose to 20c/dose stemming from the volume purchased.

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