Smart vaccination solutions for healthier sheep

Sheep vaccination programmes are generally more straightforward than those of cattle. Dr Paul Reynolds, a veterinarian at the Warden and Vrede Animal Hospitals, says the common belief that sheep just want to die is largely misguided.

- By Christal-Lize Muller

In reality, sheep are resilient: They are less prone to poisonous plant ingestion, contract fewer sexually transmitted diseases, and often demonstrate strong reproductive performance, including multiple births.

Vaccination protocols are typically tailored to flock-specific needs and grazing habits. In non-extensive systems, supplemental mineral support plays a key role in maintaining flock health. Vaccines to combat lamb diarrhoea may be incorporated, but only once a veterinarian has confirmed the underlying cause. Lamb diarrhoea is a topic that warrants further discussion, and sulphonamides alone will not resolve every case.

Sheep vaccination

According to Dr Reynolds, sheep vaccination programmes target mostly clostridial diseases. In the case of seasonal insectborne diseases such as bluetongue, a live vaccine offers stronger and longer-lasting protection. He recommends that producers order these vaccines in winter and complete vaccinations before summer begins. Vaccination should not be carried out after an outbreak has already occurred, as it is a preventive and not reactive intervention.

Another important insectborne threat is Rift Valley fever, against which sheep should also be vaccinated. In the case of pneumonia and blue udder, the causative organisms can overlap. Pneumonia is commonly triggered by environmental stressors such as sudden temperature changes, dust, heat, and rainy conditions. Chlamydiosis, or enzootic abortion, can lead to substantial economic losses, often resulting in lambs being stillborn near full term. The disease can rapidly escalate into an emergency and is transmissible to humans and cattle.