SHEEP MANAGEMENT - PRE-MATING: Vaccinations

Vaccinations should be started well before the start of the mating season, as it is preferable not to administer more than three “killed”, or two “killed” and one live vaccine at a time. An ideal time interval between vaccinations is a minimum of 14-21 days where it can’t be given simultaneously (see each vaccine’s “directions for use” for details)

Ramme

The last vaccinations should not be given less than 60 days before the start of the breeding season - especially not if they are “live” vaccines which may result in a fever reaction. Fever can have a negative impact on sperm development and/or survival. Be especially careful when using the live OBP Bluetongue vaccine.

Ewes

Vaccines that can be given during this time will mainly concentrate around “live” vaccines that cannot be administered to pregnant ewes, or to prevent resorptions of embryos and abortions.

In accelerated lambing systems where ewes are mated again within 90-100 days after lambing, the “window period” for administering “live” vaccines is actually very small, as vaccination:

• should not be done less than a month after lambing (immune response not optimal) and

• should be done no less than a month before mating (possible fever reaction)

Vaccines typically administered during this time are:

• Enzootic abortion (Chlamydia) - which must be administered before mating to be effective.

• A multiclostridial vaccine (with or without a lung-related fraction - pasteurella etc.)