Vaccination Protocol for a
Goat Herd |
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| Introduction |
Recent surveys conducted
by researchers at Alabama A&M University indicated that
80 percent of Alabama and Tennessee goat producers reported
that they do not vaccinate their herds. However, vaccination
is a precaution that goat producers should adopt to prevent
infectious diseases. |
| Why Vaccinate? |
| For many diseases, it is cheaper to vaccinate
than to treat.
Vaccination decreases the chance of goats contracting various
diseases.
If a vaccinated goat is exposed to a disease and still contracts
the disease, the course of illness may be shorter and less
severe, with reduced rates of mortality.
Vaccination reduces economic losses associated with animal
illness and death. |
Vaccinate goats for disease
prevention |
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What is a Vaccine? |
A vaccine is a substance that causes a goat's
immune system to respond by producing specific antibodies
(proteins). Currently, goat vaccines are categorized as modified-live,
killed, and toxoid.
Modified-live vaccines use live microorganisms that have
been weakened. This type of vaccine causes a prolonged response
of the animal's immune system. The vaccine for sore mouth
disease is an example of a modified-live vaccine.
Killed vaccines use killed (inactivated) bacteria or viruses.
These vaccines, which include the pneumonia vaccine, are generally
safer than live vaccines.
Toxoid vaccines are comprised of disease-causing bacteria
that produce toxins that invade the bloodstream. Toxoid vaccines,
such as those for enterotoxemia and tetanus, use bacterial
toxins that have been rendered harmless to provide immunity
against the toxin. |
How Do Vaccines Work? |
A vaccine stimulates production
of B cells (white blood cells). These B cells produce plasma
cells (a type of white blood cell) that in turn produce antibodies
(specific proteins), which fight particular invaders. Once
produced, these antibodies circulate in the goat's bloodstream.
Once the goat's body has produced a particular antibody, it
rapidly produces more antibodies if needed. In addition to
the B cells, other white blood cells, such as macrophages
and T cells, will help destroy invading diseases. Antibodies
and memory T cells immediately react to the organism, attacking
the invader before disease can develop. |
Vaccine-Induced Immunity
Vaccine-induced immunity provides results days after the goat
has been vaccinated. The vaccine triggers a response to infection
from the immune system without exposure to the pathogens in
their full disease-producing form.
Extra doses or boosters of a vaccine may
be needed to produce a full immune response. In some animals,
a single vaccination induces a lower response and only after
a second vaccination will the animal achieve full immunity.
Some vaccines induce a short period of immunity.
Thus, goats may need yearly booster shots to restore or increase
immunity to a specific disease. |
Do Vaccines Work?
No vaccine is 100 percent efficient. The immune response to
a vaccine depends on the type of vaccine used and the ability
of the animal to respond to the vaccine administered. Some
vaccines can protect up to 98 percent of vaccinated animals.
Some produce lower protection rates. A vaccine may induce
a weaker immunoprotective response if the animals have weaker
immune systems. Thus, the animals do not produce enough antibodies
to fight disease. Even if every goat in a herd was vaccinated
against a specific disease, a few goats in the herd may not
respond to the vaccine and will be at risk of contracting
the disease. |
Diseases to Vaccinate
Against |
Enterotoxemia and Tetanus
Vaccinate pregnant does against clostridial diseases enterotoxemia
and tetanus; use a vaccine against Clostridium perfringens
types C and D and against C. tetani during the fourth month
of pregnancy. This vaccine is commonly referred to as the
'Clostridial CD/T' vaccine. Herd bucks may also receive annual
CD/T booster shots at this time.
Vaccinate kids against enterotoxemia and
tetanus at three months of age. A booster should be administered
one month later then once annually. |
Pneumonia
Vaccinate against pneumonia caused by Pasteurella multocida
or Mannheimia haemolytica.
Vaccinate adults with two dosages, two to
four weeks apart. Kids vaccinated while less than three months
old should be revaccinated at weaning or at four to six months
of age. |
Leptospirosis
Vaccinate against leptospirosis in regions where the disease
is prevalent or in case of an outbreak under veterinarian
guidance. The commercially available vaccine is not labeled
for goats and is considered to be an extra-labeled product.
Consult a veterinarian to administer this vaccine among your
herd. |
Foot Rot
Vaccination against foot rot is practiced by some goat producers.
A vaccine used for sheep has not been approved for use in
goats by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
It has been effective, however, in reducing the severity and
incidence of foot rot in sheep. In sheep herds, its recommended
use is two to four weeks prior to the rainy season, with a
booster between six weeks and six months later. Boosters should
be given twice a year, one to two weeks prior to expected
outbreaks. The vaccine causes a localized raised lump at the
injection site and is not recommended for use in pregnant
ewes. |
Caseous lymphadenitis (CL)
Some goat producers use a commercially available vaccine for
sheep to vaccinate against caseous lymphadenitis (CL) in goats.
However, a combination of Clostridium C&D/T plus CL vaccine
produces a strong adverse reaction, and is not recommended
by the FDA for use in goats. |
Rabies
There are several killed virus rabies vaccines made for sheep
that are not labeled for goats. The vaccines seem to be effective
for goats; however, they are too expensive to be practical
in many situations. |
Chlamydia
A killed vaccine to prevent chlamydia and abortion in sheep
is available. This vaccine is not labeled for use in goats;
however, it seems to be somewhat effective. The vaccine produces
side effects that include muscular soreness and stiffness,
and the vaccine can cause abortion if goats are vaccinated
during the first 28 to 45 days of pregnancy.
Autogenous vaccines, vaccines made from bacteria isolated
from a specific herd, are another source of immunization.
However, a reputable certified laboratory must produce the
vaccine. Before using an autogenous vaccine, test it in several
animals for adverse side effects. Goats are more sensitive
than sheep to these types of vaccines. |
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NOTE: For better immune response
and to prevent illness, vaccinate only healthy animals that
show signs of good health and body condition. Adverse reactions,
including anaphylaxis, may occur following vaccination. If
anaphylaxis occurs, administer epinephrine immediately. |
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Signs of a Healthy Goat |
Signs of an Unhealthy
Goat |
|
Normal body temperature: 101.5 to 103.5 degrees
F
Heart rate: 70 to 80/minute
Respiratory rate at rest: Approximately 12-15 breaths/minute
(20 to 35 for kids)
Ruminal Movements: 1 to 1.5/minutes
Attitude: Alert and inquisitive, sociable
Appetite: Interested in food; eats and drinks normally. Chews
cud after feeding
Weight: Weighs the average pattern for the breed
Reproductive Organs: Normally presents no signs of any discharge,
unless female is in heat or postpartum
Eyes: Bright and not runny
Nose: Cool and dry
Coat/Skin: Clean, glossy; no lumps, no lesions
Droppings: Firm in form of pellets
Urine: Light brown; no blood present
Breathing: Regular; unlabored
Gait: Steady; no limping
Vocal: Normal sounds |
Body temperature: Above 104 degrees F
Heart rate: At rest lower than 70 to 80/minute and above
80/minute
Respiratory rate: Above 12 to15 breaths/minute (20 to 35
for kids)
Ruminal Movements: No movement or less often than 1 to 1.5/minute
Attitude: Lethargic, listless, unsociable, away from the
herd
Appetite: Doesn't eat or drink water; no sign of cud chewing
Weight: No weight gain despite good appetite
Eyes: Runny eyes, pale inner eyelids
Nose: Heavy mucous in nose; runny nose.
Coat/Skin: Rough, dull hair coat; hair falling out, presence
of lesions
Droppings: Diarrhea, watery with presence of mucous or blood
Breathing: Labored, coughing
Gait: Limping
Body: Swelling on any part of body |
| Vaccination Guide |
Follow manufacturer's guidelines for vaccine dosage,
route of administration, product storage, and expiration date.
Avoid drug residues in meat and milk by following the recommended
drug withdrawal times printed on label for treated animals that
will enter the food chain via slaughter or will provide milk
for human consumption.
Disinfect the injection site with alcohol.
Use sterile needles and use a new needle for each animal.
Administer vaccines to goats using a 20-gauge, 1-inch needle
for adult animals. For smaller does and kids, 1/2-inch needles
may be used. Used needles should be kept in a container for
disposal.
Keep vaccination records.
Be aware of contraindication of the product before applying.
Consult a veterinarian for disease control and product orientation.
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| References |
Merck & Company, Inc. (2006). Enterotoxemias.
The Merck Veterinary Manual. Retrieved February 14, 2007.
Pugh, D.G. (2002). Sheep and goat medicine. Philadelphia,
PA: W. B. Saunders Company.
Smith, Mary C. & Sherman, David M. (1994). Herd health
management and preventive medicine. In Goat Medicine, p. 565-578.
Philadelphia, PA: Lea & Febiger.
Maria Lenira Leite-Browning, DVM, MS, Extension Animal Scientist,
Alabama A&M University
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