When do you vaccinate for bluetongue?

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR USE: Vaccinate sheep from August to October. Immunisation of ewes should commence 9 – 12 weeks before mating. It is not advisable to inject pregnant ewes during the first half of pregnancy.

How do you treat bluetongue in sheep?

No satisfactory medical treatment has been found for animals with blue tongue. Generally, with proper care, most animals recover naturally within 14 days, although severely affected animals may recover more slowly. Isolate affected animals in a shaded area with palatable feed and fresh water.

What vaccinations do you give sheep?

For all sheep age groups, the most commonly used vaccines were clostridial C and D, and tetanus. Over half of operations vaccinated their nursing lambs for clostridium C and D (enterotoxemia) and tetanus (60.5 and 55.0 percent, respectively) [table 3].

What is bluetongue in sheep?

Bluetongue is a non-contagious, viral disease spread by biting insects. It affects species of ruminants, particularly sheep. Bluetongue causes many different symptoms in affected animals, including ulcers, sores, painful hooves, lameness and reproductive problems.

What causes bluetongue disease in sheep?

Bluetongue disease is a noncontagious, insect-borne, viral disease of ruminants, mainly sheep and less frequently cattle, yaks, goats, buffalo, deer, dromedaries, and antelope. It is caused by Bluetongue virus (BTV). The virus is transmitted by the midges Culicoides imicola, Culicoides variipennis, and other culicoids.

How is bluetongue disease treated?

As Bluetongue is a viral infection there is currently no direct cure. Animals affected by Bluetongue can recover though their productivity may be significantly affected.

What does 5 in 1 sheep vaccine prevent?

5 in 1 – prevents five clostridial diseases (pulpy kidney, tetanus, black disease, malignant oedema and blackleg) 6 in 1 – as above plus cheesy gland. 8 in 1- helps prevent 8 clostridial disease (contains 5 in 1 as above + helps prevent lamb dysentery and post parturient gangrene in ewes).

When is the best time to vaccinate sheep?

Feeder lambs should be vaccinated at time of purchase, and 2–4 weeks later. If not previously vaccinated, ewes must be vaccinated twice at 6–4 weeks before lambing, with the last dose 4 weeks before lambing. If previously vaccinated a single dose is sufficient.

How often should I vaccinate my sheep?

All sheep from the age of 3 weeks onwards and not previously vaccinated with Multivax P-Plus must receive two injections of 2 mℓ each at an interval of 4 to 6 weeks. Thereafter they must receive booster injections at intervals of not more than 12 months.

How is bluetongue diagnosed?

Diagnosis is based upon clinical signs, virus detection via PCR and/or seroconversion to bluetongue virus. Treatment is limited to antibiotic therapy to control secondary bacterial infections.