We have had lots of reports of more mastitis in ewes and goats than normal during this lambing time and so we thought it would be good to let you know that there is a mastitis vaccine available, which will help manage problems along with all the normal preventative care that you would do in your flock.
The vaccine to avoid the mastitis in ewes and goats is to produce immunity against Staphylococci species (such as Staphylococcus aureus), it is 2ml given into the muscle, the first dose is given 5 weeks before the expected lambing / kidding date and a second dose given 3 weeks after the first dose, thereafter annual boosters should be given before the next lambing / kidding. The minimum age it can be given is an 8 month old, onset of immunity has been showed to occur in ewes in 6 weeks but it has not been established in goats.
It is an oil based vaccine so may produce lumps and reactions and should be kept in the fridge, there is no data on its safety if used with any other veterinary medicinal product and has a zero days withdrawal period. The vaccine comes in packs of 5, 25 and 50 doses and costs under £4.00 + VAT per dose (if you pay for it at collection).
If you are interested in using this vaccine, please don’t hesitate to contact one of the dedicated large animal vets .
