[Jacob-list] What shots and/or other treatments for lambs?

[Paintedrockfarm at aol.com]

Marie,
 
Congrats on your observant eyes!  Always nice to see new shepherds  watching 
their ewes closely.  We've noticed the full udders and "dropped"  side area 
near the hip bones just prior to lambing, which is a bit more  noticeable after 
shearing than in full wool.
 
As for pre-lambing health preparations, we do vaccinate (we use  Covexin-8) 
about 2-4 weeks before our ewes lamb.  This time frame may vary  from product 
so a good idea to check labels or with your veterinarian to  establish a good 
health regimen for your flock.
The giving of vaccinations prior to lambing allows the ewes immune system  to 
build antibodies to disease which is passed along in the colostrum shortly  
after birth.  Lambs in general only have the ability to absorb colostrum  (and 
its valuable immune system protection) for the 18-24 hours of life.   This is 
why it is so important to provide the appropriate vaccines prior to  lambing.  
 
Not every shepherd gives vaccines so you will most likely get several pros  
and cons regarding vaccinations.  Most feed stores carry a large variety of  
vaccines and supplements for sheep.  Your veterinarian may be able to  provide 
you with a selenium supplement or Rx for same.  It seems each state  has its 
own regulations regarding vaccinations of any kind.  To me, an  ounce of 
prevention is worth a pound of cure.  If I can effectively  vaccinate my flock for 
something that is potentially devastating to its overall  health without it, I'd 
definitely opt for the vaccines.  
 
There are several things to take into consideration when establishing your  
health program within  your flock.  Again, consult your veterinarian  to assist 
you in building an effective protocol for your flock that is  appropriate for 
your location.  Also, you may want to enlist your local  county extension 
agent regarding the need for selenium supplements.   Geographical locations 
across this country varies a great deal in selenium  deficiency.  Your county 
extension agent would be your best source for  helping to determine if your area is 
deficient in this element.  Bo Se, a  commonly used supplement for selenium 
and vitamin E, has contraindications  listed on the label so certainly heed the 
label warnings and, of course,  consider consulting your vet on this one too. 
 As for our flock, we also  give Bo Se as our area is selenium deficient.  We 
don't use vaccine for  sore mouth, foot rot or some of the other various 
sheep products out there as  this isn't an issue in our area or within our flock.
 
You might also considering checking the selenium levels in your grain, if  
fed, and also in your hay content, esp. if you bring in hay from other  areas.  
You certainly don't want to give supplementation if it isn't  warranted.  Your 
county extension office may provide these services free of  charge or at 
reduced fees for local farmers.  Selenium and vitamin E play a  vital role in 
preventing white muscle disease in lambs but also against delivery  issues 
including retained placentas and mastitis.  My Merck Veterinary  manual states this, 
along with my copy of Current Veterinary Therapy of Food  Animals.  I'm a vet 
tech and am able to obtain a great deal of research  information from my work, 
which has proven quite valuable for our Jacob  flock.
 
I know that finding a good large animal veterinarian in your area may prove  
trying.  Here in WV, most local vets are strictly small animal and may not  
keep up to date with various sheep therapy.  Learning all you can about  your 
sheep flock is crucial in determining when to call a vet or when you may be  
able to solve a problem yourself.  
 
Asking questions is a great thing.  It sounds as if you are on the  right 
track with caring for your flock.  Good luck with your lambing! --  Cheryl
 
Mike  & Cheryl Terrano
_Painted  Rock Farm_ (http://members.aol.com/paintedrockfarm) 

Route 4 Box 726
Buckhannon, WV  26201-9205
(304) 457-6620 
paintedrockfarm at aol.com 
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