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Protecting Your Flock: Why Vaccination Matters for Sheep Health
When it comes to keeping sheep healthy, some threats are impossible to see coming—especially clostridial diseases and pasteurellosis. These illnesses can strike fast and are often fatal, making prevention absolutely vital for smallholders and hobby farmers alike.
At Chestnut Mill, we’re not vets, but we know how crucial it is to stay one step ahead when it comes to flock health. Here’s what every sheep keeper should know about these diseases and how to help protect your animals.
What Are Clostridial Diseases and Pasteurellosis?
Clostridial diseases are caused by bacteria that live in the environment and can survive in soil for years. They’re behind some of the most sudden and devastating losses in sheep, often striking without warning and progressing rapidly.
Common clostridial diseases include:
- Lamb dysentery (affects young lambs, often fatal)
- Pulpy kidney (sudden death in growing lambs, often after rapid diet changes)
- Tetanus (paralysis and muscle spasms after wounds)
- Blackleg, black disease, and others (linked to wounds or liver fluke infections)
Pasteurellosis is another major concern, caused by different bacteria that can trigger respiratory disease or sudden death—especially in young lambs or during times of stress.
Why Prevention Is Key
The challenge with these diseases is that they often cause sudden death, with little or no warning. Treatment is rarely effective because of how quickly symptoms progress.
The good news?
Affordable and effective vaccines are available to help prevent both clostridial diseases and pasteurellosis. Vaccination is the best line of defence and should be a core part of any flock health plan.
Affordable and effective vaccines are available to help prevent both clostridial diseases and pasteurellosis. Vaccination is the best line of defence and should be a core part of any flock health plan.
How Vaccination Helps
- Ewes are typically vaccinated before lambing—this means their immunity is passed to lambs through the colostrum (first milk).
- Lambs should be vaccinated too, starting from as young as three weeks old, with a follow-up dose a few weeks later.
- Regular boosters are needed to keep immunity strong.
Always speak to your vet about the best vaccination schedule for your flock and ensure you use approved products.
Supporting Flock Health
Vaccination is essential, but it’s not the only thing you can do. Good nutrition, hygiene, and stress reduction all play a part in keeping your sheep healthy:
- Feed a balanced diet with quality sheep feed and supplements.
- Keep bedding clean and dry.
- Minimise stress during lambing, weaning, and handling.
Final Thoughts
Losing sheep to clostridial diseases or pasteurellosis is heartbreaking—and often preventable. By making vaccination a priority and supporting your flock with good management, you give your animals the best chance of thriving.
For all your flock’s nutritional needs, from feed to supplements and accessories, explore our Sheep Feed & Accessories collection. And if you ever have concerns about your flock’s health, always reach out to your vet for advice.
Here’s to a healthy, happy flock—and peace of mind for you!