Vaccine programmes differ from area to area and even from farm to farm, depending on temperature, rainfall, season, local disease outbreaks, farm specific resistance and resilience and of course – management. There is no one-size-fits-all schedule. It’s up to you to make sure that your particular programme caters for your flocks and herds.
Small-stock are a primary source of protein in the Sub-region and a potential source of income for small-scale commercial farmers. Mortalities in small-stock populations are unacceptably high and farmers need help to overcome this problem. Vaccinating animals prevents needless losses in many cases.
| When to vaccinate | Vaccine | Dose | Method |
| August – September (4 – 6 weeks before stress period) |
Bluetongue (not necessary in goats) | 1ml – once every 3 weeks – three times. | subcutaneous (just under the skin) |
| Adults – once a year Kids – one initial shot then a booster 4 – 6 weeks later |
Pulpy kidney | 1ml | subcutaneous |
| Measles (C. ovis) |
2ml | subcutaneous | |
| Corynebacterium (associated with abscesses) |
5ml | subcutaneous | |
| Rift Valley Fever (live) | 1ml | subcutaneous | |
| Rift valley Fever (inactive) | 2ml | subcutaneous | |
| 4 – 6 weeks before breeding season | Chlamydia | 1ml | subcutaneous |
| Kids at 2 weeks and again 4 weeks later | Pasteurella
|
2ml | subcutaneous |
Rift Valley Fever is associated with hot wet conditions and spread by mosquitoes. It causes heavy losses in livestock.
Pasteurella is stress related and caused by difficult weather conditions, weaning and diet changes. Vaccinate animals about 2 months before the anticipated stress event.
Blue tongue is mainly a disease of sheep. Goat farmers do not need to vaccinate against Blue tongue.
Vaccinations should be given one at a time and not to animals who are on a course of antibiotic treatment.
During September deworm all animals.
