A vaccine plan is part of a sound preventive herd health plan. The vaccines that should be included will vary some depending on type of operation (cow-calf, stocker, etc.), geographic location, risk level and herd health history. However, a clostridial vaccine is one vaccine that is probably critical for all cow-calf operations.
Commonly known as blackleg, Clostridium chauvoei is the clostridial pathogen most people think about. It usually occurs in cattle from 4 months to about 2 years old but can occur in older cattle.
Cattle are routinely exposed to clostridial organisms, so it is important to boost immunity to help prevent death in both calves and adult cattle. Death often occurs without any signs of illness. Clostridial bacteria produce spores which can be found in numerous places including the soil, feed and the intestinal tracts of livestock. These spores can survive for years on pastures.
When clostridial spores are consumed, they can be absorbed and migrate to various parts of the body and remain dormant for extended periods of time until conditions (e.g., injury, parasitism, etc.) are favorable for growth to occur. Additionally, some species of clostridial spores will infect open wounds, leading to disease.
In most situations, calves usually receive their initial clostridial vaccine at 2 to 4 months old. A second vaccine is generally required and should be administered according to label directions. Annual clostridial vaccination is common in adult animals to provide protection to the animal and to increase antibody levels in the colostrum to help protect young calves. In high-risk herds dealing with Clostridium haemolyticum (aka red water), vaccination twice a year should be considered.
Below is a list of the clostridial species found in most 7-, 8- or 9-way clostridial vaccines for cattle. They are listed in the order they typically appear on vaccine labels. Clostridium haemolyticum is not included in 7-way clostridial vaccines. Clostridium tetani is not included in most clostridial vaccines, so if it is important to your operation, make sure it is listed on the label. Clostridium perfringens type B is not listed with other species on the label, but it is counted when describing vaccines because immunity for type B is derived from the type C and D fractions.
- Clostridium chauvoei
- Clostridium septicum
- Clostridium haemolyticum
- Clostridium novyi
- Clostridium sordellii
- Clostridium tetani
- Clostridium perfringens type C
- Clostridium perfringens type D
- Clostridium perfringens type B
