Vaccination Programme for Goat Kids

The following schedule should be seen as a guide only.

Consult a veterinarian for a specific immunization programme for your goats.

Kids - within the first week of life: vaccinate against heartwater (consult your local veterinarian).

Kids - from 2 weeks of age: vaccinate against Pasteurella. Vaccinate twice, 4 weeks apart.

Kids - before weaning (at 2 to 5 months of age): vaccinate against pulpy kidney, Pasteurella and back quarter.

Kids - at 6 months of age: vaccinate against bluetongue (3 vaccines, 3 weeks apart), pulpy kidney, black quarter, anthrax.

Vaccination Programme for Does and Rams

April to May: vaccinate adult female and male goats (does and rams) against Pasteurella.

Spring (August - September in South Africa): vaccinate does and rams against bluetongue. This should be done nine weeks before breeding for does but only after breeding for rams. For bluetongue, the dosage is three vaccines, three weeks apart.

August - September in South Africa: vaccinate against pulpy kidney, black quarter (four weeks before shearing in Angora goats) and anthrax (four weeks before shearing in Angora goats).

Does - before the breeding season: vaccinate against enzootic abortion caused by Chlamydia (4 to 6 weeks before breeding).

Does - before the kidding season: vaccinate against blue udder (6 - 8 weeks and 2 - 4 weeks before kidding)

Also vaccinate against tetanus (6 - 8 weeks and 2 - 4 weeks before kidding) and orf (4 weeks before kidding, if indicated)

Please note: Information is for educational and informational purposes only and may not be construed as medical advice. The information is not intended to replace medical advice or treatment offered by your veterinarian.

By Goatkeepers' Animal Health Care Manual