Educational Tips for Farmers: CD&T Vaccination in Sheep and Goats

Clostridium perfringens Types C & D and Tetanus (CD&T)

This vaccine helps prevent two serious diseases:

1. Enterotoxemia, caused by Clostridium perfringens types C and D, affects fast-growing young lambs and kids.
2. Tetanus, caused by Clostridium tetani, enters the body through wounds or castration sites and leads to muscle stiffness and death.

Who Needs Vaccines?

• Lambs and kids
• Pregnant ewes and does
• Adult sheep and goats

Importance of Vaccination

• Prevents deadly diseases with a simple, low-cost injection.
• Reduces losses in your flock or herd.
• Helps keep animals healthy and growing strong!

When to Vaccinate

• Lambs and kids born from dams vaccinated in the prepartum period: vaccinate 30 days after birth.
• Lambs and kids born to unvaccinated dams: vaccinate in the first week of life, and give a booster 4 weeks later.
• Adults: vaccinate annually.

How to Give the Vaccine

The vaccine goes under the skin (subcutaneous, or SQ). SQ injections in sheep and goats are given in the area behind the elbow (armpit or axillary region; see photo). Using the tent method, pinch the loose skin, then slide the needle in gently.

Vaccination Needle Size

Small and thin (20–22 gauge): for watery vaccines

Bigger and thicker (18–20 gauge): for thicker medicines

Short (0.75-inch): for under-the-skin (SQ) shots

Longer (1-inch): for intramuscular (IM) shots

The information given here is for educational purposes only. References to commercial products, trade names, or suppliers are made with the understanding that no endorsement is implied and that no discrimination against other products or suppliers is intended.

M2484 (POD-07-25)

By Caroline Hicks, Student, Animal and Dairy Sciences; Kelsey Mazeres, Research Associate I, Coastal Research and Extension Center, White Sand Unit; Santiago Cornejo, PhD, Assistant Professor, Animal and Dairy Sciences, and Leyla Rios, PhD, Assistant Professor, Animal and Dairy Sciences.