Vaccination Schedule for Goats and Sheep
Published on: 5/15/2025Key Takeaways
- Vaccinating sheep and goats helps protect against common diseases such as Clostridium perfringens types C and D and tetanus (CD&T), which can cause sudden illness and death in lambs and kids.
- Lambs and kids should typically receive their first CD&T vaccine between 6-8 weeks of age, followed by a booster 3-4 weeks after the first dose to ensure proper immunity.
- Additional vaccines, such as those protecting against Mannheimia haemolytica (pasteurella), may be given around 6-8 weeks of age with a later booster depending on herd risk.
- Adult ewes, rams, does, and bucks should receive annual CD&T boosters. Pregnant ewes and does should typically receive a CD&T booster 2-4 weeks before lambing or kidding to help pass protective antibodies to newborns through colostrum.
- Depending on exposure risks, producers may also consider optional vaccines for diseases like caseous lymphadenitis, soremouth, and reproductive infections to support overall flock and herd health.
Vaccination is an important part of keeping sheep and goats healthy. A consistent vaccination program helps protect animals from common diseases that can cause illness, production losses, or sudden death. While each operation may have slightly different needs, most sheep and goat vaccination programs follow a similar timeline based on the animal's age and stage of production. Working with your veterinarian can help determine the best vaccination plan for your flock or herd.
Kids and Lambs: Birth to Weaning
Newborn kids and lambs receive antibodies through their dam's colostrum, which provides important protection during their first weeks of life. As these antibodies decline, vaccinations help young animals develop their own immunity.
- Birth: Ensure newborns receive adequate colostrum as soon as possible after birth.
- 6-8 weeks: Administer the first CD&T vaccine, depending on the dam's vaccination history and your veterinarian's recommendations.
- 3-4 weeks later: Administer a CD&T booster to strengthen immunity.
- Before weaning: Discuss respiratory vaccines with your veterinarian based on disease risk. Review coccidiosis prevention and management practices before the stress of weaning.
If the dam was not vaccinated before birth, kids and lambs may need to begin their vaccination series earlier. Consult your veterinarian to determine the appropriate timing.
Some producers vaccinate young animals against respiratory disease caused by Mannheimia haemolytica, especially in operations where pneumonia has been a concern. Vaccination and booster schedules vary by product, so follow label directions and your veterinarian's recommendations.
Breeding Animals: Ewes, Does, Rams, and Bucks
Breeding animals may require additional vaccinations based on reproductive disease risks and herd or flock history.
- Before breeding: Consult your veterinarian about vaccines for reproductive diseases, including those caused by Chlamydia and Campylobacter.
- 2-4 weeks before kidding or lambing: Administer a CD&T booster to help increase antibodies passed to newborns through colostrum.
- Annually: Rams and bucks should receive their routine CD&T booster on the same annual schedule as the rest of the herd or flock.
Adult Herd or Flock
Adult goats and sheep should follow a consistent vaccination schedule to maintain protection against common diseases.
- Annually: Administer a CD&T booster according to your veterinarian's recommendations.
- Based on disease risk: Discuss additional vaccines for respiratory, reproductive, or other diseases relevant to your herd or flock.
- Throughout the year: Maintain vaccination records and review your schedule with your veterinarian before breeding, kidding, lambing, and weaning seasons.
Goat and Sheep Vaccination Calendar at a Glance
| Timing | Kids and Lambs | Breeding Animals | Adult Herd or Flock |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Before Breeding |
Review reproductive vaccines | Review disease risks | |
| 2-4 weeks before birth | CD&T booster for pregnant ewes and does | Annual CD&T if due | |
| Birth | Receive colostrum | ||
| 6-8 weeks of age | First CD&T dose | ||
| 3-4 weeks after first dose | CD&T booster | ||
| Before weaning | Review respiratory vaccines and coccidiosis prevention | ||
| Annually | Transition to adult schedule | CD&T booster for rams and bucks | CD&T booster and risk-based vaccines |
Core vs. Risk-Based Vaccines for Goats and Sheep
Vaccines for goats and sheep generally fall into two categories: core and risk-based. Core vaccines are recommended for most herds and flocks, while risk-based vaccines depend on disease history, exposure, and management practices.
| Core Vaccines | Risk-Based Vaccines |
| CD&T: A core vaccine recommended for most sheep and goat operations to help protect against enterotoxemia and tetanus. | Mannheimia haemolytica: Consider for herds or flocks with a history of pneumonia. |
| Caseous lymphadenitis (CL): Consider when CL is already present. | |
| Soremouth: Consider for operations with a known history of soremouth. | |
| Chlamydia and Campylobacter: Consider when reproductive losses are associated with these infections. |
Not sure which vaccines are risk-based for your operation? Ask your veterinarian to review your herd history and recommend an appropriate vaccination program.
What is the CD&T Vaccine for Sheep and Goats?
CD&T is one of the most commonly recommended vaccines for sheep and goats. It helps protect against three serious diseases:
- Clostridium perfringens type C
- Clostridium perfringens type D
- Tetanus
Clostridium perfringens types C and D are associated with enterotoxemia, often called overeating disease. This condition can develop quickly and may cause sudden illness or death, especially in young animals.
Example CD&T vaccines include:
- Bovilis Vision CD-T with Spur Cattle, Sheep and Goat Vaccine
- Essential 3+T (CD&T) Cattle, Sheep, Goat and Swine Vaccine
- Bar-Vac CD/T Cattle, Sheep and Goat Vaccine
Tetanus is another serious risk for sheep and goats. It can occur when bacteria enter the body through wounds, including procedures such as castration or tail docking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to booster, and when?
Yes, young animals typically need a booster 3-4 weeks after their initial CD&T vaccination to strengthen immunity. Adult sheep and goats generally require annual CD&T boosters to maintain protection.
When should I vaccinate before breeding?
Breeding animals may benefit from vaccination against reproductive diseases caused by Chlamydia and Campylobacter. Your veterinarian can help determine whether these vaccines are necessary for your herd and when they should be administered.
Can I vaccinate during pregnancy, kidding, or lambing?
CD&T boosters are commonly administered 2-4 weeks before kidding or lambing to increase protective antibodies passed to newborns through colostrum. Consult your veterinarian about vaccine safety and timing during pregnancy, and minimize stress as your animals prepare to give birth.
What if I missed the booster window?
If you miss a scheduled booster, contact your veterinarian to determine the next steps. Depending on the vaccine and how much time has passed, your animal may need an additional dose or a new vaccination series.
Are cattle vaccines safe for goats and sheep?
Some vaccines labeled for cattle are also approved for sheep or goats. Always check the product label to confirm the approved species and consult your veterinarian if you have questions about vaccine safety or recommendations for your animals.
A consistent vaccination program is an important part of protecting your sheep and goats throughout the year. Work with your veterinarian to develop a schedule that meets your herd or flock's needs, and explore our goat and sheep vaccines to find products for your operation.
Whether for horse, livestock, or pet, Valley Vet Supply is your one-stop shop for trusted care. Explore more of our goat & sheep category at ValleyVet.com
