I have heard of a number of incidences of blackleg over the past two weeks. If clostridia disease has been a problem on your farm in the past, it’s important that you vaccinate against it.

Ten-way vaccines are the best to use, giving maximum protection. It’s a two-shot programme and it’s very important to follow up with the second shot four to six weeks after the initial shot. This vaccine will give six months’ cover for a number of these diseases.

Consult with your vet as to the risk level on the farm and whether to vaccinate or not.

Breeding vaccines

Replacement heifers that are due to be bred this autumn should get their first shot of BVD and lepto vaccines around now. This allows time for their second shot in four weeks’ time, in advance of breeding.

Ideally, the second shot of vaccine should be given two weeks before breeding to allow sufficient protection to build up.

Impressive numbers and worm talk at Kildalton

Weanling series: preparing animals for sale

Vaccinations are key as we enter autumn

Adam Woods looks at the importance of vaccinating against clostridial diseases such as blackleg.