Farm Animal Welfare

Sheep Enterotoxaemia Vaccination and Welfare

Enterotoxaemia caused by Clostridium perfringens causes sudden death in sheep and is entirely preventable through vaccination.

Key Facts

Pulpy kidney disease caused by Clostridium perfringens type D causes acute welfare emergencies
The disease predominantly affects thriving lambs on lush pasture or high grain diets
Death can occur within hours of clinical signs, often without prior warning
Vaccination with 3-in-1 or comprehensive clostridial vaccines provides effective prevention
Ewes vaccinated before lambing pass protection to lambs through colostrum

Welfare Considerations

Enterotoxaemia causes sudden severe suffering and death in otherwise healthy thriving lambs. The condition is entirely preventable through routine vaccination. Vaccination failure from incorrect timing, cold chain breaks or administration errors is a preventable welfare failure.

What You Can Do

Ensure sheep are vaccinated against clostridial diseases following veterinary protocols
Support farms with documented vaccination programmes for lambs and ewes
Advocate for veterinary training in clostridial disease prevention for sheep farmers