Farm Animal Welfare

Sheep Clostridial Disease Vaccination Welfare

Clostridial diseases including pulpy kidney, tetanus, and blackleg cause acute, painful deaths that are almost entirely preventable through vaccination.

Key Facts

Combined clostridial vaccines protect against 7-8 major diseases
Pulpy kidney caused by Clostridium perfringens type D is one of the most sudden and lethal conditions
Ewes vaccinated before lambing pass protective immunity to lambs in colostrum
Vaccination costs approximately 1-2 pounds per animal providing protection for a year
Unvaccinated flocks can suffer major mortality events during high-risk periods

Welfare Considerations

Clostridial diseases cause extremely rapid and painful death that is entirely preventable through low-cost vaccination. The suffering of animals dying from blackleg, tetanus, or pulpy kidney is acute and severe. Ensuring universal vaccination is a basic welfare obligation in sheep farming, representing one of the best welfare returns on any single intervention.

What You Can Do

Advocate for clostridial vaccination as a baseline welfare requirement for sheep
Support vaccination cost subsidies for smallholders and extensive farmers
Ensure all sheep receive timely booster vaccinations