Black leg

Miname

i was always under the impression black leg was a disease that only kicked off from March on and that vaccination prior to this wasn't required. I've been told I'm wrong. I've autumn borns creeping out the fields and wondering do I need to have them vaccinated.

AP2014

Miname wrote: »

i was always under the impression black leg was a disease that only kicked off from March on and that vaccination prior to this wasn't required. I've been told I'm wrong. I've autumn borns creeping out the fields and wondering do I need to have them vaccinated.

It's most common in summer months especially after quiet hot humid weather. Can happen after sudden cold spells as well.

Reggie.

Miname wrote: »

i was always under the impression black leg was a disease that only kicked off from March on and that vaccination prior to this wasn't required. I've been told I'm wrong. I've autumn borns creeping out the fields and wondering do I need to have them vaccinated.

I vaccinate all year round as water and wind carries it. Better to be safe

ZETOR_IS_BETTER

Miname wrote: »

i was always under the impression black leg was a disease that only kicked off from March on and that vaccination prior to this wasn't required. I've been told I'm wrong. I've autumn borns creeping out the fields and wondering do I need to have them vaccinated.

Definitely vaccinate them. Remember do them again 6 weeks later if you are in a place prone to blackleg

huey1975

Reggie. wrote: »

I vaccinate all year round as water and wind carries it. Better to be safe

It's an anaerobic bacteria, so no the wind doesn't carry it

RobinBanks

What age do you vaccinate calves? Say calves born this jan. When would I vaccinate these?

Reggie.

huey1975 wrote: »

It's an anaerobic bacteria, so no the wind doesn't carry it

Just because it's an anaerobic bacteria doesn't mean it can't be carried by the wind

A few Vets have told me it does be in the soil and when dust is kicked up and carried by the wind is the main way it does be spread from field to field along with water courses

Reggie.

RobinBanks wrote: »

What age do you vaccinate calves? Say calves born this jan. When would I vaccinate these?

I always vaccinate them before they first hit the land out of the shed but I bucket rear mine so at about 12 weeks or so

onyerbikepat

I lost my best weanling heifer this year to Blackleg. We never had a case of it here in over 50 years, as I never remember my late father ever mentioning a case. Cattle were on low lying land at the time and rooting some earth near a trench. I reckon she picked it up there. I had the vaccine and all, but forgot to give it. I was going to give it 3 days later when they were due to leave the field.

Reggie.

onyerbikepat wrote: »

I lost my best weanling heifer this year to Blackleg. We never had a case of it here in over 50 years, as I never remember my late father ever mentioning a case. Cattle were on low lying land at the time and rooting some earth near a trench. I reckon she picked it up there. I had the vaccine and all, but forgot to give it. I was going to give it 3 days later when they were due to leave the field.

We lost a few cattle through the years so take no chances