The vaccination debate

[Oceanrose]

Ok - how many here vaccinate? For what and why?

How many do not? Reasons?

What about worming? Natural, chemical? Why???

[Tango]

This is a popular topic with good arguments on all sides. I do vaccinate because I am still acquiring goats. I vaccinate and deworm newbies as soon as they arrive unless they came from someone I know and trust and had been previously dewormed and vaccinated prior to pick up. I am also on new property, having moved across two states last year to this new place so I travelled easier knowing my livestock was vaccinated. Someday I will have a closed herd and might discontinue vaccinations. That would be the only time I would consider not vaccinating but I would still vaccinate any goat that leaves my herd. I just recently decided to deworm as needed rather than on schedule. For me, it is like the adage of choosing the lesser of two evils. Neither is idal and perfect so I have to weigh the issues and choose accordingly.

[Sarah J]

I vaccinate with CD-T. Why? I was indifferent about vaccinations and really only gave them because buyers expected it... THEN...Lost a perfect 11 week old American Saanen buckling, had him posted and discovered clostridium was the cause - and he was the only one on the farm NOT vaccinated against it (long story, but he was sick when he was *supposed* to get it and then I forgot by the time he got better).

I won't forget the CD-T again. Deworming happens in two doses twice a year here - spring and fall. I use panacure and will continue to use it until it becomes ineffective in this area and with my goats. Yes, I do fecal testing to be sure it's needed and working, too. I used the Hoegger's herbal wormer and still go worms, though I was religious about how it was used and followed their doses and made sure each doe got the exact amount she was supposed to (some loved it, others had to have it shoved down their throats or disguised). Still had a bad case of worms. So went back to the panacure, which works for me.

My own methods work for me. YMMV.

Sarah

[TexCountryWoman]

I vaccinate with CDT (Bar-vac). The kids will get does at 3 weeks, 6 weeks and 9 weeks, 2 cc SQ then annually 2 cc SQ

I was using Ivermectin 1% inj., giving it by mouth at the rate of 1cc/50 lbs ok for pregnant does

I have now switched to Cydectin Pour on for cattle, i give it 1cc/25lbs by mouth, it's purple, smells like gasoline, should get the worms that panacur and ivermectin no longer kill in my area, cannot give to pregnant does or kids