Vaccination is one of the pillars of caprine prophylaxis. Done well, it protects against potentially fatal diseases for a fraction of the cost of curative treatment. This guide covers the essential vaccinations, their schedule, and the points to watch for with companion goats.
Caprine prophylaxis relies on regular monitoring and a trusted relationship between owner and veterinarian — © Pexels
Important: Your vaccination protocol should be defined with your veterinarian, who alone can prescribe and tailor vaccines to your local situation (regional epidemiology, herd status, breeds). The information below is for educational purposes.
Why vaccinate companion goats?
Even a small herd of 2 or 3 goats is exposed to pathogens present in the environment: soil, pasture, contact with other animals at fairs or through new purchases. Some diseases — enterotoxemia, tetanus — can kill an animal within 24 hours with no obvious warning signs. Vaccination remains the most affordable and reliable form of protection.
Essential vaccinations for goats
| Disease | Agent | Common vaccine | Primary series | Booster |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enterotoxemia | Clostridium perfringens type C & D | Bravoxin 10, Heptavac-P Plus | 2 injections 4 weeks apart | Annual — 4 to 6 weeks before kidding |
| Tetanus | Clostridium tetani | Often combined (Bravoxin 10) | Included in the clostridial primary series | Annual |
| Pasteurellosis | Mannheimia haemolytica | Heptavac-P Plus | 2 injections 4 weeks apart | Annual, before the risk period (autumn) |
| Contagious ecthyma (orf) | Orf virus (Parapoxvirus) | Scabivax Forte | 1 single injection (scarification) | Annual in contaminated environments — zoonosis: gloves required |
| Q fever | Coxiella burnetii | Coxevac | 2 injections 3 weeks apart | Annual — a notifiable zoonosis |
Recommended annual schedule
- Annual clostridial booster (if not done in winter)
- Check newborn doelings: primary series starting at 6–8 weeks
- General health check-up with your vet
- Lower clostridial risk period
- Orf vaccination if in a risk area (before contact with new animals)
- Follow up on doeling primary series
- Pasteurellosis booster before housing
- Q fever booster if the herd is affected
- Preparation for winter kidding
- Clostridial booster 4–6 weeks before kidding
- Colostrum protection: maternal antibodies passed to doelings
- Do not vaccinate within 2 weeks of kidding
Vaccinating doelings: when to start?
Doelings born to well-vaccinated does benefit from passive immunity transmitted through colostrum for 6 to 8 weeks. Vaccinating before this age is therefore useless and even counterproductive: maternal antibodies neutralize the vaccine.
The primary series for young animals starts at 6–8 weeks for clostridial protection, with two injections 4 weeks apart. For Q fever, vaccination is not recommended in animals already infected (risk of local reaction): a prior serological test is advised.
Can a pregnant doe be vaccinated?
Yes, some vaccines are specifically designed to be given in late pregnancy (4 to 6 weeks before kidding) to boost colostral antibodies. This is the case for clostridial vaccines (Bravoxin, Heptavac-P Plus). Live vaccines (orf and some others), on the other hand, are contraindicated during pregnancy: always check the product's summary of characteristics with your vet.
A protected, healthy herd: the goal of a regular, well-tailored vaccination schedule — © Pexels
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