Immunization Schedule for Goats

Happy and healthy goats have the CD-T vaccine.

Goats don't require many vaccines; the only commonly recommended vaccination is CD-T. It prevents the overeating disease, enterotoxemia, and lockjaw. Other vaccines may be given, but they aren't necessary for goats.

Pregnancy

Pregnant female goats should be vaccinated with CD-T twice during pregnancy. The doses should be about three weeks apart, according to Susan Schoenian, sheep and goat specialist at the University of Maryland.

Kid Immunity

If the mother was properly vaccinated during pregnancy, her colostrum carries immunity for the kids for one to two months.

First Shots

Once kids are about six to eight weeks old, they need their first CD-T vaccination. A booster is required about three weeks later.

Doe Without Vaccination

If the mother was not vaccinated during pregnancy, the kids should get their first CD-T vaccine at about two weeks and a booster at four weeks.

Considerations

Vaccinating kids from unvaccinated mothers before one to two weeks of age could prevent the vaccine from working. Colostrum has antibodies that could prevent full immunization.

Males

Male bucks need a CD-T booster every year to stay immune.

References

• Sheepandgoat.com: Vaccinations for sheep and goats