Campyvax®4
Protect your sheep against Campybacteriosis with the Campyvax4 sheep vaccine.
Vaccination Programme:
Initial sensitiser vaccination should be given prior to mating, with the second (booster) vaccination 4-8 weeks later (ideally prior to mating).
Stock type: Sheep
CAMPYVAX4 IS ONLY AVAILABLE UNDER VETERINARY AUTHORISATION.
- Dose: 1mL
- Initial Vaccination Programme: 2 shots
- Administer by: Subcutaneous (SC) injection
- Annual Booster: Required
- Stock type: Sheep
Many people associate Campylobacteriosis with abortions in the last six weeks of pregnancy. However, trial work has shown it causes losses at other times when the losses are not as easy to see. In early gestation, infections can cause embryonic loss which results in dry ewes or late lambers. Campylobacter can also cause still births or the birth of weak lambs that die soon after birth.
Campylobacteriosis spreads when susceptible animals ingest contaminated feed or water, or by direct contact with infected fetuses or fetal membranes.
Post infection, the organism is present in discharges for up to six weeks, with some ewes becoming longer-term carriers between seasons8. Infection can persist on a farm for a number of years in carrier sheep which cannot be identified.
88% of NZ farms have Campylobacter present2
During an outbreak, the focus should be on preventing access of animals to infection by limiting the spread through:
- reducing stocking density
- removal from contaminated pasture
- strict adherence to hygiene measures.
Note however that these control measures are very hard to implement on a busy commercial farm. Vaccination with Campyvax4® is a cost-effective solution to control the risk of Campylobacter.
Benefits of vaccination with Campyvax®4:
- Prevents significant losses due to abortion storms
- Increases lambing percentage by an average of 9% even in farms that do not see abortions
- Protection against losses of weak, non-viable lambs.
88% of NZ farms have Campylobacter present4.
Campylobacter abortion storms may results in lamb losses up to 30% in naïve flocks8.
Vaccination with Campyvax4® is a cost-effective solution to control the risk of campylobacter. Remember, it’s not just maiden ewes at risk of Campylobacter. Your mixed-age ewes are still at risk4 and need an annual booster shot of Campyvax4.
Frequently Asked Questions
| What is Campyvax4? | Campyvax4 is a specially formulated vaccine designed and developed in New Zealand to protect sheep from Campylobacteriosis. This disease is known to cause reproductive losses, including abortion and the birth of weak lambs, in sheep populations. Campyvax4 is a crucial tool for farmers looking to maintain healthy, productive flocks. |
| How is Campyvax4 administered? | The administration of the Campyvax4 vaccine is carried out via subcutaneous (SC) injection. This method ensures that the vaccine is delivered beneath the skin to deliver a strong immune response against Campylobacteriosis in sheep. |
| When should Campyvax4 be given to sheep? | For optimal protection, the initial sensitiser vaccination of Campyvax4 should be administered to sheep prior to mating. This is then followed by a booster vaccination, given 4-8 weeks later, preferably before mating as well. This timing ensures that the ewes have developed a strong immune response before the critical period of gestation. |
| Is an annual booster required for Campyvax4? | Yes, to maintain a high level of immunity in the flock, an annual booster shot of Campyvax4 is recommended. This ensures continuing protection against Campylobacteriosis and supports the health and productivity of your sheep year after year. |
| How does Campylobacteriosis spread among sheep? | Campylobacteriosis, the disease against which Campyvax4 protects, spreads primarily when sheep ingest feed or water that has been contaminated with the bacterium. In addition, direct contact with infected fetuses or fetal membranes can also lead to transmission. Vaccination is a key strategy in breaking this cycle of infection. |
| What are the benefits of vaccination with Campyvax4? | Vaccination with Campyvax4 offers a multitude of benefits. Trial data has shown an increase in lambing percentage by an average of 9%, as well as preventing losses due to abortion storms. The vaccine also provides protection against the birth of weak, non-viable lambs. |
| Can I purchase Campyvax4 without a veterinary prescription? | No, in order to ensure safe and appropriate use, Campyvax4 is only available under veterinary authorisation. This protocol ensures that only those who understand the health needs and requirements of their flock have access to the vaccine. |
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Abortion storms in New Zealand are most commonly associated with Campylobacter and Toxoplasma, however Salmonella Brandenburg is widespread in the South Island and is can also cause abortions and ewe deaths in late pregnancy.
