I have had reports of Salmonella effecting ewe flocks and dairy herds in neighbouring areas. While Salmonella has always been a problem in sheep it has become more of an issue in dairy herds as grain/meal feeding has become more widespread. Which seems to attract wildlife such as birds that can carry Salmonella.
Salmonella is a disease that really does not need to be a risk to your farming operation. The Salmonella vaccine Salvexin is extremely effective and many of our ewe flocks and dairy herds are vaccinated.
Vaccinations programs can be relatively low cost where only animals entering the flock or herd are vaccinated. While this may not be the “packet recommendation” it does appear to be very effective in our area.
Annual costs;
300 cow herd, introducing 90 heifers.
$ 144.00
3000 ewe flock, introducing 900 2-2ths
$720.00