Immunization of lambs against pulpy kidney and tetanus

Abstract

Extract

Over a period of years it has become standard practice in certain areas of New Zealand to take precautions against tetanus following lamb marking. These areas are fairly well defined and the main regions are those of Hawke's Bay and the southern half of the South Island. In these areas, losses following lamb marking, many being due to tetanus, can be high if no preventive measures are taken. It has frequently been observed that conditions favouring the development of Clostridium tetani accompany certain operations at marking, and that this risk has increased because of the use of rubber rings and searing irons at marking. This was to be expected since anaerobic conditions in deep-seated wounds will favour the growth of Cl. tetani.