Immunization Schedule for Goats

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.

  1. 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.