September 2026 – Don’t wait for housing—plan ahead for pneumonia prevention

Vaccinations can help prevent disease or reduce the severity of disease. It’s important to remember that they are only one part of the pneumonia prevention plan, it cannot compensate for poor shed ventilation and stressful conditions. Planning with your vet and understanding what could be potentially leaving you at risk helps create a holistic prevention plan.

Vaccines work by introducing altered weaker or dead versions of the infectious agents to an animal that stimulates an immune response, without making the animal sick. This helps the animal fight off future infections to prevent disease. Ensure the full course of vaccines is completed a number of weeks ahead of risk periods such as housing or weaning. For best results, the animal should be healthy and not under stress when vaccinated.

Vaccines can protect against the most common viral and bacterial causes of pneumonia. There are a variety of vaccines available, so it is always best to discuss with your vet which option is best for your farm.

Remember when giving vaccinations:

Finish the primary course: one or two doses needed ` Read the label: check the mixing instructions, dosage, and if it’s injectable (into muscle or under the skin) or a nasal spray

Follow the storage instructions, some vaccines can be inactivated if not stored in the fridge and generally once they are opened, they need to be used within a few hours.

Avoid stressful procedures such as transport, castration or weaning at the same time as vaccination.

Along with vaccination remember the ABCs of Pneumonia

1. Avoid Stress
2. Boost Immunity
3. Curtail spread of disease

Read our August bulletin on weanling pneumonia prevention here

Pneumonia Prevention protects buyers, sellers and neighbours. Consider the safety and future of your herd.