The most effective way of controlling clostridial diseases is by vaccination. The veterinary surgeon or the manufacturers' datasheets should be consulted for their proper use. The organic standards permit the use of vaccination in cases where there is a known disease risk. Single vaccines are preferred to more complex multiple vaccines unless such cover is specifically required. Vaccine choice and use should be agreed with the nominated veterinary surgeon to ensure adequate disease protection during the conversion period with, where possible, progressive reductions in use as the organic unit becomes established. Only healthy animals should be vaccinated.
The lower level of animal production under organic flock management will help to prevent the enterotoxaemias. Control of liver-fluke infection is an important in the prevention of bacillary haemoglobinuria. Wounds may be treated with herbal or homeopathic remedies (Elliott and Pinkus, 1993) but it is important that wounds are exposed to air, as the organisms are anaerobes. Attempts should be made to minimise all wounds and treat all those that do occur. Good hygiene is essential at castration and assisted calving docking. Careful handling is important as bruising may cause blackleg. Clean needles and a clean, dry injection site are important if the animals are to be injected as penetrating wounds may cause tetanus.