Putting in ear tags-Is tetanus shot nec.

[alsea1]

I am going to put ear tags on my sheep.
But I was wondering if I should give them a tetanus shot because of the piercing.
Has anyone done this? Is a tetanus shot nec. with this procedure?

 

[boothcreek]

To be honest it never even occurred to me

My sheep never had any issues with it, and I would only worry about it if you are using some old rusty tags.

 

[alsea1]

I will be using brand new equipment and tags.

 

[bcnewe2]

I have only been warned to do tetanus when banding. I can also say that I don't and have never had an issue.
If you wanted to error on the side of caution then go for it but I think the risk would be low or there'd be more warning about it.

 

[Roving Jacobs]

Tetanus is an anaerobic bacteria, which means it likes deep wounds with little oxygen going to them like punctures from stepping on a nail or getting bit by a dog. Ear tags are such minor wounds (I've never had one bleed unless they jumped while I was tagging and it tore) and in such a thin area that they really aren't a risk for tetanus. They can get just plain infected though if you're using dirty equipment though so make sure everything is clean and sanitary.

 

[alsea1]

Thank you for the input.
I will just swab with alcohol