Your browser is out-of-date!

Update your browser to view this website correctly. Update my browser now

×

Vets urge milk producers to vaccinate herd replacements pre-housing this autumn

Pneumonia is the most common reason for poor performance and death in growing calves

Last winter the bacterial organism M. haemolytica
was by far the most commonly diagnosed cause of pneumonia in housed dairy calves. As a result, vets are now urging milk producers to consider vaccinating valuable herd replacements pre-housing this autumn.

“According to recent AHPA surveillance data for England and Wales, pneumonia diagnoses attributed to this common bacterial cause were particularly prevalent in both unweaned and weaned dairy calves over the November 2019 to March 2020 period,” says MSD Animal Health veterinary adviser Dr Kat Baxter-Smith.

“It is important to understand that both viruses and bacteria can cause pneumonia. However, many viral and bacterial respiratory pathogens live harmlessly as part of the normal micro-organism profile of the respiratory tract of healthy cattle. But when a calf’s resistance is reduced as a result of significant environmental challenges – or where there is an overwhelming pathogen load – then animal welfare compromising and financially damaging outbreaks of pneumonia can result,” she explains.

Dr Baxter-Smith adds that whilst you can treat calves showing signs of pneumonia – with antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS), for example – preventing performance-limiting permanent lung damage may not be possible.

“Pneumonia is the most common reason for poor performance and death in growing calves, so immunity-led disease prevention should be the focus for all calf rearers,” she says.

“Sound colostrum feeding practices and vaccination with a multi-valent vaccine that will deliver protection against both common viral and bacterial pathogens can play an important part here; as will effective management of the key disease risk factors.

“Improving the rearing environment, reducing stock density, not mixing age groups, isolating any clinically affected animals, using plenty of fresh bedding and thoroughly disinfecting feeders and drinkers are all other important steps you can take to reduce the chance of pneumonia gaining a foothold in your calf rearing unit,” Dr Baxter-Smith says.

References

APHA Surveillance Intelligence Unit

2020

Disease surveillance in England and Wales. Vet Record

NADIS

Respiratory Disease in Dairy and Beef Rearer Units

Veterinary Practice

Improve Veterinary Practice (part of the Improve International Group) is an online knowledge and information hub for veterinary professionals across all specialties. It provides reliable, useful and interesting content, written by expert authors and covering small animal, large animal, exotics, equine and practice management
sectors of the veterinary surgeon and nursing professions.

Improve Veterinary Practice also offers a subscription-based membership, offering CPD courses and much more for the whole veterinary community.

Improve Veterinary Practice exists to inspire and inform your day-to-day work, and enable your ongoing professional development.


More from this author

Have you heard about our
Membership?

The number one resource for veterinary professionals.

From hundreds of CPD courses to clinical skills videos. There is something for everyone.

Discover more