Reduce the threat of pneumonia – it makes good sense
Pneumonia is a disease that vets usually refer to as ‘multi-factorial’. This simply means that there is no one factor behind it – sometimes it is related to mixing of animals, other times poor housing conditions, perhaps it is down to a high challenge by one of the main bugs, or it can be related to lower than average immunity amongst calves. This all means that it is hard to predict how big or small the threat may be in any one year.
It is also probably the most economically significant disease threat for anyone with calves, be they a dairy or suckler farmer, or specialist calf rearer, and planning now could ensure that the threat this winter is minimised.
The main viruses, RSV, PI3 and IBR are often what make the animal sick to start with. Then, of the different bacteria capable of causing pneumonia, Mannheimia (Pasteurella) haemolytica remains one of the most significant according to nationally-collected vet data. (see graph below) In cattle throughout the UK, pasteurella and RSV are the main threats in younger calves, while IBR often affects slightly older animals. PI3 is a common viral cause of pneumonia in calves of any age.
In fact, a recently-published study of 20 outbreaks on 20 farms found that Mannheimia haemolytica and Pasteurella multocidawere the most significant bacterial cause of outbreaks, while RSV was involved in half the cases.
There remains only one combined viral and bacterial vaccine on the market – Bovilis® Bovipast RSP, which can be administered from as early astwo weeks of age. It can help to protect the animal against RSV, PI3 and M. haemolytica.
Bovipast also makes use of a unique form of technology – IRP (Iron Regulated Proteins) – that mean it can protect against different strains of the M. haemolytica bacteria. As in humans, there are many different strains of the bacteria that can infect cattle, so selecting Bovipast because of its ability to offer cross-protection, as well as the combined viral and bacterial immunity itdelivers, makes good sense.
Any calf that has been affected by pneumonia will have some lung damage which could affect how well they do for the rest of their lives. Preventing this occurring, with good housing and management as well as a preventative vaccine is well advised, and should pay off in performance terms, for both beef or dairy animals.
Contact the practice now to discuss protecting your stock this winter.