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Calf pneumonia is a complex disease caused by incorrect management in combination with infectious agents. Management factors involved are nutrition, stocking density, housing, ventilation, humidity and stress. Infectious agents involved are viruses (RSV, PI3, IBR and BVD), bacteria (Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, Heamophilus somnus) and mycoplasmas (Mycoplasma bovis and dispar).
Important measures to reduce the risk of pneumonia:
Nutrition
calves need 5% of their body weight (2.5 ltr for 50 kg calf) as colostrum in the first 6 hours of life. Adequate intake can be measured in blood samples of calves between 1-8 days old.
Stocking rates
|
Group Size |
Area in Square Metres |
Area in Square Feet |
|
Single up to 1 month |
1.13 |
12.5 |
|
Single up to 2 months |
1.8 |
19.5 |
|
Group up to 2 months |
1.5 |
16.5 |
|
Group up to 3 months |
1.7 |
19.0 |
|
Group around 5 months |
3.0 |
32.3 |
|
Group around 7 months |
3.5 |
37.7 |
Housing -
calves are ideally kept in groups of 8-12 animals, with an absolute maximum of 30. Do not mix calves of different ages and sources and do not let calves under 6 months share airspace with older cattle.
Ventilation -
ensure adequate air inlet (0.045 m²/calf) at a level of 1 mtr above the calves and an adequate air outlet (0.04 m²/calf) at a level of 1.5-2.5 metres above the inlet. Avoid draughts.
Drainage -
floors of pens need a gradient of 1 in 20, ensure good drainage beneath food and water troughs.
Bedding -
on concrete floors the bedding needs to be at least 30 cm deep and kept dry. Leave the pens empty for at least 2 weeks in between batches of calves.
Weaning -
Wean calves when their birth weight has doubled or when they eat at least 1 kg of concentrates daily.
Stress -
reduce stress by disbudding and castrating well before weaning
Vaccination
Vaccines are available for RSV, PI3, IBR, BVD and Pasteurella and can be used after diagnosing the causing agent. They are an aid in preventing disease but need time to develop immunity.
Calf Pneumonia - Treatment and Vaccination
There are 3 main causes of pneumonia due to viruses:
|
Respiratory Syncitial Virus (RSV) |
calves of any age exhibiting typical signs of pneumonia, reluctance to feed, dull, coughing, flank lifting, and high temperatures. |
|
Para influenza Virus (PI3
) |
as above. |
|
Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR) |
usually older calves, 6 months plus, conjunctivitis with purulent nasal discharge, pant with neck stretched out.
Once debilitated by viral infection, secondary bacteria can cause further problems However bacteria can be the primary cause of pneumonia also. The main bacteria
involved are Pasteurella (Mannheimia), Heamophilus and Mycoplasma species. |
Rapid treatment with antibiotics and anti-inflammatories is essential. However prevention by the use of vaccines may be a better option.
By diagnosing the specific viruses and bacteria present on the farm a more judicious use of vaccine may be possible.
This can be achieved by post mortem of dead calves and by
blood samples taken for antibody levels.
Samples should be taken from calves over 4 months old, at least 2 weeks after they have shown signs of disease.
Vaccines:
|
Bovipast |
PI3,RSV,Past,(BVD).
From 2 weeks old.
2 doses, 5ml s/cut, 4 weeks apart. |
|
Rispoval Intranasal |
RSV, PI3.
From 3 week old. (can be given from 10d but this is off licence)
1 dose, 2ml i/nasal |
|
Rispoval 4 |
RSV,PI3,IBR, (BVD).
From 3 weeks old.
2 doses, 5ml i/musc, 3-4 wks apart.
Repeat at 12 weeks. |
|
Rispoval RS |
RSV.
From 1 week old.
2 doses, 2ml i/musc, 3-4 weeks apart. Repeat at 16 weeks. |
|
Rispoval P |
Pasteurella.
From 12 weeks old.
1 dose, 2ml i/musc. |
|
Tracherine |
IBR.
From 3 weeks old.
2ml, i/nasal.
Repeat at 10-12 weeks if <12 w.o. |
In an emergency please telephone (01793) 522483 (24hrs).
Drove Veterinary Hospital, 252 Croft Road, Swindon, Wiltshire SN1 4RW. |
