Page 11 - MWC 8-20-20s

WATCH FOR SUMMER RESPIRATORY The Midwest Cattleman · August 20, 2020 · P11

CONDITION IN CALVES

Experts discuss risk factors and treatment

options for pre-weaning pneumonia

When talking to ranchers spring born calves we typical-
about cattle health concerns ly see the condition appearing
in the summer, fly control in July and August,” White
and pinkeye will often come said.
to mind, but one condition Larson said that often
that can lead to calf death is pre-weaning pneumonia ap-
pre-weaning pneumonia. pears first in some of the to show up sporadically. Some er group themselves together
“Research has shown that bigger, stronger calves in the herds go years between out- in the pasture,” White said.
pre-weaning calf pneumonia pasture. breaks and other herds have A pneumonia prevention
appears in about 20% of the White explained that the it happen in consecutive plan may include avoiding
herds in the country annual- larger calves tend to be the years,” Larson said. management that forces
ly,” said Brad White, K-State older calves, and the natural White noted that the study calves to group closely togeth-
veterinarian and director of immunity that they got from alerted the scientists to some er and a vaccination preven-
the Beef Cattle Institute. “Of their dam’s colostrum at birth factors for increased risk. tion protocol, they said.
that 20%, there is a group is starting to fade. “Along with the time of “Work with your veterinar-
that experience significant Larson added that some year, calves grouped togeth- ian and extension specialist
problems.” cattle ranchers aren’t watch- er tended to spread the sick- to see what the right vaccine
White and veterinary col- ing for this condition because ness,” White said. As an exam- prevention protocol is for your
league Bob Larson discussed cattle out on pasture don’t ple, White cited, management area,” White said. “It may
their role in the study and the display the typical risk for practices that involve creep mean vaccinating the calves
results during a recent Cattle factors for respiratory dis- feeding or intensive grazing when you work them at 60-70
Chat podcast. ease, such as comingling with often lead to calves gathering days of age to give them an
“This pneumonia peaks new animals in confinement. in tighter spaces. extra boost of protection.”
when the calf is about four “This respiratory disease is “Also, calves don’t natural- K-State
and a half months old, so for surprising because it seems ly socially distance, but rath-

Inc.