Download Act now to avoid losses later

Act now to avoid losses later
Diagnosing the exact cause of pneumonia is rarely simple, but always important.
Knowing what you are up against is the key to working out the best preventative
programme.
Older animals with a high temperature (up to 107OF) and noisy breathing could be
suffering from the IBR virus. In such cases, there is discharge from the nose and
sometimes the eyes as well. IBR and the other main viruses, RSV and PI3, often
make a calf ill and off its food. A young animal with a temperature of between 103105OF and sounding asthmatic, however, might be infected with RSV.
Vets can blood test calves to identify possible causes of pneumonia on your farm,
then work out a suitable vaccination and management programme to prevent disease
and losses. Vaccinated calves can mount a fast powerful defence when challenged
with pneumonia. The vaccine Bovilis® Bovipast RSP uniquely protects against both
viral and bacterial causes of pneumonia. Bovilis® IBR Marker Live meanwhile
reduces clinical signs and virus shedding.
Most cases of pneumonia are due to a mixed infection made up of viruses and
bacteria. By the time animals are coughing and ill with pneumonia their rate of DLWG
will be significantly decreased and units that expect a pneumonia problem most
seasons, would do well to consider vaccination to assist in preventing this. Whatever
the cause, once calves are visibly coughing they will already be suffering lung
damage which will need prompt and aggressive therapy with antibiotics and antiinflammatories, such as Resflor®.