Download Date started - MSD Animal Health

Prepare for the annual pneumonia challenge
As temperatures continue to fall and autumn develops into winter, cattle face the annual
pneumonia threat. As probably the most significant disease of calves and youngstock,
pneumonia is a complex disease to tackle and, much of the time, prevention seems
preferable to waiting for an outbreak and then trying to contain any bacterial infection
with antibiotics.
Pneumonia can be caused by both viruses and bacteria, and it is easy to see why the
disease catches so many producers out each season. The main pneumonia viruses are
RSV, PI3 and IBR and, according to nationally-collected vet data, Mannheimia
(Pasteurella) haemolytica is one of the most significant bacterial causes of the disease.
In cattle throughout the UK, pasteurella and RSV most commonly cause disease in
younger calves, while IBR often affects slightly older animals. PI3 is a common viral
component of pneumonia in calves of any age.
Some of the most common and important viruses and bacteria that cause pneumonia in
calves have been combined in the vaccine Bovipast RSP. Uniquely, this vaccine can be
used from approximately two weeks of age, and can be boosted later if required.
Extensive trial work and seven years of use on farms in the UK and across Europe have
shown that Bovipast RSP is very effective at minimising the threat from calf pneumonia.
As a result it has become Europe’s best-selling cattle vaccine.
If you are housing springborn animals that have pneumonia, which is characterised by
temperatures as high as 400C (104OF) and noisy breathing, you could have an IBR
problem. This is a common cause of respiratory disease in older calves. In the UK, it is
estimated that around 50% of all herds are positive for antibodies to Bovine Herpesvirus
1 (the virus which causes IBR). Intervet’s subsidised screening services, Dairycheck
and Beefcheck, have shown results similar to the estimated level for the national herd.
Percentage of herds tesing positive for IBR
on bulk milk samples June to November
2006
43%
Positive
57%
Negative
Of those that tested positive, over half had results high enough to suggest active
infection was circulating within the herd.
If there is the risk of pneumonia on your unit during the winter months, it is important to
discuss prevention measures with your vet. Making use Intervet’s Dairycheck and
Beefcheck services will confirm whether or not IBR is a problem.
If you have both young and older calves, and especially if animals of different ages are
housed together, it could be worth considering a vaccine such as Bovipast RSP, as well
as Bovilis IBR. Because pneumonia is caused by so many different pathogens, these
two vaccines are licensed to be used together, saving time and hassle, and hopefully
ensuring stock are protected as thoroughly as possible. Bovilis IBR is also the only live
IBR (non-marker) vaccine which can be administered by either the intranasal or
intramuscular route offering the benefit of added convenience.
Contact the practice for further information, or to discuss undertaking some testing to
establish the cause of respiratory disease on your unit.