Pneumonia, or bovine respiratory disease (BRD), is one of the most common diseases dairy farms and calf ranches battle on a daily basis. This deadly opponent accounts for more than 24% of preweaned heifer deaths and 58.9% of weaned heifer deaths on U.S. dairies.1
“While some practices may help prevent BRD, there’s no single action that can prevent this disease 100% of the time,” said Linda Tikofsky, D.V.M., Boehringer Ingelheim. “Many variables affect disease risk. Controlling BRD requires a holistic approach.”
BRD doesn’t fight fair, but there are ways you can boost calf immunity and mitigate risks. Here are three things you can do to prepare your dairy to battle BRD:
1. Provide the right vaccine at the right time
Newborn calves are born with a naïve immune system and rely on passive
immunity from the dam’s antibody-rich colostrum to fight disease. Yet, as calves grow and passive immunity from colostrum begins to wane, vaccinating against BRD is important to ensure herd health.
“A comprehensive injectable modified-live virus [MLV] vaccine that induces both local and systemic immunity and is proven to develop immunity in calves even in the presence of colostral antibodies provides the most complete BRD protection,” emphasized Dr. Tikofsky.
Local immunity (IgA antibodies) provides protection on the mucosal surface of the respiratory tract, where pathogens initially enter the calf’s body. Meanwhile, systemic immunity (IgG antibodies) is critical for building long-term protection, as those antibodies are present in blood, lymph, and tissues.
2. Protect calves with solid management strategies
Stress is unavoidable as young calves face many changes, including weaning, transportation, and vaccination, to name a few.
“External stressors can compromise calves’ immune systems and make them susceptible to respiratory disease,” said Dr. Tikofsky. “Taking a close look at management practices can help prevent respiratory infections from taking a toll.”
Prioritizing colostrum feeding immediately after birth, maintaining environmental hygiene to a high standard, practicing low-stress handling, feeding a well-balanced diet, and managing parasites are all things you can do to reduce stress in young calves.
“When producers know calves are about to experience a stressful event, metaphylaxis, or a group antibiotic treatment, is an option to explore to help reduce morbidity and mortality,” Dr. Tikofsky noted.
3. Be prepared to manage infections
Even with the best vaccines and management practices, BRD can still strike. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to prevent long-term damage.
“Sick calves should be isolated from the rest of the herd, and producers should work with their veterinarian to promptly decide which animals need treatment,” said Dr. Tikofsky.
If possible, use an antibiotic known to treat all major BRD-causing pathogens, including Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, Histophilus somni, and Mycoplasma bovis.
Dr. Tikofsky stated, “Look for an antimicrobial that is fast-acting and long-lasting to minimize lung damage and give calves the best chance of recovery.”
BRD can be costly, and adopting a holistic approach is a great way to fight back against the disease. Work with your veterinarian to develop a BRD battle plan for your operation.
