BOVINE RESPIRATORY DISEASE

General Information Respiratory disease and/or pneumonia can affect cattle of any age but is most common in housed calves and yearling steers and heifers. Because respiratory infections can be caused by any number of factors it is important to contact your veterinarian prior to initiating therapy. The most common causes of respiratory disease can include viruses, bacteria, parasites, nutrition, and most importantly stress.

Important Points To Remember
1. Prevention
The importance of prevention and good management cannot be over emphasized.
a) Nutrition - Developing a good immune system begins with insuring adequate intake of good quality colostrum. As the calf ages, adequate diet along with clean fresh water is a must.
b) Vaccines - There are numerous vaccines available to help prevent respiratory disorders. Most contain killed or modified live virus such as IBR, PI3, BVD, and BRSV. Bacterins contain freeze dried bacteria such as Pasturella and Haemophilus. Most vaccines require a booster so follow label directions. Your veterinarian can serve as a valuable resource in setting up a program for you.
c) Deworming - Lungworms can lead to or contribute to pneumonia. Several dewormers can be used in these instances.

2. Antibiotics
Animals developing pneumonia are candidates for antibiotic support. Depending on the age, breed, and severity of the disease, your veterinarian has several antibiotics available to utilize.

3. Aspirin
Animals with temperatures greater than 106 degrees may require some type of aspirin product to lower the temperature.

4. Decrease Stress
You can severely aggravate and possibly kill an animal by stressing them during the disease. Keep animals quiet and always provide shelter, food and clean water.

5. Isolation
Isolate animal from others for 3 days past normalcy.

Notify the Doctor If:
1. Your animal stops eating.
2. Your animal's breathing gets worse.

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