Respiratory diseases in dairy calves can lead to significant economic losses. For herds practicing autumn block calving, where a large number of calves are born within a short period, the risk of respiratory disease can be particularly high.
Early Detection and Intervention
You may have read in recent newsletters about the benefits of routine lung scanning in calves, which allows detection of pneumonia lesions before the calf shows any obvious symptoms. While lung scanning can provide the opportunity for early intervention on pneumonia cases and reduce the likelihood of spread, it also provides us with the opportunity to carry out targeted testing to identify the pathogens responsible, and allows us to make sure that the correct respiratory vaccine is being used on the farm.
Paired Serology
Paired serological testing means blood sampling the same animal(s) twice, about 3 weeks apart. The tests look at the levels of antibodies that the calf is producing against a range of different respiratory bugs; if we see that antibody levels against a particular bug have risen dramatically between the first and second tests, then we have identified the pathogen that the calf is fighting. With this information, we can either select the right respiratory vaccine, or, if a vaccine is already being used, make sure that it is still the best choice for the farm.
Testing for respiratory pathogens alongside lung scanning in autumn block calving herds is a proactive approach that offers multiple benefits. From early lung lesion detection and tailored vaccination programs to reduced antibiotic usage, the advantages of respiratory health monitoring and testing are clear. The earlier and more targeted we can make our vaccination protocols and antimicrobial interventions, the better the economic return and long-term sustainability of the herd.
John
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