Strategy for pneumonia
Strategy for pneumonia
BEST protection against pneumonia will be achieved by leaving at least two weeks between the final respiratory syncytial virus injection and housing, warns Graham Baird vet officer at SACs St Boswells veterinary investigation centre, Roxburghshire.
"Calves should receive their first jab against RSV six weeks before housing. On many farms this should have been administered by now and – providing three weeks has elapsed since that jab – producers should be considering a second," he says.
This must be at least two weeks before housing to ensure the calf has built up enough antibodies to have acquired full immunity before they enter the house. "Calves housed under four months old may then need a third injection after housing but producers must consult their vet to devise a programme," says Mr Baird.
Where farms have a history of IBR and PI3, he suggests producers should also protect stock against these diseases.
Again, the programme must be completed at least two weeks before housing. Calves over three months should receive a single intra-nasal treatment against IBR. Younger calves need two treatments three weeks apart.
"If treatments are to be effective then these timescales must be appreciated as housing approaches. If there are any doubts, producers should consult their vets to help devise a programme," he adds.