The expert gave recommendations for the prevention of respiratory diseases in calves

Leonid Grigoriev, HEAD of the cattle veterinary service department of Seva Sante Animal LLC, shared recommendations for the treatment of cattle disease in cattle . According to the expert, early diagnosis of CRH is quite difficult, so you need to focus on two areas: prevention and fast and reliable treatment.

First of all, farms located in the Northwestern and Siberian federal districts should pay attention to prevention, since cattle in cold regions are more susceptible to the disease. In addition, it must be taken into account that calves aged 14 to 60 days are most susceptible to this disease. 

According to the expert, if all recommendations are carefully followed, the incidence rate may be less than 1%. At the same time, for the purpose of prevention, it is important to control:

quality of colostrum and compliance with feeding protocols; formation of colostral immunity in young animals; incidence of diarrhea in calves; stress level; changes in temperature and humidity; crowded content; hygiene control; quality of ventilation.

If infection does occur, it will be difficult to identify the disease in the early stages using only visual research methods . So, for example, nasal discharge may indicate infection, but for this the farmer needs to notice it before the calf licks it off. At the same time, KRB spreads very quickly among the livestock.

Check and, if necessary, update the livestock vaccination plan and bring it into compliance with the recommendations of a veterinary specialist. Monitor feeding protocols and the quality of colostrum to ensure that in the first few hours after birth, calves receive everything they need to develop strong initial immunity. It is recommended not to feed calves mastitis MILK or milk with antibiotic residues . Additionally, instruct staff to introduce or update protocols for assessing the condition of young animals. Strengthen monitoring of calves during periods of increased risk or stress (off-season, regrouping, transportation, dehorning, transfer to new feed solutions). Check the quality of ventilation in rooms where young animals are kept and minimize mixing of age groups. Carry out thermometry if you suspect KRB, since it is an increase in rectal temperature that can promptly signal the disease. Provide for the possibility of isolating sick animals, as this will help not only prevent the spread of pathogens, but also provide better treatment . Stock up in advance on medications based on antibiotics and NSAIDs (for example, 40% florfenicol and 5% meloxicam), which at an early stage of treatment will help stabilize the condition of sick young animals, reduce pain and minimize the consequences of pneumonia.