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Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) Pneumonia.
The total UK calf population is 3.3 million and of these 30% get pneumonia (1million) each year; mortality varies from 3-50% (average ~5% or 157,000 calves a year).
Economic studies highlight the cost to national herd estimated of approximately £80 million; there are welfare costs too.
Three Rivers Veterinary Group pneumonia control program:
Reducing the risk of disease by quality advice regarding housing and environment solutions.
Good biosecurity and health planning.
Advice re vaccination programs.
Reduction of the necessity for on farm treatment
Reduction in antibiotic usage.
Achieving high quality farm assurance standards.
Environmental factors involved in calf pneumonia:
Poor ventilation
High humidity
Stress
Mixing age groups
Handling
Housing
Transport
The calf factors in pneumonia incidence are:
Poor colostral intake
Nutritional status
Concurrent disease
Lung capacity
The viruses invoved are:
Para-influenza 3 (PI).
Respiratory Syncytial virus (RSV).
Infectious Rhinotracheitis (IBR).
Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus (BVDV).
The bacteria involved are:
Pasturella multocida.
Histophilus somnus.
Mycoplasma Bovis
How do all these factors work together?
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What are the common housing problems?
Lack of high level outlet for waste air.
Inadequate inlet areas for fresh air.
Shared airspace with older animals (who may carry the disease).
Low heat production from calves at low stocking levels.
High moisture levels (humidity above 70% is at a critical level for calves).
Poor design or location of mechanical ventilation.
Good ventilation is vital for the following reasons:
Removal of excess water vapour.
Removal of excess heat.
Removal of micro-organisms, dust and gases.
Provision of uniform distribution of air.
Provision of correct air speed for stock.
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