Calf pneumonia could be costing UK agriculture as much as £80 million per year according to Merial Animal Health. This financial loss includes veterinary and medicine costs, mortality, weight loss, milk yield loss, extra labour and other costs.

Fiona MacGillivray, Veterinary Adviser for Merial Animal Health says: “Livestock productivity can be greatly hindered by calf pneumonia. The condition can affect both dairy and beef cattle, not only as young animals but also throughout their lives which can really hit profitability. Studies show that dairy cows can produce 8% less milk in the second lactationafter they suffered from pneumonia as calves. Calf pneumonia can also have long lasting effects on the growth rates of beef cattle – delaying finishing and minimising returns.”

This slowing of growth is because the volume of lung capacity, already relatively small in cattle, is reduced after infection by calf pneumonia, leading to poor function. 

Calf pneumonia is often found amongst housed animals and is most problematic within grouped cattle. The cause of disease is multifactorial, involving interaction between   bacteria and viruses, poor calf immunity and other environmental factors. Severe cases of the disease can permanently damage animals’ lungs, resulting in reduced growth, vigour, milk production and future immunity to other diseases.

“To reduce the risk of infection, ensure calves consume good amounts of colostrum (3 litres) within the first 6 hours of life to receive sufficient levels of antibodies to help strengthen the calf’s immunity”, recommends Fiona.

Good ventilation and a dry environment can also help to minimise losses. It is also important not to overstock.

When faced with disease antibiotic treatment is generally advisable for sick animals and to control calf pneumonia within the herd because of likely bacterial involvement. This should be discussed with your vet.

Fiona advises: “When choosing an antibiotic to treat calf pneumonia, a product needs to be used which quickly targets the lining of the lungs. This is where the bacteria attack the animal and the infection starts. The disease needs to be treated quickly with a fast acting antibiotic.”

Chosen antibiotic products also need to be long lasting allowing the lungs time to fully repair themselves. It is vital that the disease is recognised in the early stages and that a product is used which has been proven to ensure first time treatment is successful to minimise the costs of disease and maximise future productivity.