05/01/2010
In response to numerous queries, Pfizer Animal Health has
provided us with this insight about pneumonia vaccination of
pedigree young stock.
Pneumonia outbreaks are more common in housed animals. Mixing,
diet changes, over-crowding, poor ventilation and local weather
conditions all play a part in triggering a disease outbreak.
Once the first animal becomes sick the condition often spreads
rapidly within the group.
The cost of pneumonia in a suckler herd was estimated at £821
per suckled calf affected. A major hidden cost of a pneumonia
outbreak is the reduction in performance. 40% of the total
cost in beef suckler animals is due to the loss in thrive both
in clinically and sub-clinically affected animals extending
finishing times. Housed beef animals on a finishing ration
will cost about £10 per extra week to keep!
Pneumonia in cattle can be initiated by viral infections,
lungworm or “stress” which opens the door allowing
secondary bacterial infections to take hold. Addressing these
trigger factors should lead to a reduction in disease.
RSV,
PI3, IBR and BVD virus are commonly associated with pneumonia.
- RSV
causes severe lung damage typically affecting cattle less
than one year old PI3 virus damages the upper airways allowing
bacterial infections to become established.
- IBR virus causes
severe upper respiratory tract disease typically in bought
in store cattle
- BVDv reduces the herd immune status and allows
other infectious agents to cause more severe respiratory
disease.
Vaccines are
available to protect animals against these pathogens.
Bacteria associated with pneumonia can be found in the nostrils
of healthy cattle. These organisms multiply and invade the
lung in animals which are immuno-suppressed or have suffered
a viral respiratory infection.
Mycoplasma bovis causes a chronic pneumonia often exacerbated
by viral infections/stress. It is difficult to treat unless
early antibiotic therapy across the group is implemented.
Aim to house animals in dry, draught free conditions. Outlets
in the roof will allow hot stale air out and air inlets above
animal level will let fresh air in.
Many members want to protect their animals but do not want
an immune response to Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR).
This is achieved by using vaccines without an IBR component.
Vaccines such as Rispoval® 3 protect animals against RSV,
PI3 and BVD. For a more rapid protection in younger animals
Rispoval® Intranasal which contains RSV and PI3 can be
a solution.
Neither of these vaccines contains IBR so you can be confident
animals vaccinated with these vaccines will not mount an antibody
response to IBR. We urge you to discuss pneumonia control with
your vet.
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