Calves that struggled early and failed to get significant passive transfer of immunity through colostrum are eventually susceptible to pathogens that can cause respiratory disease. Mixing, sorting and some weather events create stressful conditions that may trigger an outbreak of summer pneumonia in nursing calves.
Source: Bovine Veterinarian, May 12, 2021. Link. Vaccination may be effective in reducing the risk of summer pneumonia when caused by agents for which a vaccine is available.
These organisms are commonly found in summer pneumonia cases:
- Bacterial organisms, which include Mannheimia hemolytica, Pasteurella multocida and Histophilus somni
- Viral agents including BRSV (bovine respiratory syncytial virus), BRCV (bovine respiratory coronavirus), IBR (infectious bovine rhinotracheitis) and BVDV (bovine viral diarrhea virus)
INSIGHTS: The importance of colostrum and stress reduction can’t be stressed enough. For veterinarians and salespersons working directly with cow/calf producers, this article can help initiate discussions and underscore your recommendations.