Why Do Healthy Calves Get Summer Pneumonia? Here's How to Best Protect Your Herd

Why do some of the best calves catch a cough, known as summer pneumonia? K-State experts discuss the disease and what ranchers can do to best mitigate an outbreak in their herd.
Why do some of the best calves catch a cough, known as summer pneumonia? K-State experts discuss the disease and what ranchers can do to best mitigate an outbreak in their herd.
(Paige Carlson)

Why do some of your best looking, five-plus month old calves end up with summer or pre-weaning pneumonia?

The answer has been sought by cattle ranchers for years.

In many cases, these calves would not be considered ‘high-risk,’ as the calves are still with their mother  are not undergoing stress of a changing environment, diet or location. Yet, an outbreak may occur.

Though a specific cause is yet to be determined, Bob Larson, DVM, professor at Kansas State University (KSU) explains his thoughts on why these events occur on a KSU Beef Cattle Institute podcast.

Colostrum

As calves age, the protection from colostrum declines. Yet, these four to six-month-old calves are young enough and have not yet developed their own immunity to some of the viruses and bacteria that can cause respiratory disease, Larson explains.

This also validates the reason as to why some of the biggest, oldest calves are affected. Their protection from colostrum is furthest removed.

As ‘frustrating’ as this problem can be in cow-calf herds, Larson says, “it doesn’t really act like traditional respiratory disease. We certainly don’t see it as commonly and it’s not very predictable.”

Summer pneumonia is also often associated with Coronavirus, which contributes to traditional bovine respiratory disease (BRD).

“One in five herds will have a problem with pre-weaning BRD, and within those herds, about 15% max of the calves are affected,” says Brad White, DVM, professor and director of KSU's Beef Cattle Institute.

Vaccination Age and Type

As many calves receive their first respiratory vaccine at a young age, Larson explains the effectiveness is less than that of older animals.

“So, that animal, by the time he's seven or eight months of age, he'll have a nearly adult type of response to vaccines, which is what we want, a really good response. When he's really young, at two months of age, we don't tend to see as good of a response but it's not zero,” he says.

Though not 100% effective, vaccines at any age might be the best tool for mitigating the risk against summer pneumonia.

However, keep in mind, “not all vaccines are the same, both with what they contain, viruses or bacteria, and then type, modified live or killed,” White notes. “Work with your veterinarian to come up with a plan that works for your operation.”

Outside Risk Factors

Another piece of the puzzle to consider are risk factors that may increase chances your calves contract pneumonia.

Some risk factors include:

• Exposure to outside calves, like stockers

• Grazing next to other herds

Though there is no magic solution to preventing pre-weaning pneumonia in your herd, ensuring colostrum intake at birth, vaccination and mitigating outside risk factors are some of the best management practices to protect against an outbreak this summer.

 

Latest News

New Regulations Proposed by FDA for Animal Drug Labeling
New Regulations Proposed by FDA for Animal Drug Labeling

New rules would provide animal drug sponsors with predictable requirements for the labeling of prescription and over-the-counter new animal drugs, as well as new animal drugs for use in animal feeds

Calf-Raising Success is All in the Details
Calf-Raising Success is All in the Details

Raising a heifer from newborn up to 20-plus months until she becomes a productive milk cow is more important than ever. Dairy producers are increasingly looking to heifer growers to lend a helping hand with the process.

Who “Nose” When a Calf is Getting Sick?
Who “Nose” When a Calf is Getting Sick?

If you want to stay ahead of calf health and catch sickness in its earliest stage, University of Minnesota Graduate Student Abbigail Prins offers a handy detection tip.

7 Ways To Prioritize Employee Retention
7 Ways To Prioritize Employee Retention

Want to keep your valued team players? Learning how to avoid these frustrating and deal-breaking mistakes can help.

Aggie Serves As Houston Livestock Show And Rodeo Veterinarian For 21st Year
Aggie Serves As Houston Livestock Show And Rodeo Veterinarian For 21st Year

Professor at Texas A&M's Large Animal Teaching Hospital leads a team of volunteers in caring for the 18,000 livestock animals at the annual event.

DT_Dairy_Udder_Parlor_Teats
NMC Webinar Addresses Feeding Trace Minerals to Enhance Udder Health

By participating in this educational offer, you can gain a better understanding of the role trace minerals play in immunity and udder health.