By this time of year, most beef calves in Texas are already on the ground, which means ranchers should be on the lookout for summer pneumonia.
Summer pneumonia is a common cause of sickness, and even death, in nursing calves.
Dr. Jon Seeger, a veterinarian with Zoetis Animal Health, reports in Bovine Vet Online that summer pneumonia can occur in wet or dry conditions.
“These young calves can die quickly with summer pneumonia. Although it is fairly easy to recognize the symptoms of pneumonia, it is more difficult to identify these calves early in the disease process–especially if they are turned out on pasture,” Dr. Bob Judd, host of Texas Vet News on the Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) Radio Network, said.
Typical signs of summer pneumonia include: droopy ears, sluggish demeanor, extended neck, rapid breathing, nasal discharge and coughing.
“To catch these symptoms early, it is important to check the calves as often as possible,” Judd said.
While all calves are at risk, cows born to heifers and young cows have the highest risk of summer pneumonia. Calf vaccination is helpful in staving off summer pneumonia.
“When calves are born, they ingest colostrum, which contains antibodies. These antibodies initiate a strong immune response. However, as the calf ages, the immune response from colostrum decreases and vaccines are required to again stimulate the immune system,” Judd said. “It’s important to vaccinate these young calves for respiratory diseases before putting them out on summer pasture.”
Judd says it’s also important to not work calves in the Texas summer heat.