Beef cattlemen may see more respiratory disease in pasture pre-weaned calves during summer.
Respiratory outbreaks tend to be unpredictable—occurring in well-managed or not-so-well-managed herds—and are frustrating for cattle producers and veterinarians, according to Bovine Vet Online.
Summer calf pneumonia cases are similar to those implicated in typical post-weaning bovine respiratory disease complex. Specific diagnosis isn’t often obtained because pasture calves aren’t always available for nasal swab testing. Also, pre-weaned calves do not always show breathing problems, such as a cough or rapid respirations. Other signs to look for are sluggishness, a reluctance to keep up with the herd and the drooping of ears.
Summer pneumonia outbreaks do not generally result in high death losses, as treatment of calves is typically successful.