Prevention of pneumonia in weaned calves

Midwestern conditions

Abstract

Health and productivity in animals are planned, not accidents. Microorganisms cause disease. When susceptible animals are exposed to concentrated aerosols of pathogenic organisms, they get sick. The most important step in preventing pneumonia in weaned calves is to correct environmental and managerial deficiencies which allow transmission of large numbers of organisms with sufficient virulence to cause disease. Buildings that house animals should be designed with regard to disease prevention. Virulence of an organism increases by serial passages through susceptible individuals, so young non-immune animals should not be exposed to recovered carrier animals. Potential exposure of calves to older animals carrying disease is often disregarded in the interests of economical construction. Environments and management procedures should be designed so a novice animal caretaker can perform assigned duties without contributing to disease.