Farm Animals

Cattle Pre-Purchase Examination and Welfare

Pre-purchase veterinary examination of cattle identifies welfare-relevant conditions and reduces introduction of disease and welfare problems to recipient herds.

Key Facts

Pre-purchase examination (PPE) should include a clinical examination and review of health records
Johne's disease, BVD status and parasite management history are critical welfare and biosecurity factors
Biosecure quarantine of 3-6 weeks following purchase prevents introduction of disease
BVD-PI (persistently infected) cattle shed enormous viral loads and cause significant herd welfare impact
Buying from farms with known health status and vaccination records reduces welfare risks

Welfare Considerations

Pre-purchase examination protects both the welfare of purchased animals and existing herd members. It is one of the most cost-effective biosecurity and welfare investments in cattle management.

What You Can Do

Always request a pre-purchase health examination before acquiring cattle
Maintain a 6-week quarantine period for all cattle purchased from unknown sources
Ask sellers for Johne's disease risk category and BVD testing status before purchase