Farm Animals

Cattle Youngstock Pneumonia Prevention

Pneumonia in youngstock is the most important disease affecting cattle between 2 weeks and 6 months of age, causing pain, growth setbacks, and long-term lung damage affecting lifetime welfare.

Key Facts

Pneumonia costs UK cattle producers over 60 million GBP annually in treatment and losses
Calves with pneumonia experience pain, reduced growth, and permanent lung damage
Risk factors include poor ventilation, high stocking density, and mixing of age groups
Vaccination against BRSV, BHV-1, PI3, and Mannheimia reduces pneumonia severity
Animals with severely compromised lungs have reduced lifelong welfare and productivity

Welfare Considerations

Pneumonia causes acute suffering and permanent welfare impairment through lung damage. Prevention through vaccination and ventilation management protects lifetime welfare of affected calves.

What You Can Do

Ensure adequate calf housing ventilation without draughts or cold wet bedding
Vaccinate calves against respiratory pathogens before peak risk periods
Monitor for early respiratory signs and treat promptly with vet guidance
Avoid mixing calves of different ages to reduce disease transmission between groups