by Dr. James I. Sprague,
Nutritionist
Stocker and feedlot
strategy
The 2004 Beef Stocker Field Day at Kansas State University, September
2004, showcased the new facilities at Manhattan Kansas for stocker
cattle research. The conference program featured ideas for management
of stocker and feedlot cattle. Two of the speakers stressed the importance
of the Bovine Virus Diarrhea virus vaccine in the vaccination program
for stocker cattle. Rodney Christmas, an Elanco veterinarian, included
BVD in the “standard operating procedure” (SOP) for newly
arrived cattle and Larry Hollis, extension veterinarian at KSU, discussed
the severe problem of receiving cattle with some of the animals being
persistent infected (PI) BVD carriers.
An SOP for receiving cattle
Dr. Christmas suggested the SOP for stocker health programs include
immunization for the viral diseases IBR and BVD as priorities. He
pointed out other viruses may be considered with consultation of a
veterinarian. Lepto and clostridial vaccines are often included as
well, he pointed out. Dr. Hollis concurred of the importance of having
BVD vaccine in the arrival program for stocker and feedlot cattle.
“BVD: a potential iceberg”
Just like the Titanic ocean liner cruising along and running into
an iceberg, Dr. Hollis said that, “BVD is a potential iceberg”
for cattle. The ease of spread of the BVD virus and the problem of
cattle reaching the feedlot with persistent infections are a potential
disease “wreck.” Hollis warned that a BVD persistent infected
animal may not look sick, but is a carrier and will infect other cattle
he contacts. He implied that the BVD virus is probably the underlying
cause of many of cattle death loss “wrecks.” He warns
that this disease, if not managed, can be a serious problem. His management
suggestions are drastic:
-
Don’t
buy a PI animal! (This is difficult, but possible because pre-conditioned/pre-vaccinated
cattle are available. Some cow herds are free of BVD. JIS comment.)
-
Do
not commingle groups of calves. This is difficult, but Dr. Hollis
pointed out that a persistent BVD carrier can spread the disease
not only to pen mates but adjacent pens or pastures.
-
Vaccinate
with modified live virus vaccine for fast immunity. (It is critical
to work with your vet for your specific program. JIS comment.)
-
He
even suggested prayer. (And that is always recommended! another
JIS comment.)
Tactic
for prevention of a wreck
Know the risks and plan carefully was the underlying theme of the two
veterinarians.
Work hard at finding cattle that have been previously vaccinated at
the farm or ranch before they are shipped to the sale ring or feedyard.
The video catalog often specifies the vaccines and preconditioning treatments.
Have a SOP program on arrival. Plan the vaccine program with your vet.
Include modified BVD in the vaccine program, recommends Dr. Hollis,
because it produces immunity faster than the killed products.
Antibiotics for prevention
The speakers reviewed research that showed metaphylactic treatment programs
can greatly reduce the incidence of morbidity and mortality in newly
arrived cattle. Several products are available for metaphylatic treatment
programs. Many cattle owners are now using this program for starting
cattle.
Work with your vet to compare extended protection programs that fit
your operation. © |
