Although he would prefer to have an isolation period for each batch of calves, building space doesn't allow. But a strict vaccination programme is carried out consisting of vaccines for IBR, pneumonia and clostridial diseases, he says.

A wormer treatment is also administered.

Those producers following all-in, all-out policies will effectively be isolating stock, but it's not necessarily the norm, reckons Salisbury-based vet Keith Cutler.

Often it will depend on drug choice and length of action as to whether calves are isolated, as many calves will be moved into appropriate finishing pens after a second or third vaccination.

Considering parasite status is also advisable, he adds. Worms and liver fluke are obvious concerns, but lice can be an issue as well, particularly when infection can make ringworm transition more prevalent with added scratching behaviour.

And when selecting the right wormer, discuss the options with your vet and choose one active against dormant larvae, as some wormers will only paralyse worms, adds Mr Cutler.

Preventative steps should also be put in place for respiratory disease, but vaccination choice is the single biggest factor to consider, he reckons.

Source: first4farming.com