15 November 2024
Pneumonia: the silent killer
In the most recent all-island animal disease surveillance report pneumonia was diagnosed in 47.6% of suckler weanlings submitted for post mortem. Pneumonia (also known as bovine respiratory disease (BRD)) is the most significant infectious disease challenge in suckler weanlings.
Bovine respiratory disease can be caused by a host of viruses and bacteria. Regular monitoring of weanlings for clinical signs of pneumonia is vital to early treatment and reducing incidence rates.
Controlling BRD in suckler weanlings is challenging. Developing a herd health plan that addresses each area is vital to reducing the impact of BRD. Reducing stress through good weaning procedures is key to maintaining a robust immune system. Vaccination can help to develop immunity to the most common pathogens that cause pneumonia but cannot be relied upon alone. Managing parasite burden especially lungworm around weaning time is becoming more important as the prevalence of lungworm appears to increase.
Dr. John Donlon, Research Officer, Teagasc Grange will out outline ways to control pneumonia in suckler weanlings at this year’s Teagasc National Beef Conference which is taking place in the Landmark Hotel, Carrick on Shannon, Co. Leitrim on Tuesday 19th November at 5pm.
A herd health plan is implemented at Teagasc Grange’s Derrypatrick herd and it plays an important role in maximising winter performance. Approximately six weeks before housing the weanlings in Derrypatrick were treated for lung worm, and booster vaccinations for pneumonia were administered 4 weeks prior to weaning. Animals are faecal sampled again at housing and treated accordingly based on results for stomach worms and fluke. All cattle are treated for lice.
On the night Dr. Peter Doyle, Research Officer, Teagasc Grange will outline the impact of red and white clover on animal performance in suckler calf-to-beef production systems. Dr. Patrick Forrestal, Senior Research Officer from Teagasc Johnstown Castle will discuss some practical nutrient management solutions that beef farmers can implement on their farms to increase efficiency, reduce costs and address environmental pressures facing the sector.
Other speakers on the night include;
- Eoin Ryan, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, will discuss the risks for Irish cattle farmers in relation bluetongue
- Martina Harrington, Programme Manager, Future Beef Programme, Teagasc will outline Innovations on the participants of Future Beef Suckler Farms
- Shane Pearson, Design Your Life Coaching , will outline ways for farmers to stay resilient on farms through stressful times of the year.
On the night there will be an opportunity for farmers to meet with member of the Teagasc Organic team, Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme and Signpost Programme to discuss any queries you may have. The Teagasc Future Beef and DairyBeef500 teams will also be in attendance at the conference with updates from both programmes.
The 19th November is ‘International Men’s Day’ there will be a focus on the night on farmer health and wellbeing. There will be a number of health professionals with information stands on the night also.
This is a free event. All are welcome to attend. Further details on Teagasc National Beef Conference