To reach their full performance potential, cattle must be healthy. Since disease prevalence varies by herd and location, a sound health program should be tailored to your specific operation.
Partnering with a Veterinarian
The foundation of good herd health is disease prevention. The first step is to develop a vaccination schedule with your veterinarian. A vet can also support your beef operation by performing diagnostic procedures, like necropsies and laboratory sample submissions. To find a veterinarian in your area, consult our Food Animal Veterinarian Directory.
Beyond Vaccines
Remember, a vaccination schedule alone is not a complete herd health program. An effective plan must also include proper nutrition, parasite control, and a robust biosecurity plan.
Biosecurity should be integral to every herd health strategy. You can implement several general management practices at minimal cost to achieve this. Simple considerations include:
- Being aware of your farm’s surroundings (e.g., neighboring farms, visitors, wildlife).
- Using individual animal identification.
- Establishing clear animal health protocols.
- Recognizing and managing sick animals promptly.
- Properly handling supplies and managing calves.
Know the Dangers
Early identification of serious diseases can minimize their spread. If an animal shows signs of illness, seek veterinary services immediately. Waiting to treat a sick animal allows the infection to spread to others. Signs of illness can include coughing, diarrhea, weight loss, runny eyes or nose, abortions, enlarged lymph nodes, and lameness. If you find a dead animal, ask your veterinarian to perform a necropsy to determine the cause of death.
Be Proactive, Not Reactive
Testing is one of the best ways to prevent introducing disease into your herd. Before purchasing an animal, ask the seller to test for common diseases. Buyers should be aware, however, that no test is 100% accurate. Consult your veterinarian about which diseases to test for before buying.
Newly acquired animals should be isolated for at least three weeks to ensure they don’t introduce unwanted diseases. This isolation means no fence-line contact or shared water and feed sources with your main herd. During this period, observe the new animals closely for any signs of disease.
By implementing a strong, proactive herd health program, you can significantly minimize disease risk in your operation. For more information on disease risk management, contact your local county Extension office.
