At Lisbeg Dairies in Co. Galway, Sarah Bourns and her husband Chris run a busy spring-calving system, milking just over 900 crossbred cows. Calf health has always been a key focus on the farm, particularly following a pneumonia outbreak a few years ago.
“Young calves were going off their milk, running high temperatures and coughing, and it was spreading from pen to pen. It was very time-consuming to treat the calves, along with the lack of thrive they were showing,” Sarah explained.
To address the issue, Sarah worked with her veterinary practitioner Aideen Rigney of Kyle Boher Veterinary Clinic to implement a structured vaccination programme.
Calf pneumonia strategy
“Timing was critical”, explained Aideen. “We found calves were developing pneumonia at around three to four weeks old, so we decided to vaccinate them with Bovilis INtranasal RSP Live from the day of birth to provide early protection. We then followed up with Bovilis Bovipast RSP at six weeks of age and again four weeks later at ten weeks of age.”
Bovilis Bovipast RSP is an inactivated vaccine for cattle that reduces infection associated with PI3 and reduces infection and clinical signs associated with RSV and Mannheimia haemolytica serotypes A1 and A6. Calves can be vaccinated from approximately two weeks of age onwards and should receive a primary course of two doses, approximately four weeks apart.
According to Aideen, the programme has delivered strong results. “Bovilis Bovipast RSP has worked very well here and we’re very happy with the results. It covers both viral and bacterial aspects of pneumonia, and we are now using no antibiotics in the calves,” she said.
However, she emphasises that vaccination must go hand in hand with good housing, biosecurity and nutrition. Poor colostrum management and stressors such as overcrowding, poor ventilation, mixing of age groups or sudden weather changes can all increase the risk of pneumonia.
The difference vaccination has made
“Since introducing Bovilis Bovipast RSP, we’ve seen a complete reduction in pneumonia cases. It’s been very beneficial from a labour and thrive point of view, and it’s cost effective,” said Sarah.
Within 2 hours of birth, each calf receives four litres of colostrum. “I tag the calves and give them their Bovilis INtranasal RSP Live vaccine straight away, which fits in really well with our routine,” she added.
Bovilis Bovipast RSP gives Sarah great peace of mind, particularly when the calves are going out to grass.
“They’re so valuable, and you work so hard to get them on the ground and reared. It’s just that assurance you need on farm. I would definitely recommend the vaccine to any farmer considering it,” concluded Sarah.
The importance of vaccinating calves against pneumonia
“Spring is a high-risk period for outbreaks of calf pneumonia. Changing weather conditions in conjunction with sheds operating at full capacity can place calves under significant pressure. Speak to your veterinary practitioner about how vaccinating with Bovilis® Bovipast RSP can help reduce the risk of pneumonia outbreaks and support calf health, welfare and performance during this critical time.”
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