CALF_News_October_November_2021

36 CALF News • October | November 2021 • www.calfnews.net animal health problems and typically had a better return. Ranch to Rail mag- nified the cost of cattle getting sick. “Remember that people bidding on cattle are bidding on averages,” Nichols said.“If there is a lot of unknown [in cattle being sold], they have to bid toward the low end on the cattle. That is the risk. That’s the thing we have to address if we want to market our cattle better.” As it was in the ‘90s, bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) remains the key health problem and can lead to various repro- ductive and respiratory diseases. And control of BVD begins with a healthy cow. “BVD affects cows reproductively and affects calves with respiratory prob- lems,” Nichols said. “If an unprotected cow is exposed to BVD between about 40 days and 150 days of gestation, and that virus moves to calf, the calf becomes persistently infected (PI). It will either be born with BVD or shed the disease its entire life to calves around it.” He encouraged producers to use a vac- cine protocol that prevents IBR, BVD Type 1 and Type 1b, BVD Type 2, PI3 and BRSV. A modified-live vaccine that can stimulate the immune system should be given to calves at turnout and before weaning or the day they are weaned. “Every calf should be castrated, given their first blackleg, their seven-way or eight-way and their first respiratory protection [vaccine],” Nichols said. A good parasite control program is also important. “Parasites have severe effects on calves,” Nichols said, noting that Oklahoma research indicates there is statistically worse health in perfor- mance in the feedyard, depending on whether cattle were properly dewormed. Records of a solid nutritional, min- eral, vaccine and other animal health programs along with weaning data help provide buyers the information they need to feel better about making higher bids on cattle, Nichols said. Higher Prices Randy Blach, CattleFax CEO, updated TSCRA members on the PINKEYE PREDICAMENTS TSCRA Expo Highlighted Control Measures for This and Other Troublesome Diseases CATTLE RAISERS Continued from page 35 Pinkeye control may require a customized vaccine, according to Glenn Parks of Newport Laboratories. The Cattle Raisers Convention and Expo featured several hundred venders. Among those were exhibitors who featured products and services designed to improve animal health and production. They had answers to help with management of virtually any disease or injury that may afflict cattle. A large pinkeye graphic caught the attention of many of the several thousand expo visitors. It was at the Newport Laboratories (NL) booth. Company spe- cialist Glenn Parks told CALF News that pinkeye is among diseases that may require a customized vaccine for control. Pinkeye has forever blindsided cattle producers. The acute disease spreads rapidly in one or both eyes. Calves and yearlings are more prone to pinkeye, but older cattle are also susceptible. It can be caused by dry, dusty conditions, shipping stress, bright sunlight and irritants from pollens and grasses. Flies are a vector. On occasion, producers may institute a vaccine program for pinkeye control, Parks said. “However, if you’re still seeing outbreaks. You ask yourself, ‘what’s going on?’ “It could be an emerging bacterial species, strain or antigenic variation that simply isn’t covered by your commercial vaccine protection.” NL literature indicates that research has identified Moraxella bovoculi as a growing problem that is frequently isolated and unaffected by some vaccines. “Reports sug- gest that M. bovoculi lesions may advance more rapidly than those resulting from M. bovis , which used to be the primary bacterial pathogen causing pinkeye,” Parks said. In 2018, the majority of cases submitted to NL were positive for M. bovoculi , com- pany literature states. Control of the bacteria can be hampered for various reasons. For example, the M. bovoculi and M. bovis can become resistant to some antibiotics. Using its advanced bacteria analysis technology, Park said NL can help identify the cause of pinkeye or other diseases. “These technologies enable us to create a vaccine that mirrors the pathogen challenges specific to an operation through more accurate strain identification,” he said. “These technologies can help with the reduction of persistent pinkeye outbreaks.” He advises producers to consult with their herd veterinarian for better analysis of potential pinkeye or other disease outbreaks. For more on how to submit diagnostic samples to help identify the true cause of pinkeye or other disease, visit NewportLabs.com . 