FieldDxEnzootic pneumonia of calvesClinical signs, differential diagnosis, treatment and prevention in cattle.
Overview
A common cause of chronic respiratory disease in young cattle, from combined viral, environmental and bacterial factors. Mycoplasma bovis is the most frequently isolated agent in chronic cases; Pasteurella multocida, Mannheimia haemolytica and Histophilus somni also implicated.
Clinical signs
- Regardless of the identity of the causative pathogen, the clinical findings in almost all enzootic pneumonias of calves are similar.
Predisposing factors
- Failure of passive transfer of colostral immunity.
- Waning passive immunity at 2-4 months of age.
- Poor ventilation and high humidity in housing.
- Rapid changes in weather.
Treatment
- Broad-spectrum antimicrobials covering the common respiratory pathogens.
- Identify cases early.
- Identify the pathogen to guide antimicrobial choice.
Prevention
1. Ensure calves take enough good-quality colostrum. 2. Vaccinate the cow herd and the calves to a suitable protocol. 3. Avoid crowding and mixing age groups. 4. Run all-in / all-out management. 5. House in hutches or well-ventilated pens away from adult cattle. 6. Feed enough protein and energy.
Source
MSD Veterinary Manual — Enzootic Pneumonia of Calves (accessed 2026-07-31)
A Textbook of the Diseases of Cattle, Horses, Sheep, Pigs and Goat by ELSEVIER — Enzootic Pneumonia Of Calves
Condensed and attributed, never reproduced whole. Open the full entry in the app.