CATTLE farmers in Fermanagh are seeing a steep rise in calf pneumonia, which threatens financial losses of up to £82 per animal.  

This is a stern warning of a Fermanagh vet, Saskia Hogg, who has seen first-hand how this seasonal spike is impacting cattle populations across the county. 

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) or pneumonia usually occurs in young, housed calves, causing inflammation of lung tissue and airways, which may be irreversible in severe cases.

According to the vet, the average cost of pneumonia in dairy calves can average £43 per effected animal, while costs can climb to £82 in suckler calves.

In Fermanagh, some local farmers have noted that the prevalence of pneumonia has been "worse than usual" this season. 

"Now the days are getting shorter, and animals are being housed, we are seeing a steep rise of pneumonia in calves," said Ms. Hogg, who works at Medivet Lisnaskea and Enniskillen (Erne Veterinary Group).  

"Pneumonia is the most common reason for poor performance and death in growing calves. 

Did you know that a calf that had pneumonia with little or no symptoms takes a month longer to get to bulling or finishing weight? A calf with severe pneumonia will take a lot longer or not get there at all."

The local vet added: "The average cost of pneumonia in dairy calves is £43 per affected calf and £82 per affected suckler calf and especially now with the rising costs and smaller profits, this will have a big impact on a farm."

As a suckler farmer, Stephen Elliot from Rosslea is facing the biggest financial risk from pneumonia. This year alone, he has detected several cases. 

"It comes with the change of housing and change of the weather, but I do think it's a bit worse this year than others", said Mr. Elliot, who farms has a 30-cow herd. 

"This past few weeks I have had a good few calves coughing. I find that Draxxin (a cattle injection) and an anti-inflammatory will usually get them cleared up. However, you never know how a case of pneumonia will impact an animal down the line. 

"Generally I find an animal will pull out of it, but it could be affecting the thriving of the animal, and unless you are weighing the animal regularly, you might not even realise this."

Mr. Elliot, who is also chairman of his local UFU branch. notes that pneumonia is especially prevalent during changeable weather.  

In response, he keeps an extra close eye on cattle to ensure he can tackle any problems early. 

"The best approach for me are regular checks, morning and evening, and if I think anything is a wee bit iffy, or off form, I hit it right away with injections," said the farmer. 

Much like any cattle disease, prevention is more effective than the cure. 

Ms. Hogg advises farmers to ensure calves are in the best condition for housing and to administer the necessary vaccinations before this environmental change. 

She explained: "The aim of pneumonia prevention is to make sure the calf’s immune system is the best it can be and to prevent exposure to disease. Preventing pneumonia is the single best thing that you can do on a farm to increase calf health and reduce antibiotic use.

To get the calf in the best condition for housing it is important to make sure calves have been treated for lungworm and any vaccinations are done well in advance of housing because vaccines need time to start working.

 "In terms of the area the calf is going to: Is it clean? Is there enough ventilation? Are there any draughts? These things can be checked before housing. Sometimes they are simple things like ivy blocking ventilation or a hole in the side that is now creating a draught."

The local vet continued: "At housing, it is also important to minimize stress because stress lowers the immune system.

"Preferably. we like to house cattle in stages and not all at the same time and to keep cattle in the same batches they were in at grass. Try to house them during dry weather. yes, I know this is often not possible in Fermanagh!"

When pneumonia does strike, Ms. Hogg emphasises the importance of early intervention. 
 
"If pneumonia does set in it is important to spot sick calves early. The first thing calves will show is a high temperature (above 39.5C) and a reduced appetite," she said. 

"Feeding meal to calves is a great way of spotting reduced appetite! A calf not coming to the feed is often the first sign of sickness. The next signs are coughing, nasal discharge and an increased breathing rate. 

"Calves with these signs should get prompt diagnosis and treatment to ensure a better recovery rate and a reduction of long-term damage of the lungs. 

"To reduce spread it is best to isolate these animals, if this is not possible make sure you don’t introduce new animals to the affected batches."