PREVENTIVE PROGRAMS FOR RESPIRATORY-DISEASE IN COW CALF OPERATIONS/

Designing preventative programs against respiratory disease in cow/cal f operations presents a challenge to the producer and veterinary pract itioner. Data from actual field trials examining the incidence and cau ses of respiratory disease in suckling beef calves is incomplete at be st. When this is combined with the effects of passive immune status an d the logistics of handling a range animal, it can be difficult to del iver adequate protection. Scientic information for disease prevention in the weaned calf is much more abundant and can be combined with econ omic considerations to provide cost-effective programs. This article d iscusses factors that the veterinarian should consider when developing preventative programs for their cow/calf clients.