Managing Calf Diseases and Parasites

De-worming
This is for controlling internal parasites that can cause retardation in calves. De-worming medicine is given by mouth. It is done once calves start to graze and every other 3 months.

Vaccination
Vaccination protects a calf from diseases. The most important vaccination is against diseases like Brucellosis, Anthrax and Blackquarter. This is done at the age of 3-8 months. Talk to your veterinarian about vaccination of your calves and adult animals. 

Diseases
Calves are vulnerable and if they signs of sickness persist, it is better to call a veterinarian. Here are some of the common calf diseases:

1. Calf Scours – The calf passes whitish diarrhea, loss of appetite, high temperature and dehydration. It is caused by poor nutrition and dirty feeding. It is controlled by reducing or withdrawing milk for 2 or 3 meals.
2. Calf Pneumonia – The calf has watery discharge from nose and eyes, shallow and rapid breaths, coughing, loss of appetite and high temperature. It can be controlled by housing calves for the 1st 6 months in pens that do not allow cold. Ask at the Agro-vet shop the correct medicine to use or call a veterinarian.