Herd Health

Infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (“pinkeye”) has been a problem for cattle producers for more than 100 years. It is a highly contagious ocular disease that results in serious monetary losses for cattle producers.

Come weaning time, there’s a seemingly never-ending house of horrors awaiting young calves.

But rather than ghosts and goblins, weaned calves face frightening new surroundings. This can include unfamiliar feed, new water sources, exposure to different cattle and harmful pathogens, and increased stress. Without proper care, sending a recently weaned calf into the next segment of the cattle industry is like sending a toddler into a haunted house alone.

Antimicrobial resistance has received much attention in recent years, as human and animal health officials work to understand the issue.

Joe Don Pogue of Sulphur Springs, Texas, started his career as an auctioneer in 1975, two years prior to his high school graduation. He is part owner of Sulphur Springs Livestock & Dairy Auction and has been in the cattle business for over 40 years.

A healthy calf is better able to handle stressful transition periods, and a healthy calf results in a higher-quality end product consumers desire.

Epizootic hemorrhagic disease, commonly referred to as EHD, is a major problem in deer but only affects about 5 percent of the U.S. cattle population.