Source: Vet Surgeon
New data from MSD Animal Health highlight the importance of protecting calves against bovine coronavirus as part of a broader strategy for preventing bovine respiratory disease (BRD). Analysis of 1,732 calves screened between 2022 and 2026 found 69.5% had antibodies to bovine coronavirus. Groups testing positive were significantly more likely to show evidence of other respiratory pathogens, particularly bovine parainfluenza virus type 3 and Mannheimia haemolytica.
The findings reinforce that BRD commonly involves multiple pathogens and may cause damage before obvious symptoms appear. While clinical BRD affects an estimated 11% to 16% of calves, subclinical disease may affect 23% to 67%. Even small lung lesions have been associated with reductions in average daily weight gain.
MSD veterinary adviser Dr. Kat Baxter-Smith recommends a proactive, whole-farm prevention strategy incorporating vaccination, colostrum management, nutrition, appropriate housing, ventilation, hygiene, pathogen identification, and management of farm-specific risk factors.