Respiratory disease can strike both calves and vets

When I was passing the shed earlier in the morning I had heard a suspicious cough from a calf that I had hoped was a false alarm, alas this was not the case.

In all my efforts to keep my calves healthy, I may have overlooked my health and the dreaded flu finally caught me last week. It floored me at the worst possible time, I felt so weak that even writing last week’s article failed me. It reminded me that minding your health during this busy period is of the utmost importance but is easier said than done.

I failed to see the warning signs of my health deteriorating while monitoring the calf's health. Since returning home to farm full-time for the spring, recognising early signs of calf health issues has become second nature. I am constantly on the lookout for any out-of-the-ordinary behaviour that can alert me to any sign of illness.