Cattle Disease Prevention & Health Management Checklist

Preventing disease outbreak is far more cost-effective than treating sick animals. A robust health care protocol protects your herd investment, lowers mortality rates, and ensures food safety compliance.

1. Core Vaccination Schedules

Vaccination coverage must reach 100% across the farm herd:

  • Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD): Administer O-type and A-type bivalent vaccines twice a year (Spring and Autumn).

  • Bovine Ephemeral Fever: Vaccinate twice in June–July (21 days apart) ahead of vector mosquito season.

  • Brucellosis: Vaccinate female calves at 3–4 months of age with S2 live vaccine. Periodically test adult animals and isolate positive cases immediately.

2. Routine Healthcare: Deworming & Rumen Care
  • Quarterly Deworming: Inject Ivermectin (0.3mg/kg body weight) subcutaneously every quarter to eliminate internal and external parasites (roundworms, mites, lice).

  • Rumen pH Regulation: Mix Sodium Bicarbonate (200g/head/day) into feed monthly to buffer rumen acidity and prevent subacute rumen acidosis (SARA).

3. Biosecurity & Farm Sanitation
  • Disinfection Protocols: Spray caustic soda solutions regularly around barn perimeters and vehicle wash stations.

  • Fly & Insect Control: Install fine mesh screens on barn windows and clear manure daily to disrupt fly breeding cycles.

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