Cattle Diseases

Cattle diseases are responsible for economic losses to cattle producers. These diseases are often either preventable or their effect on cattle production can be reduced.

Economic losses from disease

Diseases in cattle result in:

• Decreased production - poor growth and feed conversion rates, reduced milk production, lower fertility rates and mortalities
• Increased costs - costs of medications, labour costs and cost of replacement stock

Prevention

Effective disease prevention requires a combined approach of optimal management procedures, vaccination and biosecurity.

The impact of disease on cattle production is variable and depends on the age group and production type of cattle affected. This should be taken into consideration when implementing management procedures and vaccination programs.

For information on individual diseases, there affect on cattle production and specific control measures follow the links in the left menu to each cattle disease.