At Lisbeg Dairies in Co. Galway, Sarah Bourns and her husband Chris run a busy spring-calving system, milking just over 900 crossbred cows.

Calf health has always been a key focus on the farm, particularly following a pneumonia outbreak a few years ago.

Sarah explained: “Young calves were going off their milk, running high temperatures and coughing, and it was spreading from pen to pen.

"It was very time-consuming to treat the calves, along with the lack of thrive they were showing.”

To address the issue, Sarah worked with her veterinary practitioner Aideen Rigney of Kyle Boher Veterinary Clinic to implement a structured vaccination programme.

Calf pneumonia strategy

Aideen explained: “Timing was critical.

“We found calves were developing pneumonia at around three to four weeks-old, so we decided to vaccinate them with Bovilis INtranasal RSP Live from the day of birth to provide early protection.

"We then followed up with Bovilis Bovipast RSP at six weeks-of-age and again four weeks later at 10 weeks-of-age.”

Bovilis Bovipast RSP is an inactivated vaccine for cattle that reduces infection associated with PI3 and reduces infection and clinical signs associated with RSV and Mannheimia haemolytica serotypes A1 and A6.

Calves can be vaccinated from approximately two weeks-of-age onwards and should receive a primary course of two doses, approximately four weeks apart.

According to Aideen, the programme has delivered strong results.

“Bovilis Bovipast RSP has worked very well here and we’re very happy with the results.

"It covers both viral and bacterial aspects of pneumonia, and we are now using no antibiotics in the calves,” she said.

However, the vet emphasised that vaccination must go hand-in-hand with good housing, biosecurity and nutrition.

Poor colostrum management and stressors such as overcrowding, poor ventilation, mixing of age groups, or sudden weather changes can all increase the risk of pneumonia.

The difference vaccination has made

Sarah added: “Since introducing Bovilis Bovipast RSP, we’ve seen a complete reduction in pneumonia cases.

"It’s been very beneficial from a labour and thrive point of view, and it’s cost effective."

Within two hours of birth, each calf receives 4L of colostrum.

“I tag the calves and give them their Bovilis INtranasal RSP Live vaccine straight away, which fits in really well with our routine,” the Co. Galway farmer explained.

She said Bovilis Bovipast RSP gives her great peace of mind, particularly when the calves are going out to grass.

"It’s just that assurance you need on-farm. I would definitely recommend the vaccine to any farmer considering it,” Sarah said.

The importance of vaccinating calves against pneumonia

Sarah Higgins, Ruminant Veterinary Area Manager, MSD Animal Health said: “Spring is a high-risk period for outbreaks of calf pneumonia.

"Changing weather conditions in conjunction with sheds operating at full capacity can place calves under significant pressure.

"Speak to your veterinary practitioner about how vaccinating with Bovilis Bovipast RSP can help reduce the risk of pneumonia outbreaks and support calf health, welfare and performance during this critical time.”