There have been a number of reports from around the country of pneumonia in sheds this week. The current spell of mild days, cold nights and very little breeze during the day is having an effect on ventilation in sheds as air movement is very low.

This means stale air is lingering in sheds, aiding the spread of organisms that can lead to pneumonia.

If weanlings have not been dosed since housing, they need to be dosed. If they have been dosed since housing, it may be worth trying a different product.

Consult your vet if in doubt. Make sure vaccinations are up to date and all booster shots have been given.

Avoid mixing older stock such as weanlings or store cattle with very young stock if you can, as older animals can shed virus that younger animals can pick up.

If ventilation is an issue, open as many doors as possible and make sure there is plenty of air moving through the shed. If issues are persisting, sit down with your vet and discuss ventilation, dosing, vaccination and management, and put a plan in place.

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