Cattle
Standard operating procedure for herd health
General procedures
- The bovine herd health standard operating procedure applies to all cattle owned by WSU and defines the minimum preventative herd health.
- Exceptions to the bovine herd health SOP must be approved by the IACUC or through veterinary consultation.
- Before acquisition, consult with veterinary staff to review incoming health status and determine a quarantine, testing and housing plan.
- All veterinary assessments and procedures must be documented in the animal’s medical record.
Introduction of new animals
- On arrival:
- Assign an Individual Animal Identification (IACUC SOP #7) and create an Animal Care Medical Record (example pdf) (IACUC Policy #4) if animal being used for biomedical or teaching purposes. Production livestock can be managed as a herd or group with on site management software or system.
- Complete a physical exam by a veterinarian, veterinary technician, or trained animal care technician.
- Quarantine away from resident animals for at least 2-4 weeks depending on risk factors. Observe closely for signs of illness and treat as directed by a veterinarian.
- All animals should either be dewormed, FEC (fecal egg count) performed, or have documentation of deworming within the last 6 months on arrival. See Table 1 for deworming options or consult with a veterinarian. Entrance exam should include observation for external parasites and associated hair loss.
- Coccidiostats such as amprolium or sulfadimethoxine may be given at labeled dosing based on fecal analysis and veterinary directive.
- Animals intended to incorporate into or be housed near existing herds are required to be tested for bovine viral diarrhea virus, Johne’s disease, and Salmonella, at the time of entry (see WADDL for details on samples to collect). Contact Campus Veterinary Services if you need assistance with coordination of submission.
- Exception to testing will be made for research cattle that will not be introduced to a herd and are intended for short term housing
- Adult cattle or calves 6-12 weeks or older, intended to incorporate into an existing herd or housed for >6-8 weeks should be vaccinated on arrival with a Clostridium perfringens Type C & D-Tetanus Toxoid (CD/T) at minimum, unless the animal has up to date vaccination history.
- Additional core vaccination strongly recommended for adult cattle and calves 3 months or older upon arrival unless the animal has up to date vaccination history:
- Infections Bovine Rhinotracheitis Virus (IBRV)
- Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVD type I & II)
- Parainfluenza Virus (PI3)
- Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus (BRSV)
- Clostridium perfringens, C. novyi, C. sordelli, C. septicum, and C. chauvoei.
- Beyond the core vaccines, consult with a veterinarian to weigh the risk and benefits specific to the operations needs to determine if additional vaccines are warranted.
- Additional core vaccination strongly recommended for adult cattle and calves 3 months or older upon arrival unless the animal has up to date vaccination history:
Herd health maintenance
- All assessments and procedures must be documented in the animal medical record or group medical record.
- Vaccinate annually with a minimum of a Clostridium perfringens Type C & D-Tetanus toxoid (CD/T) vaccine and strongly recommend annual boosters with core vaccines IBRV, BVD type I & II, PI3, and BRSV as directed by the manufacturer.
- Beyond the core vaccines, consult with a veterinarian to weigh the risk and benefits specific to the operations needs to determine if additional vaccines are warranted.
- Deworming schedule and choice can be based on frequent FEC surveillance to determine which anthelmintic to use.
- Dusting or pour-on should be performed if external parasites have been noted or hair loss is present. Use per manufacturer recommendations.
- Claw trimming is recommended at least twice annually for adult dairy cattle in confinement. The frequency of hoof care for other cattle breeds, ages and housing situations should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Minor cuts, scrapes or abrasions
- If a bovid is noted to have minor cuts, wounds or abrasions, the area should be cleaned thoroughly with an antiseptic solution such as chlorhexidine or betadine (or equivalent) and a commercial salve or wound coat applied along with fly spray if in fly season. This can be done once daily for 2-7 days ensuring that the wound is healing and not worsening. If at any time the wound is draining or worsening, a veterinarian will need to assess and make a specific plan for the animal.
- Daily documentation of treatment is necessary either in the form of a treatment sheet or in the medical record.
Nutrition
- Free choice trace mineral (including selenium) salt must be provided.
- Abrupt changes to the diet should be avoided, any changes should be introduced gradually over a period of several days.
- Feed requirements of each animal should be determined to prevent over or underfeeding.
- Cattle must have unlimited access to fresh water.
Table 1. Cattle Dewormers
| Drug | Dose (mg/kg)* | Route | Frequency |
| Ivermectin (Pour on) | 1ml/22 lbs | Topically | Once |
| Ivermectin (injectable) | 0.2 | SQ | Once |
| Fenbendazole (Safe-Guard® or Panacur®) | 5-10 | PO (orally/drench) | Once |
| Doramectin (Dectomax Pour-On®) | 1ml/22 lbs | Topically | Once |
| Moxidectin (Cydectin Pour-On®) | 1 ml/22 lbs | Topically | Once |
References
AABP Vaccination Guidelines AABP2021VACCINATIONguidelines.indd
Animal and Plants Health Inspection Service. (2009). Biosecurity on US Beef Cow-calf Operations. https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/nahms/beefcowcalf/downloads/beef0708/Beef0708_is_Biosecurity_1.pdf
Biosecurity for Dairy and Beef Cattle. NADIS. https://www.nadis.org.uk/disease-a-z/cattle/biosecurity-for-dairy-and-beef-cattle/
Beef Cow-Calf Management Guide; OSU Extension Service Beef Cow-Calf Management Guide | OSU Extension Service (oregonstate.edu)
Effective Date: 6-10-24 NW