Sick Cow Management
For reasons not completely understood, HPAI hits some dairies harder than others. Some of this difference is undoubtedly related to the external environmental temperature, with the greatest losses occurring during heat events. Producers will want to tailor treatment protocols for their particular dairy with their herd veterinarian.
There are currently no vaccines or antiviral medications for cattle. Treatment for HPAI then centers on supportive care, keeping cows hydrated and moving, and getting them back on feed as soon as possible. Antibiotics are only useful to treat secondary bacterial infection such as pneumonia, mastitis, or metritis following an abortion.
With aspirin now prohibited from use in food animals, the only legal anti-inflammatory products for cattle contain flunixin, which should not be used in dehydrated cattle.
Sick Cow Treatment & Management Webinar
– CDQAP brought together two practicing veterinarians to describe how they are managing infected herds in California. The first half of the webinar discussed research, but Dr. Murray Minnema’s presentation begins at 49:55 and Dr. Maxwell Beal’s presentation begins at 1:21:30.
UCD Vet School Experience Managing HPAI Herds
– Dr. Deniece Williams, Director of the UCD Veterinary Medicine & Teaching Research Center (VMTRC) in Tulare describes staff experiences with infected herds. Dr. Williams covers disease progression, production losses, herd morbitity rates and different approaches to sick cow management.
Aspirin Can Not be Used in Dairy Cows
– Last October, the FDA warned veterinarians that use of aspirin in any food animal, including dairy cattle, was a violation of federal law. The only remaining legal anti-inflammatory products currently marketed for cattle contain flunixin, which should not be used in dehydrated cattle. This CDQAP article provides background and guidance.
How to Drench Dairy Cows Training Video
– This video, produced by a prominent drenching equipment manufacturer, provides an excellent step-by-step explanation of how to safely rehydrate cows with oral electrolytes, commonly known as “drenching." This video could be used to train employees.
Examples of Commercial Drenching Formulas
– Working with veterinarians and manufacturers, CDQAP developed this flyer providing information regarding the most prominent commercially available powdered electrolyte products. It includes cost-per-bag and cost-per-treatment, as well as links for more information.
Sizing a Drenching System for your Dairy
– Commercial and homemade drenching systems come a wide variety of sizes. Given an average typical 5-gallon fluid treatment, different size reservoirs could treat everything from 1 cow to 60 cows with a single filling. Because different size systems can run from $400 to $4000, producers considering purchasing or constructing a system should consult with their herd veterinarian to determine the most cost-effective size that still serves the dairy’s needs.
Drenching System Components Flyer
– CDQAP collaborated with practicing veterinarians and drenching equipment manufacturers to provide producers guidance when they are considering either purchasing or constructing their own drenching system.
Examples of Homemade Drenching Systems
– Practicing veterinarians provided these examples of what some homemade drenching systems look like.
Summary of Drenching Guidance
– This Industry Advisory summarizes the various guidance CDQAP has developed related to oral rehydration therapy, or “drenching.”