Observations on a respiratory disease outbreak in weaned suckled calves

Outbreaks of respiratory disease with a similar temporal pattern occurred in both autumn and spring-born groups of suckler calves transported from all parts of Great Britain to breed evaluation centre. Thirteen per cent (18 of 137) of the autumn-born group and 15 per cent (22 of 147) of the spring-born group were treated for respiratory disease. Most disease occurred within three weeks of an animal's entry to the centre. No disease occurred within certain breed groups of both age groups. There was a tendency for distance travelled to affect the need for treatment.