Calves in the field - LNN

By Dori Modney

Veterinarian on cow herd health and answers a continually nagging question

May 3, 2020 | 3:33 PM

CALGARY, AB. — As the provincial government reminds Albertans about protecting themselves from COVID-19, the Vice Chair of Alberta Beef Producers (ABP), says cattle producers need to protect their herds with vaccinations.

Melanie Wowk, who is also a veterinarian, reminds producers that most vaccines on the market have a one year duration of immunity amongst specific diseases.

“So, to keep your herd immunity up to date, you can not skip a year. And, it’s important to have calves going out to pasture with the best immunity possible, to help them develop.”

At branding time, she recommends producers check guidelines readily available Producers can follow the CCA branding guidelines, available on the CCA and ABP web sites.

“There’s some really sound recommendations in there, as to keeping your crew healthy through branding.”

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Wowk also wants to answer, en masse, a question she gets frequently – “Would the coronavirus vaccines we administer to our cattle, be protective for humans?”

The simple answer is “No”.

“Each species has it’s own strain of coronavirus and they typically do not jump species barriers, so that means it typically does not transfer from one species to another. The coronavirus vaccines administered to cattle, will NOT protect humans.”

Bovine coronavirus does not infect humans or make them sick — and bovine corona vaccine will not provide protection to humans.

Wowk concludes: “Let’s work together to keep our herd healthy so we can maintain our reputation as world-class beef producers.”