Lung scanning can detect pneumonia in visibly healthy calves, AFBI research finds
Date published:
Lung scanning can detect respiratory disease in visibly healthy calves, new research from the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) has shown.
A study by researchers at AFBI Hillsborough, funded by Feed For Growth (Volac Milk Replacers Ltd), used Thoracic Ultrasound Scanning (TUS) to investigate if Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) can be present in calves which look healthy.
BRD, also known as pneumonia, is one of the leading causes of ill-health and mortality in calves.
The disease, which costs the UK cattle industry between £60 million and £80m every year, is caused by bacteria or viruses and made worse by environmental factors including poor ventilation, low temperatures and high humidity.
Calves are at a higher risk of contracting BRD if they do not receive enough good-quality colostrum at birth, which weakens their immunity. Stressful events including disbudding, mixing with other animals, and weaning can also make the disease worse.
Diagnosing Bovine Respiratory Disease
Despite the impact of BRD, it remains difficult to diagnose because it can be present without visible clinical signs.
AFBI researchers investigated the presence of BRD during a wider study into calf nutrition.
As part of the study, 108 calves were offered different dietary treatments until they were 13 weeks old.
Researchers recorded the calves’ feed intake every day and measured their live weight fortnightly.
Throughout the study, experts assessed calves for visual signs of respiratory disease three times a week. Calves were also given lung scans when they were between five to six and 12 to 13 weeks old, using the same portable scanning equipment that a vet would use for pregnancy scanning.
When calves were scanned at five to six weeks of age, most had healthy lungs. Only 5.6% (six calves) showed moderate pneumonia, and none had severe lung damage. Of the six calves, only two showed visual signs of respiratory disease.
When the calves were scanned again at 12–13 weeks old, the number with moderate pneumonia had increased to 14.8% (16 calves). However, none of these 16 calves showed obvious signs of respiratory disease.
Bovine Respiratory Disease can be present in visibly healthy calves
The findings show that some calves can have BRD even though they do not appear to be ill.
AFBI researcher Dr Gillian Scoley said: “The results of this study show that BRD can be present in visibly healthy calves, putting them at risk of reduced performance and efficiency throughout their lifetime.
“It also highlights how Thoracic Ultrasound Scanning (TUS) can be used to identify subclinical disease, thus improving early detection rates.
“Using TUS means that individual calves can be treated based on actual disease severity as opposed to relying on blanket treatments across groups of calves which also supports the responsible use of medicines.”
Dr Jessica Cooke from Feed For Growth (Volac Milk Replacers Ltd) said: "Nutrition can influence a calf's immune function and resilience to disease, so as part of our trial we wanted to see whether different nutritional planes affected lung health.
“Thoracic ultrasound scanning allowed us to look beyond visible clinical signs and objectively assess the lungs for both clinical and subclinical disease, giving us a clearer understanding of how nutrition may affect respiratory health during early life.”
Iain Smith from Lisburn Veterinary Clinic, who carried out the scanning for the study, said: “Respiratory disease doesn’t always show obvious signs.
“Lung scanning allows us to detect hidden lung damage, evaluate how well vaccination programmes are protecting your calves, and make informed decisions about treatment and future prevention.
“Better information leads to healthier calves, improved welfare and increased productivity.”
Signs of Bovine Respiratory Disease
Keeping a close eye on calves, particularly during periods of increased risk, can be helpful in identifying respiratory disease at an earlier stage. Common clinical signs include:
- Reduction in milk intake
- Flicking or drooping of the ears
- Discharge from the eye or nose
- Coughing
- High temperature (>39.5°C)
- Listless/dull
- Lifting/blowing
Notes to editors:
AFBI is an arms-length body of DAERA delivering research and development, diagnostic and analytical testing, emergency response capability and expert scientific advice for DAERA and other government departments, public bodies and commercial companies in Northern Ireland, and further afield.
AFBI’s Vision is “Scientific excellence delivering impactful and sustainable outcomes for society, economy and the natural environment”.
AFBI’s Purpose is to deliver trusted, independent research, statutory & surveillance science, and expert advice that addresses local and global challenges, informs government policy and industry decision making, and underpins a sustainable agri-food industry and the natural and marine environments.
AFBI’s strategic priorities:
- Leading improvements in the agri-food industry to enhance its sustainability;
- Protecting animal, plant and human health;
- Enhancing the natural and marine environment;
- Delivering quality outcomes and impact;
- Enabling world class science through excellence in people, places & technology.