By Robyn Joubert
As summer shifts to autumn, cattle farmers should be on the alert for common seasonal diseases like footrot, navel ill and calf diarrhoea – and take preventative measures against them.
“With proper care, farmers can prevent these diseases and ensure their herds remain healthy and productive year-round. The trick is in knowing what signs to look for, and addressing disease before it takes hold,” said Thapelo Kgosi Ramokala, an animal health specialist at Beefmaster Group known as King.
Footrot: A wet enemy
Footrot is a painful hoof infection caused by the bacteria Fusobacterium necrophorum. It occurs naturally in the environment but thrives in wet and muddy conditions.
Cattle can develop footrot if they move quickly between wet and dry conditions, or if they stand in damp areas for too long. Footrot causes the skin to become chapped and cracked, increasing the risk of bacteria entering the hoof.
“Footrot is not considered contagious. One of the biggest contributors is poor environmental conditions,” said King.
ACT FAST: To reduce the risk of footrot, ensure cattle pens are dry. Strengthen hoof health with a well-balanced mineral supplement, containing essential minerals like zinc, selenium and copper.
Navel Ill: Unseen danger to calves
Navel ill is a bacterial infection that commonly affects newborn calves. Navel infections can remain localised but in severe cases, they can lead to life-threatening conditions like septicaemia. It is also known as joint ill when it spreads to the joints.
“Naval ill often results from poor hygiene during calving and inadequate colostrum intake. Newborn calves need at least three litres of high-quality colostrum within their first six hours of life, preferably within the first two hours. This is critical for their immunity and protection against infections,” said King.
ACT FAST: To prevent navel ill, farmers should ensure a clean calving environment and treat the calf’s navel with an antiseptic immediately after birth.
Calf Diarrhoea: Top cause of newborn deaths
Diarrhoea is one of the most common and economically damaging calf diseases. It results in severe dehydration and malnutrition, and is responsible for up to 85% of all calf illnesses in their first few weeks.
“Calves are born without immune protection, which makes them susceptible to diseases,” said King.
The primary diarrhoea-causing pathogens are Rotavirus, Coronavirus, Cryptosporidium, and E.coli.
“These pathogens attack the intestinal lining, preventing calves from absorbing essential nutrients and fluids. Without timely intervention, calves can quickly become dehydrated and malnourished.”
ACT FAST: Strict hygiene in calf-rearing areas and early intervention when diarrhoea symptoms appear can help reduce losses.
Cattle health tips
- Manage the environment: Keep calving areas dry and clean. Avoid muddy, wet pastures where bacteria thrive.
- Provide proper nutrition: To reduce susceptibility to diseases like footrot, ensure cattle receive balanced minerals including zinc, selenium and copper.
- Focus on colostrum: Make sure newborn calves receive enough high-quality colostrum within the first few hours of birth.
- Act early: Treat signs of footrot, navel infections or diarrhoea immediately to prevent them from worsening.
- Work with a vet: Regular check-ups and guidance from a veterinarian can help stay ahead of health challenges.
