calf pneumonia

calf pneumonia

a group of diseases of calves caused primarily by viruses, often complicated by secondary bacterial invasion. The viruses include parainfluenza-3 (PI-3), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), an adenovirus, a reovirus, bovine herpesvirus 1 and bovine rhinovirus. Chlamydophila and Mycoplasma spp. are also causative agents. The clinical syndrome is the same with any of the viruses: fever, increased respiratory rate, hacking cough, overloud breath sounds on auscultation of the lungs. The calves show remarkably little toxemia. If secondary bacterial pneumonia follows the additional signs are toxemia, gurgling or squeaky breath sounds, and a fatal outcome. See also enzootic pneumonia.