How to Keep Cows Disease Free

From Mad Cow Disease to Hoof and Mouth Disease, cows seem like they're particularly prone to becoming ill. In fact, they're not inherently more likely to catch diseases than any other farm animal. The main culprit for all the famous cow diseases is actually the unsanitary and crowded conditions in which many cattle are kept. The key to healthy cows is avoiding those conditions.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Food
• Water
• Veterinarian
• Fence

1. Give your cows an adequate supply of nutritious food and fresh, clean water. Keep good sanitation practices around their food, including what they forage, and only purchase food from those whom you know also keep good sanitation practices, to avoid diseases like Salmonella. Disinfect all equipment that touches their food regularly, as well as all medical equipment.

2. Hire a veterinarian to check your cows and give them all the vaccinations available for common diseases in your region.

3. Transport your cows carefully so they don't get stressed, which will weaken their immune systems. Similarly, give them as much space, fresh air and sunlight as you can.

4. Control access to your cows in terms of people, wildlife, insects and equipment. Put up fences that will block everything from rodents to humans, and limit standing water around your cows. Make sure that all equipment that comes into contact with your cows is sanitary.

5. Isolate and quarantine new cows for at least 6 months before introducing them to your herd. Also quarantine sick cows, and promptly remove dead cows and other animals from the herd.

6. Review your management practices periodically and evaluate the cleanliness of your operations. Pay close attention to the handling of manure and food.