A new website has been launched by Zoetis (formerly Pfizer AH) for registration of calves on the SureCalf® pre-sale pneumonia protection programme. Last year, an estimated 5,000 suckler calves were enrolled and the numbers are set to grow again in 2013.
Using a simple registration process on the website (www.surecalf.co.uk), sellers enter the number of calves, dates of birth of the oldest and youngest in the group, sale date and vet details. The site generates dates within which pneumonia vaccinations are required. When the seller confirms these have been met, SureCalf certificates are sent to the seller for presenting to the auctioneer on sale day. For farmers selling multiple batches of calves on different dates, the system allows a separate entry and certificate per batch.
The website aims to make is as easy as possible for farmers to follow SureCalf requirements, according to Zoetis vet Carolyn Hogan. She says the programme is designed to improve cattle productivity and welfare by helping minimise the incidence of respiratory disease after sale.
“Mixing calves from different farms and the stress of transportation increase exposure and susceptibility to respiratory pathogens,” she explains. “For sellers, the programme validates to buyers that they invest in vaccination against respiratory disease to protect calf health post-sale. Correspondingly, it also helps buyers protect their investment against the potentially devastating effects of pneumonia on calf health, welfare, and farm profitability.”
