Is it possible for your calves to be infected with coronavirus and pneumonia?

Veterinarians Juan Vicente González Martín and Ángel Revilla Ruiz explained in a survey by Revista Frisona, “ All of us who work with dairy cows are well aware of bovine coronavirus, abbreviated as BCoV, which is closely related to rotavirus (E. coli)and Cryptosporidium, is the cause of diarrhea in newborn calves. ”

However, BCoV can cause a little-known disease, bovine coronavirus pneumonia, considering that it is first clear that BCoV is not zoonotic.

Experts said, “Although viruses are only one of the causes, they are often the cause of pneumonia.” In addition, Some respiratory viruses can cause bovine respiratory syndrome (BRS), such as the most common coronavirus.

. This bovine coronavirus is very similar to bovine parainfluenza virus type 3 in terms of pathogenesis and epidemiology.

BCoV infection impairs respiratory system defense barrier The respiratory mucosa is infiltrated by macrophages, lymphocytes, plasma cells and other blood cells, causing changes in mucosal cells, resulting in epithelial proliferation and metaplasia.

Furthermore, although BCoV infection rarely causes death as with other respiratory viruses, It promotes bacterial infection, which leads to the death of the soil.

In the words of the researchers, “Regarding the overall situation of the land, within 4 to 7 days after infection, calves will develop a moderate fever above 39.4°C, as well as runny nose, cough, difficulty breathing and diarrhea.

. “One week after the onset of illness, lesions appeared in the upper respiratory tract, bronchi, and trachea, including small erosions and ulcers.”

so, In order for the manufacturer to determine that the respiratory effects are the product of BCoV, this can be accomplished by PCR testing. In the clinical stage of respiratory tract infection. (Read Background with livestock industry: What is the relationship between bovine coronavirus and COVID-19?)

Bovine coronavirus in Colombia

Eudes Antonio Garzón, veterinarian and regional professional at Fedegán – FNG says, Coronaviruses are a large family of respiratory syndromes that can cause According to different investigative reports.

The professional referred to a study conducted by the University of Caldas, which stated Lower incidence of coronavirus in Colombian calf pneumonia, but this must be considered within the context of the possibility of an accurate diagnosis. (Read Background with livestock industry

: Understanding animal species that have been infected with COVID-19)

Given the disease’s background, Garzón invites ranchers to “saveand reliance on diagnostic laboratories, since many times treatment is based on product recommendations from commercial companies rather than medical veterinary examination. and supplementary testing. “