Watch for infectious cow-calf diseases

"Most fertility problems are due to poor nutrition and body condition, but infectious diseases can cause catastrophic losses in individual herds," said Nolan Hartwig, chairman of the Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine at ISU.

One of the most important steps in preventing and controlling infectious disease is watching for reproductive abnormalities and reacting immediately when they occur, Hartwig said.

"There's no such thing as spontaneous abortion. There's always a cause," said Hartwig, who is a member of the Iowa Beef Center at ISU.

In addition to abortions, Hartwig urged producers to watch for abnormalities such as retained placentas, stillbirths and weak calves. He advocated getting a veterinarian on board as soon as an abnormality occurs.

"Don't wait to see if you get another one," he said. "Get it diagnosed so you can address the cause."

Hartwig acknowledged that diagnosis is sometimes a difficult process but emphasized the importance of consulting a veterinarian. A veterinarian also is critical to preventing infectious disease before it strikes.

"Producers should work with their veterinarians on a vaccination schedule," Hartwig said. "They shouldn't vaccinate for every disease. They should vaccinate according to risk."

Some of the most common diseases Hartwig suggested vaccinating for include leptospirosis, vibriosis, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis and bovine virus diarrhea.

Hartwig reminded producers to conduct breeding soundness exams of bulls at least six weeks prior to the breeding season. The cow herd should be tested for pregnancy each fall. Hartwig also recommended spending considerable time observing breeding activity during the summer.

"Fertility is the most important economic aspect in the cow-calf business," he said.