Can Coronavirus Vaccination Reduce Pre-Weaning Respiratory Disease in Beef Calves?

This episode reviews a 2026 Canadian study that evaluated whether vaccinating beef calves against bovine coronavirus could reduce pre-weaning respiratory disease in a commercial cow-calf herd with a history of respiratory problems. The researchers compared vaccinated and non-vaccinated calves under real-world ranch conditions, making the findings especially relevant for producers facing similar challenges. Results showed that vaccinated calves had lower odds of requiring treatment for respiratory disease before turnout, and overall disease rates tended to be lower in vaccinated groups. The study also included an economic analysis that suggested vaccination provided a financial advantage of approximately $10 per calf t...