Factors affecting respiratory vaccination of beef cattle in Oklahoma
Abstract
Respiratory disease is a leading cause of calf death loss among beef cow-calf operations in the US. Between 25 to 30 percent of cattle and calves lost in Oklahoma due
to nonpredator causes are lost due to respiratory problems which is higher than the
national average for beef cattle operations (USDA, 2015). Respiratory vaccines are
available. This study is based on analysis of the 2022 Oklahoma Beef Cow-Calf
Biosecurity Survey. Survey responses indicate that about 54 percent of beef producers are
vaccinating their breeding herd and about 76 percent of producers are vaccinating their
calves for respiratory disease in Oklahoma. Using probit regression to examine the
likelihood of adopting a respiratory vaccine program, results indicate that herd size and
the use of other vaccinations had a significant influence on a producer’s decision to
vaccinate their calves for respiratory disease. When it came to vaccinating the breeding
herd for respiratory disease, a producer’s decision was influenced by education, the use
of other vaccinations, their perception of disease in the industry, and their perception of
costs associated with biosecurity. Understanding what affects a producer’s decision to
vaccinate their herd for respiratory disease will better help extension educators, animal
health authorities, and veterinarians discuss the use of respiratory vaccinations with beef
cattle producers.
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- OSU Theses [15752]