General herd health principles include:
- Nutrition — Cattle in good body condition are better able to resist disease and defend against parasites.
- Housing — Cattle need well ventilated, dry areas that are protected from the sun, heat, cold, wind, and precipitation.
- Sanitation — Water troughs, feed bins, hay rings, feed hauling equipment, and transport vehicles should be cleaned and disinfected regularly.
- Regular observation — Someone who can recognize disease must regularly observe the herd, because early detection means the problem can more likely be successfully treated and controlled.
- Biosecurity — Appropriate biosecurity measures, such as isolating replacement stock, maintaining good fences, isolating diseased cattle, and limiting farm traffic, must be instigated to prevent sick animals from spreading disease.
- Nutrition — Cattle in good body condition are better able to resist disease and defend against parasites.
- Housing — Cattle need well ventilated, dry areas that are protected from the sun, heat, cold, wind, and precipitation.
- Sanitation — Water troughs, feed bins, hay rings, feed hauling equipment, and transport vehicles should be cleaned and disinfected regularly.
- Regular observation — Someone who can recognize disease must regularly observe the herd, because early detection means the problem can more likely be successfully treated and controlled.
- Biosecurity — Appropriate biosecurity measures, such as isolating replacement stock, maintaining good fences, isolating diseased cattle, and limiting farm traffic, must be instigated to prevent sick animals from spreading disease.