Many cows have already kicked off the calving season, as there have been a number of calves born across the country in the last week, so good hygiene and biosecurity measures need to come into place immediately.

Protocols need to be in put in place for animals during this period, especially when the number of calves on the ground is only going to ramp up.

Farmers need to be looking into areas where there is a potential infection pressure.

Strict hygiene practices need to be at the forefront of all procedures around calving which includes keeping the calving pen, the calf pens and bedding areas well kept.

Feeding equipment is a huge source of infection and disease if not properly cleaned - have a standard cleaning procedure on the farm that everyone is familiar with.

Ensure all milk residues are properly removed after each feed and have separate bad for feeding colostrum and for administering electrolytes to sick calves.

Make sure that all feeding equipment is cleaned in piping hot water and ensure that teats on feeder are changed before the season kicks off.

Regular cleaning out of the shed and keeping fresh straw under claves is a vital step in keeping infection pressure low, as young claves are highly susceptible to picking up infections.

Calves that have been identified as sick need to be isolated to prevent the spread of infection within the pen or shed.

After you treat sick calves, it is important that you disinfect you wellies and hands before making contact with the healthy calves.

Water troughs and feeding troughs should be raised off the floor by at least 0.75m to stop calves dunging into them.

Farmers should put a foot bath at the entrance of the calf shed in place and not everyone should be granted access to the shed.

One way to help reduce the spread of infection, a strategy implemented by few farmers, is to have a spare pair of disinfected wellies for a vet or other people entering the farm.

If this strategy is not implemented, at least ensure that the people entering have clean clothes and disinfect footwear before entry.

Many farmers are now also selling calves from the farm and any calves that are for sale should be in the pen closest to the door, or in a pen/shed that is away from the other calves in the shed.