Nobody wants to walk out to the pasture and see a sick cow. Cattle diseases don’t just hurt the animal—they can slow down your whole operation and hit your wallet harder than expected. Sick animals may eat less, grow slower, or lose condition, and treating them takes time and money you probably hadn’t planned on spending. The good news? Many common issues can be spotted early and dealt with before they turn into big problems.
By paying close attention to your cattle and acting quickly when something seems off, you can stop many diseases from spreading through the herd. Early detection not only reduces stress for you and the animal, but it also gives you more options when it comes to treatment. It’s also a way to stay in control instead of feeling like you’re constantly putting out fires. When in doubt, your veterinarian should always be your first call—they are there to support you and can help you get ahead of things fast.
While cattle can get sick any time of the year, a few health problems occur more often during the summer months. Heat, flies, and changing forage quality all play a role. In the sections below, we’ll cover four common summertime issues—what causes them, what signs to look for, and what you can do to protect your herd. Knowing what to watch for is one of the simplest but most powerful tools you have as a cattle producer.
