Mobile Veterinary Clinic: an innovative approach to promote calf health

Abstract

Background: Calf morbidity and mortality are of great concern for dairyman all over the world including Bangladesh. A mobile Veterinary Clinic (MVC) was established to identify the diseases associated with morbidity and mortality and provide veterinary services at farmers’ doorstep to promote calf health. Methods: A MVC was established and run from October 2011 to October 2014 to promote calf health. A total of 500 farmers from small and large holder private farms having at least two crossbred cattle were selected. A motorcycle and a mobile phone were provided to each research assistant (RA). The farmers were linked with RAs through mobile number. The ULO/VS were linked with the RA of the respective upazila for immediate treatment of the affected animal(s). The farms were under routine surveillance of the RA. In case of sickness or mortality, RA immediately contacted ULO/VS and project coordinator (PC) /principal investigator (PI) at Bangladesh Agricultural University. Necessary advice was given by ULO/VS/PC/PI to solve the problem as required. Health cards were distributed to the selected farmers for recording the health status of cattle. Diseases were confirmed by clinical and laboratory methods. Farmers were trained on better calf health management. Early disease diagnosis and treatment, routine deworming, and vaccination of cows and calves were performed regularly. Results: Before implementing MVC services, the overall mortality at herd level was 11.5% which was 8.2% and 14.7% in Muktagacha and Shahjadpur respectively. The overall morbidity was 48.5% which was higher in Shahjadpur (57.94%) than Muktagacha (33.81%). The most common causes of calf mortality were pneumonia (66.2%), unknown (17.4%), adverse drug effect (5.3%), FMD (2.6%), and sudden death (2.4%). Due to MVC at farmers’ doorstep, the overall herd level mortality reduced significantly from 11.5 to 2.9% which were 8.2 to 2.3% in Muktagacha and 14.7 to 3.6% in Shahjadpur. Conclusion: Measures to control pneumonia and FMD in calves should be undertaken. The unknown etiology of mortality should be explored. Cautions should be taken before administering drugs to calves. As MVC was successful in reducing calf mortality, we recommend replicating in other parts of the country.