Biocontainment measures to control Mycoplasma bovis transmission in pre‐weaning dairy calves: An evidence‐based approach

Abstract Mycoplasma bovis is a key pathogen in the bovine respiratory disease complex, known for causing significant health issues in cattle. A dairy farm in Scotland faced a significant outbreak of bovine respiratory disease in pre‐weaning calves (0–60 days old) during the winter period. M. bovis was identified as the primary pathogen in this case due to historical, clinical and postmortem evidence. The farm's calf management practices were found lacking, notably in the use of pooled colostrum, waste milk and incorrectly prepared milk replacer. A biocontainment strategy was implemented, focusing on isolating affected calves and revising feeding and cleanliness practices. After 3 months, the morbidity rate decreased to 3%, and there were no dead calves due to bovine respiratory disease. These evidence‐based interventions proved effective in containing the M. bovis outbreak, highlighting the critical role of proactive management and prompt response in controlling the disease.