JFHMS Quality Assurance Practice Exam

If you purchase calves with no health records, what is the recommended first step?

1. Send them directly to pasture

2. Temporarily quarantine

3. Take them to a veterinarian immediately

4. Introduce them to the herd right away

The correct answer is: Temporarily quarantine

The recommended first step when purchasing calves with no health records is to temporarily quarantine them. Quarantine serves several important purposes in managing cattle health and preventing disease transmission. When calves arrive without known health status or vaccination history, quarantining allows for careful observation of the animals for any signs of illness or distress. This period is critical for monitoring their health while keeping them separated from the existing herd. The quarantine also provides an opportunity to assess the calves' conditions, including any potential parasites or infections they may carry, which could pose a risk to the rest of the herd if introduced immediately. During the quarantine phase, producers can also arrange for veterinary examinations, vaccinations, or treatments as needed before integrating the new calves into the existing herd. This proactive measure supports overall herd health management and helps reduce the risk of outbreaks of disease that could compromise the well-being of the entire herd. In contrast, sending the calves directly to pasture or introducing them to the herd right away exposes the existing animals to potential pathogens. Taking them to a veterinarian immediately may also be premature without first isolating them, as this could introduce unknown infections into a clinical setting. Therefore, the best initial course of action is indeed to implement a quarantine for new arrivals.