Dairy calves can face a rocky road during their first few weeks of life. Diarrhea and pneumonia are common problems, but another that may fly under the radar is an umbilical, or naval, infection, usually caused by bacterial contamination.

After producing painful inflammation, bacteria can spread from the naval into the bloodstream and then to the joints, lungs and other organs. The result can be serious secondary infections like arthritis and pneumonia. Even after treatment, affected calves may face decreased weight gain and a higher risk of death.

The reported rate of umbilical infections varies widely, in part because signs aren’t as obvious as with diarrhea and pneumonia. That’s why it’s important for dairy producers to set up protocols with their veterinarian to help prevent these infections and identify them early on.