While coronavirus diseases in cattle (pre-wean scours, winter dysentery and pneumonia?) aren’t new, they’ve never been linked to people.  Moreover, there’s no evidence showing exposure to bovine coronaviruses provides any immunity to COVID19, the new coronavirus disease specific to people.  However, even though this new disease in people is highly unlikely to infect cattle, it’s still a good idea to limit exposure between farm animals and farm employees, especially anyone with symptoms or testing positive for COVID19.  For more details, click here to read the March 25 Hoard’s Dairyman article by Dr. Geof Smith, DVM North Carolina State University titled, “Can I catch coronavirus from my cows”?  

by Greg Blonde, UW-Madison Extension, Waupaca County Agriculture Agent.