What is Bovine respiratory disease?

What is Bovine Respiratory Disease?

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD), also known as calf pneumonia, is a significant respiratory disease affecting cattle.

While less common, BRD can also impact adult cattle. It is commonly caused by gram-negative bacteria or viruses like BRSV (bovine respiratory syncytial virus).

It is caused by a combination of factors, including stress, overcrowding, poor ventilation, and exposure to respiratory pathogens. Symptoms of pneumonia include coughing, nasal discharge, difficulty breathing, fever and reduced appetite. Pneumonia in calves can lead to significant losses in productivity and profitability for farmers. Treatment typically involves the use of antimicrobials, anti-inflammatories and supportive care.

Preventative measures include good colostrum management, vaccination, good hygiene practices and management strategies to minimise stress and overcrowding.

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD), also known as calf pneumonia, is a significant respiratory disease affecting cattle. While less common, BRD can also impact adult cattle. It is commonly caused by ...

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD), also known as calf pneumonia, is a significant respiratory disease affecting cattle.

While less common, BRD can also impact adult cattle. It is commonly caused by gram-negative bacteria or viruses like BRSV (bovine respiratory syncytial virus).

It is caused by a combination of factors, including stress, overcrowding, poor ventilation, and exposure to respiratory pathogens. Symptoms of pneumonia include coughing, nasal discharge, difficulty breathing, fever and reduced appetite. Pneumonia in calves can lead to significant losses in productivity and profitability for farmers. Treatment typically involves the use of antimicrobials, anti-inflammatories and supportive care.

Preventative measures include good colostrum management, vaccination, good hygiene practices and management strategies to minimise stress and overcrowding.

BRD is a serious disease with profound financial consequences

BRD can affect all calves, irrespective of the management. It is a leading cause of illness and mortality among calves up to six months of age. Recent improvements of our diagnostic capabilities revealed that calves can be affected at a very young age. When lifetime total economic costs are considered, BRD in calves is a major threat to the profitability of dairy farms.

To tackle BRD a multidirectional approach is the most successful strategy

Adjust calf management to mitigate the disease (ventilation, nutrition, colostrum)
Include good colostrum management
Implement vaccination according to the farm situation
Improve the early clinical detection
Use treatments with recognised efficacy and safety
Consult your veterinarian

Ultimately, a comprehensive approach that combines management practices, vaccination, and vigilant monitoring is essential to reduce the burden of BRD on cattle operations. For further insights regarding BRD, explore our blog dedicated to calf health.