Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) is a serious health issue in cattle, particularly in feedlots. Various factors, including viral infections, stress, and bacterial pathogens cause it. This article provides an overview of BRD and outlines possible prevention measures.

Causes of BRD

BRD primarily results from viral infections, such as:

Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR)

Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV)

Parainfluenza-3 Virus (PI-3)

Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus (BRSV)

In addition to viral causes, bacterial infections are also significant contributors to BRD. These include:
Mannheimia haemolytica (associated with severe lung infections)

Pasteurella multocida

Histophilus somni

Mycoplasma bovis

Stress factors, such as transportation (also known as “shipping fever”), weaning, overcrowding, and sudden changes in diet or environment, can also make cattle more susceptible to BRD.

Symptoms and Prevention

Symptoms of BRD:

Coughing

Fever

Lethargy

Reduced activity

Loss of appetite

Increased respiratory rate

Prevention Measures:

Vaccination Programs: Ensure proper vaccination against BVDV, IBR, PI-3, BRSV, and other key pathogens.

Stress Reduction: Minimize stress during transportation by using proper handling techniques. Gradual weaning and avoiding abrupt dietary changes can also reduce stress.

Biosecurity Measures: Isolate sick animals from the herd until they recover to prevent the spread of infections.

Monitoring and Early Treatment: Closely monitor cattle with regular check-ups to detect early signs of illness. Prompt treatment with appropriate medications can significantly reduce mortality rates.