Bovine respiratory disease is the most costly health problem in beef and dairy calf production, causing prolonged suffering, reduced growth and significant mortality. Prevention-focused management is the key welfare intervention.
BRD causes prolonged suffering characterised by fever, respiratory distress, reduced appetite and lethargy. Calves with established pneumonia show reduced growth that persists beyond clinical recovery, reflecting chronic tissue damage. The lung pathology from severe BRD is often irreversible, meaning that calves that survive the acute illness have permanently reduced respiratory function affecting welfare and performance throughout their lives. Subclinical BRD that does not trigger treatment is particularly challenging, as calves experience welfare compromise without overt signs that prompt intervention. Early detection through twice-daily observation and immediate treatment is the most effective welfare strategy.