Farmed Animals

Respiratory Disease and Livestock Welfare

Respiratory disease is a major welfare and economic burden in livestock farming that is largely preventable through good management.

Key Facts

Bovine respiratory disease complex is the leading cause of death and economic loss in beef cattle
Pneumonia in pigs causes chronic welfare harm through pain and breathlessness
Poor ventilation is a primary risk factor for respiratory disease in housed livestock
Vaccine programmes and early detection significantly reduce disease impact
Respiratory disease in housed poultry is associated with high stocking density and litter quality

Welfare Considerations

Respiratory disease causes significant welfare harm through fever, pain, breathlessness, and reduced feed intake. In beef cattle, calves, and pigs, respiratory disease is among the most common causes of welfare compromise. Prevention through good ventilation, appropriate stocking density, vaccination, and early detection and treatment is more welfare-positive than managing established disease.

What You Can Do

Support welfare standards that include ventilation requirements for housed livestock
Advocate for early disease detection protocols as part of farm welfare management
Raise awareness about respiratory disease prevention as a welfare priority
Support research into novel vaccines and management strategies for livestock respiratory disease
Encourage regular collaboration between farmers and veterinarians on respiratory disease prevention