Farmed Animals

Preventing Respiratory Disease in Young Livestock

Respiratory disease in calves, lambs, and piglets is one of the most significant welfare and economic problems in livestock farming.

Key Facts

Bovine respiratory disease is the leading cause of death in beef calves
Pneumonia in lambs accounts for a significant proportion of pre-weaning losses
Piglet respiratory disease is associated with poor ventilation and high stocking density
Colostrum intake in the first hours of life is critical for respiratory disease protection
Vaccine programs, good housing, and colostrum management prevent most cases

Welfare Considerations

Respiratory disease causes significant welfare harm through fever, pain, breathlessness, and debilitation. Young animals are particularly vulnerable due to immature immune systems and the stress of early life management. Prevention through adequate colostrum, appropriate housing with good ventilation, vaccination, and minimal stress during early life is far more welfare-positive than managing established disease.

What You Can Do

Support welfare standards requiring colostrum protocols for newborn livestock
Advocate for ventilation standards in young animal housing
Raise awareness about respiratory disease prevention in livestock farming
Support research into vaccines and management strategies for young animal respiratory health
Encourage routine collaboration between farmers and vets on disease prevention protocols