Cattle Respiratory Disease Prevention in Feedlot Systems

Bovine respiratory disease complex remains the leading cause of illness and death in feedlot cattle. Understanding risk factors and prevention strategies is essential for reducing suffering in this major farmed animal sector.

Key Facts

Bovine respiratory disease complex accounts for approximately 70 to 80% of feedlot illness and 40 to 50% of deaths
The disease is caused by combinations of stress, viral infection, and secondary bacterial pneumonia
Commingling of cattle from multiple sources at feedlot entry dramatically increases transmission risk
Preventive metaphylactic antibiotic treatment of high-risk groups remains common in some countries despite concerns
Effective vaccination against major viral respiratory pathogens reduces incidence significantly
Processing stress, transport fatigue, and temperature extremes impair immune function and increase susceptibility
Early detection and individual treatment produce better outcomes than waiting for severe clinical signs

Welfare Considerations

Cattle with untreated or poorly treated respiratory disease suffer from fever, dyspnoea, nasal discharge, and progressive pneumonia that can be severely painful and debilitating. Chronic respiratory disease causes lasting lung damage that reduces productivity and life quality. Welfare-focused feedlot management includes pre-conditioning programmes before entry, reduced commingling, appropriate vaccination, and twice-daily health checks for early detection. Minimising processing stress through low-stress handling techniques reduces immunosuppression and disease susceptibility.

What You Can Do

Support beef producers who implement pre-conditioning programmes that reduce BRD risk before feedlot entry
Advocate for low-stress cattle handling training as standard practice in the beef industry
Support research into alternatives to metaphylactic antibiotics for high-risk cattle management
Choose beef products from producers who publish animal health and mortality data
Support Temple Grandin's work on low-stress handling systems that reduce BRD-triggering stress