Cattle Respiratory Disease and Welfare

Bovine respiratory disease is the most common and costly disease in beef cattle, causing significant pain and mortality if not promptly treated.

Key Facts

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) accounts for around 75% of cattle morbidity in feedlots
BRD is often called shipping fever as it peaks after transport-induced stress
Mortality rates without treatment can reach 10-20% in severe outbreaks
Early detection and treatment with antibiotics dramatically improves outcomes
Vaccination and reducing transport stress are key prevention strategies

Welfare Considerations

BRD causes fever, laboured breathing, nasal discharge and significant distress. Affected cattle often become lethargic and stop eating, leading to rapid condition loss. Pain management alongside antibiotic treatment is essential but often overlooked in practice. Subclinical cases — animals that appear normal but have lung damage — are a serious welfare concern. Herd management including ventilation, stocking density and stress reduction significantly reduces incidence.

What You Can Do

Support standards requiring pain management alongside antibiotic treatment for BRD
Advocate for improved ventilation and stocking density regulations in feedlots
Choose beef from producers with documented herd health and welfare programs
Support research into BRD vaccines and reduced-antibiotic prevention protocols