Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is the most economically and welfare-significant disease in cattle. Understanding its causes and prevention reduces suffering and losses.
Bovine respiratory disease causes substantial suffering in affected cattle: fever, laboured breathing, anorexia, and lethargy are characteristic signs. Pain from pleuritis and pneumonia is significant and often poorly managed in commercial settings. BRD is largely preventable through management changes: reduced transport stress, improved nutrition, vaccination programs, and avoiding mixing animals from multiple sources. Early detection requires trained observation — sick cattle are often subtle in early disease, and pen-level detection tools including behaviour monitoring systems can facilitate earlier intervention. Treating pain alongside infection with NSAIDs alongside antimicrobials improves welfare outcomes and recovery rates.