Cattle Respiratory Disease Prevention: Vaccination Protocols

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is the most economically significant and welfare-impacting disease in young cattle, with effective vaccination protocols dramatically reducing incidence and suffering.

Key Facts

BRD causes an estimated 75% of calf morbidity and 50% of calf mortality in North American feedlots
Clinical signs include fever, nasal discharge, coughing, laboured breathing and severe depression - welfare impacts are acute
Pathogens including Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida and respiratory viruses often act in combination
Metaphylactic antibiotic treatment (treating all cattle in high-risk groups at processing) is common but controversial from AMR perspective
Vaccination protocols targeting major BRD pathogens at weaning and arrival significantly reduce incidence in high-risk groups

Welfare Considerations

BRD causes genuine suffering - affected calves are febrile, in respiratory distress, and severely depressed. Chronic BRD survivors often have permanently damaged lung tissue that limits subsequent performance and welfare. The welfare case for prevention over treatment is clear: vaccines, stress reduction at weaning and transport, and good nutritional preparation prevent suffering rather than managing it after it occurs. The AMR implications of metaphylactic antibiotic use create pressure to improve preventive management so treatment is reserved for genuinely sick individuals. Reducing BRD through vaccination and management improvements simultaneously improves welfare and reduces antibiotic pressure.

What You Can Do

Support cattle welfare standards that include respiratory disease incidence monitoring
Advocate for vaccination protocol guidance and training for livestock farmers
Choose beef from supply chains with documented respiratory disease management and low antibiotic use
Support research into BRD vaccines that provide broad, long-lasting protection