Farm Animal Welfare

Cattle Respiratory Disease Welfare and Prevention

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is the most costly and welfare-significant disease in beef cattle, causing pain and death.

Key Facts

BRD accounts for over 50% of mortality in feedlot cattle and significant morbidity in young stock
Pathogens include Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida and Mycoplasma bovis
Transport stress, weaning stress and mixing of unfamiliar animals predispose to BRD
Early detection using clinical signs and rapid diagnostic tests enables effective treatment
Metaphylactic antibiotic treatment at high-risk periods prevents clinical disease but raises AMR concerns

Welfare Considerations

BRD causes painful respiratory compromise, fever and lethargy. Untreated or late-treated cases progress to severe pneumonia and death. Welfare-focused BRD management prioritises early detection using clinical scoring, prompt treatment and reduction of predisposing stressors rather than relying on metaphylactic antibiotic prophylaxis.

What You Can Do

Support farms that invest in BRD early detection systems and clinical scoring
Advocate for reduced stress during weaning and transport to prevent BRD predisposition
Support research into BRD vaccines and diagnostics that reduce antibiotic dependency
Ask beef producers about BRD monitoring and treatment protocols in their herds