Farm Animals

Farmed Cattle BRD Prevention and Welfare

Bovine respiratory disease is the leading cause of illness and death in beef cattle and is significantly preventable through vaccination and management.

Key Facts

BRD causes more economic and welfare losses in beef cattle than any other disease
Stress at weaning, transport, and mixing significantly increases susceptibility
Metaphylaxis (preventive antibiotic treatment on arrival) is used but antimicrobial stewardship requires targeted approaches
Vaccination against viral pathogens reduces severity and disease outbreak frequency
Early detection through monitoring of respiratory rate and nasal discharge improves outcomes

Welfare Considerations

Cattle with BRD experience fever, difficulty breathing, depression, and reduced appetite for days to weeks. Death from severe BRD is distressing. Prevention through vaccination and stress management during high-risk periods is the welfare-positive approach, reducing both suffering and antibiotic use.

What You Can Do

Support beef welfare standards requiring BRD prevention programmes
Advocate for vaccination protocols and reduced processing stress for newly arrived cattle
Choose beef from producers with documented herd health management