Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is the leading infectious welfare and economic problem in beef cattle. Prevention through vaccination, stress reduction, and good management saves both animal welfare and money.
Bovine respiratory disease causes significant suffering in beef cattle through fever, chest pain, labored breathing, and lethargy. The stress of weaning, transport, and mixing unfamiliar animals is the primary driver of outbreaks. Prevention strategies that reduce stress — including pre-vaccination, low-stress weaning protocols, and minimizing transport distance and duration — are more effective and welfare-positive than treatment alone. Early detection training for stockpeople significantly improves treatment outcomes.