Bovine respiratory disease complex remains the most costly and welfare-impacting condition in beef and dairy cattle. Prevention-first approaches save lives and reduce suffering.
Cattle with BRD experience fever, respiratory distress, and pleuropneumonia that can be severe and fatal. The stress of transport, mixing, and dietary change at feedlot entry suppresses immunity and increases susceptibility. Prevention through vaccination, careful handling, and stress minimization protects welfare while reducing the need for treatment.