Farm Animal Welfare

Cattle Respiratory Vaccine Welfare Benefit

Vaccination against bovine respiratory pathogens prevents significant suffering from BRD and reduces antibiotic use.

Key Facts

BRD vaccines targeting IBR, PI3, RSV, BVD, and Mannheimia are highly effective
Vaccination before housing and transport reduces post-stress respiratory disease
Combined intranasal and parenteral vaccination provides broad respiratory protection
Vaccinated calves have lower BRD mortality, treatment costs, and antibiotic use
Early vaccination in beef calves before sale reduces BRD at feedlot entry

Welfare Considerations

Bovine respiratory disease causes fever, pain, and laboured breathing for days to weeks before resolution or death. Effective vaccination prevents much of this suffering by priming immunity before high-risk events including housing, weaning, and transport. The welfare return from BRD vaccination is one of the most cost-effective in cattle production.

What You Can Do

Support BRD vaccination as standard practice for housed and transported cattle
Advocate for vaccination records to accompany cattle through the supply chain
Learn about BRD vaccine timing and protection to support advocacy