Farm Animals

Cattle Respiratory Vaccine: BRD Prevention and Welfare

Bovine respiratory disease is the most costly welfare and production problem in beef cattle, with vaccination being the primary prevention tool.

Key Facts

BRD causes more cattle deaths and welfare losses than any other disease in beef cattle
Vaccination against IBR, RSV, PI3, and Mannheimia is effective at reducing BRD incidence
Timing of vaccination relative to stressors such as weaning and transport is critical
Metaphylactic antibiotic treatment of high-risk groups at arrival reduces BRD welfare burden

Welfare Considerations

BRD causes fever, pneumonia, and prolonged suffering in affected cattle. Prevention through timely vaccination relative to known stressors reduces the incidence of this painful disease. Mass metaphylactic treatment at arrival in high-risk groups, while controversial, reduces outbreak-related suffering.

What You Can Do

Support cattle health programmes including BRD vaccination for young beef cattle
Advocate for strategic antibiotic reduction plans that maintain welfare in high-risk cattle
Choose beef from farms with documented BRD prevention and monitoring programmes