Farm Animals

Cattle BRD Prevention and Welfare

Bovine respiratory disease is the leading cause of cattle mortality and suffering in intensive beef systems, with evidence-based prevention approaches.

Key Facts

BRD accounts for over 70% of feedlot cattle morbidity and mortality
Stress from weaning, transport, and commingling dramatically increases BRD risk
Metaphylactic antibiotic treatment is widely used but raises AMR concerns
Vaccination protocols reduce BRD incidence but require correct timing
BRD causes significant pain including fever, difficulty breathing, and anorexia

Welfare Considerations

BRD represents a major welfare burden in beef production, causing substantial suffering in millions of cattle annually. Prevention through stress reduction at weaning and transport is more welfare-effective than treatment after disease onset.

What You Can Do

Support transition of beef systems to lower-stress weaning and transport practices
Advocate for antibiotic reduction programs that invest in prevention infrastructure
Choose beef from farms with demonstrated BRD prevention programs