Livestock

Bovine Respiratory Disease: Welfare and Prevention

How BRD affects cattle welfare and what preventive strategies work best.

Key Facts

BRD is the most economically significant disease in beef cattle globally
Involves bacterial infection often preceded by viral challenge
Stress, transport, and mixing are major predisposing factors
Early treatment dramatically improves welfare and survival outcomes

Welfare Considerations

Bovine respiratory disease causes severe respiratory distress, fever, and pain. Welfare-focused management minimises stress at weaning and transit, uses metaphylaxis strategically, and trains stockpeople to detect early signs. Reducing the need for treatment through prevention is both the welfare and economic priority.

What You Can Do

Implement low-stress weaning and transport protocols
Train staff in early BRD detection using clinical scoring systems
Work with your vet to design a vaccination and treatment protocol