Overview: Comprehensive welfare review of bovine respiratory disease (BRD), the most costly and common disease in cattle.
Key Welfare Facts
BRD is the most prevalent disease in beef and dairy cattle globally, causing significant pain and economic loss.
The condition results from interaction between viral and bacterial pathogens, often following stress events.
Signs include fever, nasal discharge, cough, and laboured breathing causing chronic pain and distress.
Early treatment with antibiotics and NSAIDs significantly improves welfare outcomes and reduces mortality.
Metaphylaxis at high-risk times including shipping and weaning reduces BRD burden in susceptible groups.
Vaccination protocols for key viral pathogens reduce disease incidence and severity at herd level.
Welfare Assessment
BRD causes significant welfare compromise that is preventable through good management and vaccination. Early detection systems, rapid treatment, and risk management at high-stress life events dramatically reduce the burden of this common disease.
What You Can Do
Implement BRD vaccination protocols appropriate to farm type and risk profile
Train stockpeople to detect early respiratory signs before disease becomes severe
Ensure NSAID analgesia is included in all BRD treatment protocols
Reduce stress around high-risk events including weaning, transport, and mixing