BRSV in Cattle: Respiratory Welfare in Young Stock
Bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) is a major cause of severe respiratory disease in young cattle, causing significant welfare suffering and high mortality without treatment.
Key Facts
- BRSV causes the most severe respiratory signs of all bovine respiratory viruses
- Young calves under 6 months are most severely affected
- Signs include rapid breathing, increased respiratory effort, and dyspnoea
- Outbreaks often occur in autumn and winter with sudden onset
- Vaccination of dams and calves reduces disease severity significantly
Welfare Considerations
BRSV creates acute, severe welfare suffering through the respiratory distress of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in affected calves. The rapid breathing, hunched posture, and obvious effort needed to breathe indicate significant pain and discomfort. Severely affected calves deteriorate rapidly without treatment and mortality can be high in unprotected groups. Anti-inflammatory treatment reduces fever and pain, providing important welfare relief even when viral disease cannot be treated directly. Prevention through vaccination programs protects calf welfare at population level.
What You Can Do
- Vaccinate dams and calves as directed to protect against BRSV
- Monitor young calves closely in autumn and winter for respiratory signs
- Act immediately when calves show increased respiratory rate or effort
- Provide anti-inflammatory treatment to reduce fever and pain promptly
- Ensure excellent colostrum management to support calves' immune response