Bovine respiratory disease
Most common and economically devastating infectious disease of beef cattle.
Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is a disease complex that affects cattle, encompassing multiple respiratory tract infections of different causes but similar presentations. It is the most common and economically devastating infectious disease affecting beef cattle worldwide, often referred to as 'shipping fever' due to its frequent onset within four weeks of transport.
- field
- Veterinary medicine, infectious disease
- known_for
- Most common and economically devastating infectious disease of beef cattle
- affected_species
- Cattle (primarily calves)
- common_name
- Shipping fever
- primary_triggers
- Transport stress, co-mingling, weather fluctuations
Lore & Background
Bovine respiratory disease manifests most often in calves within four weeks of weaning, when they are sorted into groups of 10–15 and sold to feedlots via train, tractor trailer, and truck. The disease is a multi-factorial syndrome dependent on three codependent factors: stress, an underlying viral infection, and a new bacterial infection. Symptoms include cough, nasal or ocular discharge, fever above 102.5 °F, difficulty breathing, ear droop, decreased appetite, and dull eyes. Pathogens involved include viruses such as bovine herpesvirus 1, bovine parainfluenza-3 virus, bovine respiratory syncytial virus, and bacteria like Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, and Mycoplasma bovis.
Reader's Guide
Bovine respiratory disease is significant because it is the leading infectious cause of economic loss in the beef cattle industry worldwide. The disease complex arises from interactions between stress, viral infection, and bacterial infection, with transport and co-mingling being major triggers. Prevention is prioritized over treatment, as recovery often still compromises feed conversion, weight gain, and economic return. Stress management strategies include supplementing electrolytes and vitamins before transport and providing high-quality silage and clean water afterward. Vaccines exist for several pathogens but are not completely effective, and improper timing or administration reduces their utility. Preventive antibiotics, especially injected forms, can reduce mortality, but oral use is less effective. Treatment involves supportive care and antibiotics such as tilmicosin, florfenicol, and enrofloxacin, though antibiotic resistance is a growing concern. Analogous conditions exist in sheep and pigs but are less impactful than BRD in calves.
Did You Know?
- BRD is most commonly referred to as 'shipping fever' because it often develops within four weeks of cattle transport.
- The disease is a multi-factorial syndrome dependent on stress, an underlying viral infection, and a new bacterial infection.
- Analogous conditions exist in sheep (ovine respiratory disease) and pigs (porcine respiratory disease), but neither is as impactful as BRD in calves.
- Preventive antibiotics given by injection are associated with a great reduction in mortality, but oral use does not appear as effective.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bovine respiratory disease?
BRD is a complex of multiple respiratory tract infections in cattle that share similar clinical signs despite having different underlying causes. It stands as the single most common and economically damaging infectious disease in beef cattle globally.
Why is Bovine respiratory disease nicknamed 'shipping fever'?
The nickname comes from the fact that the condition most frequently strikes cattle within the first four weeks after they are transported. The stress of travel, combined with co-mingling with unfamiliar animals and sudden weather changes, creates the ideal conditions for respiratory infections to take hold.
What triggers Bovine respiratory disease?
The primary triggers are transport-related stress, forced co-mingling of previously separate groups, and abrupt shifts in weather conditions. These stressors weaken the animal's immune defenses, allowing the various respiratory pathogens to proliferate.
Why is Bovine respiratory disease so important to cattle producers?
It is the most economically devastating infectious disease affecting beef cattle worldwide, driving losses through treatment costs, reduced weight gain, and in severe cases, mortality. Its prevalence across virtually every beef operation makes it a top priority in herd management.
Which cattle are most vulnerable to Bovine respiratory disease?
Calves are the most commonly affected group, though the condition can strike cattle of any age. Because BRD is a disease complex rather than a single infection, multiple pathogens may be involved simultaneously in the same animal.
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