What is Bovine respiratory disease?

What is Bovine Respiratory Disease?

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD), also known as calf pneumonia, is a significant respiratory disease affecting dairy, beef, and veal calves. While it is less common, BRD can also impact adult cattle. It is commonly caused by gram-negative bacteria such as Mannheimia haemolytica and Pasteurella multocida or viruses like BRSV (bovine respiratory syncytial virus).

After a stressful event (such as transportation, mixing of cattle, weaning, or dehorning), the lungs become susceptible to bacterial colonization, leading to bacterial bronchopneumonia. This infectious phase occurs concurrently with the development of lung inflammation.

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD), also known as calf pneumonia, is a significant respiratory disease affecting dairy, beef, and veal calves. While it is less common, BRD can also impact adu ...

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD), also known as calf pneumonia, is a significant respiratory disease affecting dairy, beef, and veal calves. While it is less common, BRD can also impact adult cattle. It is commonly caused by gram-negative bacteria such as Mannheimia haemolytica and Pasteurella multocida or viruses like BRSV (bovine respiratory syncytial virus).

After a stressful event (such as transportation, mixing of cattle, weaning, or dehorning), the lungs become susceptible to bacterial colonization, leading to bacterial bronchopneumonia. This infectious phase occurs concurrently with the development of lung inflammation.

BRD is a serious calfhood disease with profound financial consequences

BRD is affecting all types of calves whatever the management considers. It is a leading cause of illness and mortality among calves up to six months of age. Recent improvement of our diagnostic capabilities has revealed that calves can be affected at a very young age. When lifetime total economic costs are considered, BRD in calves emerges as a major threat to the profitability of dairy farms.

To tackle BRD a multidirectional approach is the most rewarding strategy

Adjust calf management to mitigate the disease (ventilation, nutrition, adequate immunity transfer via colostrum)
Implement vaccination according to the farm situation
Improve early clinical detection
Rely on treatments with recognized efficacy and safety
Minimize weaning stress (i.e. gradual transition of milk)
Consult your veterinarian for a tailored management approach

Ultimately, a comprehensive approach that combines management practices, vaccination, and vigilant monitoring is essential to reduce the burden of BRD on cattle operations. For further insights regarding BRD, explore our blog dedicated to calf health.