BRD Management: What Works, Doc?
Learn the answer to one of the most frequently asked questions. What works best for treating bovine respiratory disease (BRD)?
A general term for respiratory disease in cattle, BRD is often called a “disease complex” because many factors can contribute to its development and progression, including:
The signs of BRD may vary depending on the animal’s age, the organisms involved and the severity of disease. BRD can affect the upper respiratory tract, causing inflammation in the nasal passages, trachea and bronchi, the airways leading to the lungs. Pathogens also can invade the lower respiratory tract, or the lungs, causing pneumonia. Calves may stand with ears drooping, heads and necks extended and their backs bowed in an effort to breathe. Other signs include:
A presumptive diagnosis of BRD is often made based on signs, the physical exam and disease incidence in the herd. Early detection is important so affected calves can be isolated in the sick pen. In many cases, an antimicrobial may be administered before disease-causing bacteria are identified to get the animal on the road to recovery as soon as possible.
An accurate diagnosis is important because many conditions have similar signs and can be mistaken for BRD, including:
In both cases, the lesions can vary depending on the infectious agent and the disease duration.
To help prevent BRD, work with your veterinarian to build a comprehensive program that includes:
Your veterinarian also can recommend effective antimicrobials for BRD control on arrival and BRD treatment. To ensure that antimicrobials are used responsibly, your veterinarian will consider the product’s:
Zoetis Technical Services veterinarians can provide you with expert advice and tips to help you manage BRD more effectively.
Learn the answer to one of the most frequently asked questions. What works best for treating bovine respiratory disease (BRD)?
Bill Gallery, co-owner of Gallery Ranch in Oklahoma, shares how he successfully manages bovine respiratory disease (BRD) on his stocker operation.