Causes and Risk Factors
Bovine respiratory disease (BRD), also known as shipping fever or pneumonia in cattle, is a multifactorial respiratory disease complex affecting cattle of all ages. It is one of the leading causes of illness and death in feedlot cattle. Several factors independently or interactively contribute to the development of BRD. The primary causes are infectious agents like viruses (Bovine herpesvirus 1, Bovine viral diarrhea virus, Parainfluenza 3 virus, Respiratory syncytial virus) and bacteria (Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, Histophilus somni). Environmental stress factors like weaning, transportation, crowding and changes in diet or climate are the main predisposing factors that make cattle more susceptible to these infectious agents. Certain management practices and cattle characteristics like commingling of cattle from multiple sources, inadequate receiving facilities and vaccination protocols, and genetic predisposition also increase the risk of BRD.
Clinical Signs and Diagnosis
The clinical signs of Bovine Respiratory Disease Treatment include nasal and ocular discharge, cough, rapid breathing or dyspnea, inappetance and fever. Affected cattle may also show depression, conjunctivitis and nasal discharges varying from clear to yellow or brown. Disease progression can range from subclinical to severe and life-threatening. Rapid and accurate diagnosis is important for prompt and effective treatment. Clinical examination, observation of clinical signs and measuring body temperature are the primary tools for diagnosis. Advanced diagnostic tests like whole blood leukocyte count, ultrasonography of lungs, radiography or endoscopy can help confirm diagnosis and assess severity. Samples collected for bacterial culture and sensitivity testing of nasal swabs or transtracheal wash fluid aid targeted antibiotic therapy. Viruses are mostly diagnosed through serology.
Treatment Approaches
Treatment typically involves a combination of antibiotic therapy, anti-inflammatory medications and supportive care. Prompt initiation of appropriate antimicrobial therapy is critical for a favorable outcome. Common antibiotic classes used include macrolides, tetracyclines, florfenicol, ceftiofur and tulathromycin. In severe cases, broad-spectrum antimicrobials may be required. Systemic anti-inflammatory corticosteroids are commonly administered concurrently to reduce lung inflammation and improve clinical response to antimicrobial therapy. Oxygen supplementation, fluid therapy and nutritional support also help recovery, especially in severe cases. Hospitalized cattle benefit from individual care including daily monitoring, supportive medication and prompt treatment of complications to improve welfare. Adjunctive whole herd vaccination protocols must be employed to reduce future outbreaks. Good husbandry practices including weaning methods, shelter, nutrition and facility management aid disease prevention.
Treatment Complications and Prognosis
While most cattle respond well to prompt therapy, treatment failures and complications still occur. Secondary bacterial pneumonia, fibrinous pleuritis, and pulmonary abscessation are potential complications associated with delayed or inadequate treatment. Good response to initial therapy is an indicator of favorable outcome. Proper patient selection based on clinical examination findings, optimizing treatment protocols based on diagnostic tests and close monitoring during therapy are critical to minimize complications and treatment failures. The prognosis depends on multiple factors including causative agents involved, underlying immunity and health status of the animal, promptness of initiation of appropriate therapy, and development of complications. Cattle treated early in the course of disease usually have a good prognosis. With judicious treatment, over 85% of affected cattle usually recover. However, prognosis is poorer for severely affected, chronically ill or elderly cattle.
Herd-Level Prevention and Control
Prevention and control of BRD at the herd level is key to reducing treatment costs and cattle losses. Vaccination protocols for major viral and bacterial pathogens are recommended. Maternal passive antibody transfer through dam vaccination impacts preweaned calves. Boosters and annual revaccination maintain immunity in stocker and feedlot cattle. Management practices aimed at mitigating environmental stress during weaning, transportation and introduction into feedlots minimize disease triggers. Facility and nutritional management must address cattle comfort, hygiene and adaptation to new diets. Quarantine and treatment of incoming sick cattle aids disease containment. Herd monitoring, prompt treatment of cases and implementation of control measures during outbreaks further reduce spread within herds. Good record-keeping provides valuable information on vaccination protocols, disease incidence and economic impact to guide future prevention strategies. Collectively, optimized management practices and vaccination help reduce the reliance on antimicrobial treatment and emergence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria.
In the BRD is the most important disease affecting cattle health and feedlot economics worldwide. Its multifactorial nature warrants prompt diagnosis and initiation of appropriate combinational treatment including antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and supportive measures according to clinical presentation and diagnostic findings. Vaccination and optimized management practices constitute the mainstay of prevention at herd-level. With judicious treatment and herd health programs, favorable outcomes can be achieved in majority of affected cattle while minimizing treatment failures, emergence of resistance and economic losses. This balanced approach is necessary to sustainably combat this costly respiratory disease impacting cattle industries globally.
Get This Report in Japanese Language: 牛呼吸器疾患 治療
Get This Report in Korean Language: 소 호흡기 질환 치료
About Author:
Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravina-pandya-1a3984191)
Comments
0 comment