Keeping up with BRD

Keeping up with BRD

Rick Worthington
Rick Worthington
Keeping up with BRD

Bovine respiratory disease is one of the most important economic diseases in the beef cattle industry.

It is almost overwhelming trying to keep up with the subject. There are numerous studies on the nasal passages of cattle, resistance surveys, vaccination trials, therapy studies and many others.

However, despite all we know, debate still exists as to whether BRD is actually a communicable disease.

Dr. Stephen Foulke is a professional services veterinarian and says, early vaccination can help.

“During this transition period, we need to worry about what we can do to help that calf along. Some vaccines and some different delivery systems will allow us to vaccinate during this early phase. So if we can take advantage of that we can get these vaccines earlier in life before their immune system can fully kick in, we can help protect them through this transition phase. If we wait, all the way out to weaning in order to vaccinate, remember it is going to take a little time for that vaccine to kick in. We need that vaccine in earlier so it can already be on board and helping protect once those antibodies drop.”

We do have significant evidence that BRD spreads from animal to animal and is transmissible. An animal that spends more time in contact with sick individuals has a higher probability of developing respiratory disease.

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