Treatment for Bovine Respiratory Disease in U.S. Feedlots

Authors

  • Guy H. Loneragan West Texas A&M University, Canyon, TX 79016
  • David A. Dargatz Centers for Epidemiology and Animal Health, Ft. Collins, CO 80523
  • Bruce A. Wagner Centers for Epidemiology and Animal Health, Ft. Collins, CO 80523
  • Nora E. Wineland Centers for Epidemiology and Animal Health, Ft. Collins, CO 80523

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro20025034

Keywords:

Bovine respiratory disease, stressors, animal susceptibility, pathogens, treatment, antimicrobial

Abstract

Bovine respiratory disease complex (BRD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in U.S. feedlots. It is generally accepted that BRD results from an interaction of stressors, animal susceptibility and pathogens. Viral respiratory pathogens are believed to be primary invaders that allow bacterial colonization of the lower respiratory tract (LRT) which leads to bronchopneumonia. Prompt treatment of BRD-affected calves early in the course of disease with an appropriate antimicrobial appears to be the best strategy to effect a cure. Delayed or inappropriate treatment often leads to treatment failure, chronic disease, or death.

Cover image of the 35th Conference Proceedings: Holstein cows standing in a row at a fence. A small group of cattle are bunched together in a pen. Yellow background.

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Published

2002-09-26

Issue

2002

Section

Research Summaries - Beef

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