When calves face stress, it often threatens their respiratory health. Mitigating risk, including stress management, is a key component of a larger bovine respiratory disease (BRD) battle plan, which also includes building immunity and managing infection.

Summer can present a variety of challenges and stressors to beef cattle that can lead to bovine respiratory disease (BRD). Mitigating risk is a critical component of a larger BRD battle plan.

Since the purchase price of calves is currently high, there can be a wide price spread between the purchase price of cattle that came from a good vaccination and health program versus cattle that have not.

Over recent decades, cattle disease management, prevention and treatment have changed dramatically. Vaccines, antibiotics, technology and even diseases have altered course.

Louisiana State University (LSU) announced the development of a new vaccine to fight against bovine respiratory disease (BRD). The vaccine was created by Dr. Shafiqul Chowdhury, a professor of veterinary medicine.

From the moment a calf is born, the clock starts ticking in the battle against bovine respiratory disease (BRD). One of the things we try to promote as veterinarians is making sure that we stay ahead of it. BRD is the costliest disease in the cattle industry and can have serious impacts on an animal’s production potential.

In my 25 years as a cattle veterinarian, I’ve seen the impact of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) – the most prevalent and costly challenge facing North American cattle producers – in many operations.

Described as a “cunning chameleon,” Mycoplasma bovis has vague symptoms with an insidious onset. It is difficult to diagnose, and treat, and producers may not even realize it is on their operation.

This is quickly shaping up to be a year that all cattle producers, both big and small, won’t forget any time soon. As sale barns across the country begin to crush previous record highs in calf prices, the decision to keep or sell the 2023 calf crop will be weighing heavy on every producer’s mind.