We have been putting so much focus on livestock health in these past weeks, months, and years. A lot of focus has been on African Swine Fever or Foot and Mouth Disease. However, there are other diseases that can be just devastating to your herds. Just because they are not getting worldwide attention, does not mean you shouldn?t have a plan in place for dealing with them. Cow-calf operators are being told to have plans in place for Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD).
Bovine Respiratory Disease is something that is more commonly associated with stocker and feedlot operations. However, cow-calf producers are being told to be ready for it as well. Dr. Daniel Cummings is a Professional Services Veterinarian for Boehringer-Ingelheim. He talks about the financial domino effect that comes with the disease.
Cummings talks about how you can detect and diagnose BRD. He says you will want to use what is referred to as the “DART method.”
Treatment of the disease will have to cover all four bacterial pathogens that can cause the disease.
Good recordkeeping will go a long way in helping to evaluate what treatments work best. If you suspect BRD, make sure to consult with your herd health veterinarian.
