A good preventive care plan includes vaccinating both cows and calves for bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) because it is endemic in the United States. While rarely fatal on its own, BRSV weakens the immune system, often allowing for a secondary bacterial infection that results in pneumonia. BRSV is a factor considered part of bovine respiratory disease (BRD). The effect of the BRD complex can be damaging as infected cattle never fully recover, have permanent lung damage and most never gain as much weight as healthy animals.
Source: Angus Beef Bulletin, October 21, 2019. Link. Big temperature swings common during seasonal transitions can be stressful for cattle. That, combined with the stress of changing their environments, including weaning or mixing calves, opens the door for respiratory diseases to creep into your herd.
The biggest challenge with this disease is that once the animal is presenting clinical signs, it’s already weakened.” – Joe Gillespie, DVM, Boehringer-Ingelheim
INSIGHTS: This is a good reminder to use when working with cattle producers during fall weaning and cattle movement activities. Share it in newsletters, social media or in person to support prevention discussions.