Vet 2025 Guide: Bovine Respiratory Disease by Dr Duncan Houston
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Vet 2025 Guide: Bovine Respiratory Disease by Dr Duncan Houston 🐄
When calves inhale harmful pathogens, bovine respiratory disease (BRD) sets in—threatening growth, survival, and overall herd health. In this comprehensive 2025 guide, Dr Duncan Houston provides a farmer‑friendly protocol for early diagnosis, effective treatment, and prevention strategies. From D.A.R.T. scoring to antibiotic stewardship and long-term management, this resource equips producers with up‑to‑date, vet‑approved best practices. 🔬📈
1. Why BRD Matters: Economic & Herd Impacts 💰
BRD isn’t just “a cough” — it reduces calf weaning weights by up to 36 lb compared to healthy peers, and heifers affected early often breed late, yield less milk, and face higher cull rates. Nearly 1 in 5 nursing calves contracts pneumonia—making BRD a critical issue beyond feedlots to cow‑calf operations too.
2. The D.A.R.T. Protocol for Early Identification 🩺
Dr Houston emphasizes the simple and effective D.A.R.T. scoring system:
- D – **Depression**: droopy ears, head low, dull attitude
- A – **Appetite**: reduced nursing, slow eating
- R – **Respiration**: fast, labored breathing; coughing
- T – **Temperature**: fever > 104‑°F (40‑°C)
Not all calves show every sign, but even partial DART scores warrant vet evaluation. Early detection is key to favourable outcomes. 🕵️♂️
3. Veterinary Assessment: Stethoscope & Ultrasound 🩻
Producers trained in DART should call the vet at first sign. A thorough lung auscultation can detect abnormal lung sounds, while ultrasound imaging reveals fluid or consolidation. Prompt diagnosis shapes effective treatment—saving lives and dollars.
4. Target Bacteria: Antibiotics & Resistance Management 💊
BRD stems from multiple bacteria:
- Mycoplasma bovis, Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, Histophilus somni
Dr Houston recommends initiating antibiotic therapy based on pathogen culture from necropsied calves. First-round treatments must cover all four. For persistent or recurrent cases, antibiotic stewardship—and rotation based on sensitivity profiles—is vital.
5. Supportive Care: Boost Recovery 🛁
BRD care extends beyond antibiotics. Vet‑guided supportive measures such as anti‑inflammatories (e.g., NSAIDs), fluids, and soft feed help calves recover faster and regain appetite. Clean pens and proper ventilation prevent recurrence.
6. Preventing BRD: Vaccination & Management 🛡️
Long‑term BRD control blends:
- Vaccination: targeting BRSV, BHV‑1, PI3, M. haemolytica, and H. somni
- Minimizing stress: avoid overcrowding, sudden weaning, abrupt diet changes
- Environmental management: improve airflow, bedding, and reduce mixing groups
7. Monitoring & Record-Keeping for the Herd 📚
Track DART cases, treatments, and outcomes. Patterns may reveal underlying factors like management routines, vaccine timing, or environmental issues. Analyze data quarterly to refine protocols and reduce disease incidence.
8. Advanced Diagnostics & Emerging Tools 🔬
Dr Houston explores innovations:
- Portable ultrasound for on‑site detection of lung lesions
- Metagenomic testing to capture viral and bacterial variants
- Wearable sensors for remote monitoring of respiration and temperature
9. Treating Chronic & Recurrent Cases 🔁
Calves not responding to treatment after 72 hours need culture-based antibiotic reassessment. Persistently ill animals may require isolation, additional respiratory support or culling to protect herd health and reduce drug use.
10. Summary of Best Practices ✔️
- Train staff to use DART daily
- Call vet early if any signs appear
- Treat with correct antibiotics per culture
- Provide supportive care and clean environments
- Vaccinate strategically; minimize stressors
- Monitor herd data for patterns and improvements
- Use emerging tools for diagnostics and prevention
When implemented correctly, this holistic approach by Dr Houston turns BRD from a herd liability into a manageable health protocol—boosting productivity and animal welfare.
