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Calf Health: Respiratory Syndromes
Disease of the respiratory tract is a major problem for cattle and it continues to cause serious economic losses for producers. Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) causes increased death losses as well as medication costs, labor, and lost production. Many different infectious agents may cause similar clinical signs. Multiple agents are often involved in the development of BRD.
DISEASE CONDITIONS (OR SYNDROMES)
The respiratory diseases of cattle can be divided into three main categories:
1. Upper respiratory tract infections
These infections cause inflammation of the nostrils, throat (pharynx) and windpipe (trachea). The clinical signs are usually mild and involve coughing, nasal discharge, fever, and a decreased appetite.
2. Diphtheria
This infection involves the larynx (voice box) and may occur alone or along with other respiratory infections. There are often loud noises during breathing and the swelling may severely restrict the air flow and result in death of the animal.
3. Pneumonia (lower respiratory tract infection)
An infection of the lungs is often due to an extension of infection from the upper respiratory tract (#1) or a failure of the mechanisms which are designed to protect the lungs. It is much more serious and causes more severe signs than does an upper respiratory infection. Shipping fever is one form of lower respiratory tract disease and derives its name from the usual occurrence of the disease shortly after shipment of the cattle.
Source: Clell V. Bagley, DVM, Extension Veterinarian Utah State University
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