Bovine Respiratory Disease-An Updated Review

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is the most common and severe disease in calf-rearing herds. It is common in intensely raised and newly transported calves and refers to the animal displaying an undifferentiated fever in addition to a number of clinical signs, notably respiratory distress. BRD is known to be caused by a number or combination of viruses and microorganisms. The diagnosis of BRD in the field is mainly based on physical examination, lung auscultation and empiric diagnosis supported by experience. The late diagnoses of pathologies underline the lack of adequate observations and the need of early recognition by means of advanced biomarkers of disease in calves. Conventional treatment for BRD usually consists in antimicrobial therapy with the application of steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, mucolytics and bronchodilators.