Bovine Respiratory Disease Complex (BRDC) in Cattle

Bovine respiratory disease complex (BRDC) or pneumonia is a multifactorial disease. BRDC is the leading cause of economic loss in the intensive beef industry.

Mainly calves are affected by BRDC; especially in intensive farming situations. Older animals may also experience severe pneumonia. Outbreaks of clinical disease are seasonal usually occurring in autumn or winter.

Economical consequences

Pneumonias are responsible for the majority of clinically visible disease in feedlots. Respiratory disease is the primary threat to newly weaned and freshly received calves. Death and treatment costs, reduced livestock performance, sub-clinical illness and higher labour costs can make up a large percentage of production costs.