ECONOMIC losses from bovine respiratory disease – estimated to add up to £80 million annually – can be cut, according to a new practical control guide on the issue. 
Launching the best practice guide, Norbrook large animal product manager, Rebecca Laborne explained: Bovine respiratory disease is hard to detect in its early stages and is often only spotted during housing. Most cases of the disease are seen in young stock; as such, the BRD guide highlights the symptoms in calves which will assist farmers in spotting the early signs of pneumonia.” 
BRD affects the lungs and airways of cattle and most often refers to infections of the lung tissue, be they bacterial or viral, or a mixture, and it’s estimated that an outbreak of calf pneumonia could cost farmers an average of £500 or more in cases of calf mortalities.
Norbrook veterinary advisor, Steph Small BVSc MRCVS, said calves severely affected with pneumonia usually display signs of respiratory distress, nasal discharge, coughing, pain and in some cases death. 
“The important thing to remember is that calf pneumonia is a multifactorial disease and farmers should consider a holistic approach, instead of trying to isolate single elements.
“Farmers could incur significant losses as a result of BRD, which could lead to calf losses and in cases of pneumonia in adult cattle, could reduce fertility and productivity.”
The guide is available free from local veterinary surgeons and Norbrook territory managers.