WAUPUN, Wis. (RFD News) — While screwworm remains a concern for livestock producers, bovine respiratory disease (BRD) continues to pose a threat to cattle of all ages.
Dr. Curt Vlietstra says BRD accounts for a significant share of deaths among young heifers.
“BRD accounts for almost 25 percent of pre-weaned heifer deaths, and deaths within the first 60 days of life, and more than half of weaned heifer deaths, so those that occur after 60 days but before they get into the lactating herd, so it’s significant. It’s a compounding disease that never really seems to run out of opportunities to take money from producers. There are studies that have shown that heifers challenged with respiratory disease within the first three months of life are more likely to calve at least three months later than those that didn’t.”
Vlietstra says research has also shown heifers that develop BRD early in life produce less milk during their first lactation.
Producers are encouraged to talk with their veterinarian about the proper vaccination program.
