Farmers urged to protect calves from BRD as beef prices remain high

BRD is one of the biggest threats to calf performance, costing the UK beef and dairy sectors an estimated £80 million annually in lost productivity, treatment, and mortality. In beef systems, infected animals can lose more than 200g/day in liveweight gain from birth to slaughter. 

Youngstock are particularly vulnerable during this time, with environmental changes, such as temperature swings between day and night, nutritional stress, and mixing of groups, creating ideal conditions for respiratory pathogens to spread. 

Vet dr Kat Baxter-Smith from MSD Animal Health, explained: “This year, more than ever, with high beef prices, it’s vital that farmers maximise growth rates and protect profit potential. 

“Lost production from BRD—or having to treat sick animals—can directly impact farm profitability.” 

She added that BRD does not always show obvious signs but can silently reduce growth rates and extend finishing times, making early detection essential. 

Subsidised screening to reduce risk 

To help farmers gain insight into BRD risk before clinical symptoms appear, MSD Animal Health subsidises a BRD screening service available through most GB veterinary practices. 

The test involves taking blood samples from a small selection of calves aged three to six months. Samples are analysed in a Netherlands-based lab using ELISA to detect antibodies to five major BRD pathogens: bovine coronavirus, bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) and bovine parainfluenza virus type 3, M. haemolytica, and Mycoplasma bovis. Results can then be used to tailor vaccination plans and calf management strategies. 

“Screening takes away the guesswork,” explained Dr Baxter-Smith. “It gives vets and farmers hard evidence of which pathogens are circulating on-farm and highlights immunity gaps. From there, it becomes much easier to make targeted prevention decisions.” 

Alongside BRD screening, vets can use Thoracic Ultrasound (TUS) to visually assess lung damage from BRD, with the screening results helping identify the pathogens responsible. 

“Although clinical cases of BRD are typically seen in 11–16% of calves, studies suggest subclinical disease—where lung damage occurs without obvious symptoms—may affect 23–67% of calves. These animals might not be picked up by eye, but the consequences are real and long-lasting,” the vet added. 

Even small lung lesions (1–2cm) can reduce average daily gain by 96–138g/day compared to calves without lesions, highlighting the importance of proactive measures.

Proactive prevention 

Dr Baxter-Smith said: “This is why we must move beyond reactive treatments and focus on proactive, immunity-led prevention. 

“Stopping BRD before damage occurs starts with understanding what’s happening in the calf’s environment and body.” 

Supporting herd health 

MSD offers a range of vaccines covering key BRD pathogens, including: 

• Bovilis Nasalgen-C – intranasal vaccine that can be given from the day of birth onwards, protecting against respiratory coronavirus 
• Bovilis Intranasal RSP Live – intranasal vaccine that can be given from the day of birth onwards, protecting against bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) and bovine parainfluenza virus type 3 (PI3) 
• Bovilis Bovipast RSP – injectable vaccine that can be given to cattle from about two weeks of age, continuing protection against BRSV and PI3 and covering Mannheimia haemolytica serotypes A1 and A6 
• Bovilis IBR marker live – a live injectable vaccine that can be given from two weeks of age, protecting against Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR), to reduce clinical respiratory signs and virus excretion associated with bovine herpesvirus type-1 
• Bovilis Huskvac is the only oral vaccination to help protect young and adult cattle against lungworm or ‘husk’ caused by Dictyocaulus viviparus. Can be administered from eight weeks of age.  

“Investing in diagnostics and prevention now pays dividends in productivity later,” Dr Baxter-Smith said. 

In addition to vaccination and screening, farmers should focus on overall calf management ahead of winter, including nutrition and correct colostrum management, housing, clean water, and parasite control. 

“BRD results from a combination of pathogens and risk factors. Controlling disease requires balancing infectious challenge and the calf’s resistance. Promoting effective defence mechanisms—such as good colostrum intake, reduced stress, optimal housing, and vaccination—helps ensure calves remain healthy through winter,” the expert concluded. 

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