Because of the number of possible viral/bacterial precursors to BRD, there are a number of treatment options circling around the three main aggravators of the disease: Viruses, Bacteria, and Stress.
Vaccination Vaccinations exist for several biological BRD precursors, but the multitude of possible precursors complicates the process of choosing a vaccine regime. Additionally, vaccines are not completely effective in stopping the disease, but are merely helpful in mitigation. Many of the problems with vaccine effectiveness rest with improper use, such as failing to time vaccine doses appropriately, or not administering them before shipping. Vaccines are available for a number of viral/bacterial agents and are often sold in combination with each other.
Antibiotics Calves are often bought unvaccinated, so antibiotics can help combat the bacterial factors of the disease. These are given orally, or in the forms of injections, pastes, or electrolytes. The Virginia Cooperative Extension recommends the following antibiotics: • Micotil • Nuflor • Baytril 100 • Naxcel • Excenel • Adspec • Banamine Aside from the strict use of drugs, there are other natural ways to help calves recuperate. Ensuring that they are fed good quality feedstuffs consisting of materials like grass to coax them into consuming the most amount of nutrients possible.
Stress management Stress often serves as the final precursor to BRD. The diseases that make up BRD can persist in a cattle herd for a long period of time before becoming symptomatic, but immune systems weakened by stress can stop controlling the disease. Major sources of stress come from the shipping process and from the co-mingling of cattle.Prior to transportation, electrolytes and vitamins are supplemented to cattle 3–5 days in advance; after transportation, high-quality
silage and clean warm water are provided to reduce hunger- and dehydration-related stress. == See also ==