Bovine Respiratory Disease (Pneumonia)

What is bovine respiratory disease?

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is the name for infections of the nose, windpipe and lungs in cattle and buffaloes. When the lungs are involved, it is called pneumonia. It is common in calves, but adult animals can be affected too.

BRD is usually caused by a mix of germs. Viruses, such as the IBR and BVD viruses, damage the airways first. Bacteria such as Mannheimia, Pasteurella, Histophilus and Mycoplasma then move into the lungs. Stress makes it far more likely: transport, crowding, mixing animals from different places, sudden weather changes, weaning, and dusty or poorly aired sheds. Lungworms can also cause coughing in young cattle that graze. Haemorrhagic septicaemia (HS), a severe disease seen mostly in the rainy season, can look similar at first.

Signs to watch for

Common signs include:

• Fever, dullness and poor appetite
• A cough
• A runny nose, clear at first and later thick
• Fast, noisy or difficult breathing
• Watery eyes and drooping ears in calves
• A drop in milk in adult animals

Not every animal shows every sign. Some show only a fever and low appetite at first, and others die suddenly.

Which lab tests help

Swabs from deep in the nose are the main samples. Your vet takes them, ideally from a few animals that have just fallen sick and have not yet been given any medicines. The Bovine Respiratory Disease RT-PCR Panel typically looks for the main viruses and bacteria of cattle pneumonia; the exact list is confirmed when you book. Single tests such as IBR (BoHV-1) RT-PCR can also be chosen.

The Nasal Swab Culture & Sensitivity grows bacteria from the swab and shows which medicines may work, which helps your vet choose. A Complete Blood Count (CBC) and Haptoglobin can show inflammation in the body, though not its cause. For coughing young stock that graze, a Lungworm Larvae Detection (Baermann Test) looks for lungworm larvae in fresh dung. If HS is suspected, your vet may add Haemorrhagic Septicaemia (Pasteurella multocida) RT-PCR.

A registered veterinarian interprets every result together with the animal's signs and history. The lab confirms the method, sample needs and reporting time when you book.

When to see your vet

See your vet promptly if a calf or adult has a fever, cough or fast breathing. An animal breathing with its mouth open, or one with a swollen throat and high fever, needs a vet at once. If several animals start coughing, ask your vet about testing a group and about vaccination or prevention for the herd.

Testing in Bhopal

Pashupatinath Vet Lab is at C-200, C Sector, Shahpura, Bhopal, with free sample collection anywhere in Bhopal. Swabs from other districts can be sent through your local vet, by courier or by bus parcel; the lab coordinates by phone or WhatsApp on +91 88175 01118. Reports are shared on WhatsApp, by e-mail and in My Reports on the website.