Staying Ahead of Bovine Respiratory Disease

Bovine respiratory disease remains one of the cattle industry’s most persistent and costly health challenges. Despite decades of vaccines, treatments, and management practices, BRD rates have not declined—and some reports suggest mortality is increasing. In this episode of the American Cattleman Podcast, host Dustin Hector sits down with Dr. Bob Gentry of MedGene to examine why respiratory disease continues to demand producers’ attention and how emerging tools may help them respond more effectively.

With 45 years of veterinary experience spanning mixed-animal practice, cattle reproduction, technical service, and animal health innovation, Dr. Gentry brings a practical perspective to the conversation. He explains why calves become especially vulnerable as maternal antibodies fade, often just as weaning and other stressful management events approach. Listeners will learn why preconditioning and vaccinating before stress remain essential parts of a herd health strategy.

The discussion explores both familiar and frequently overlooked contributors to the BRD complex. Dr. Gentry reviews established pathogens such as IBR, BVD, BRSV, and PI3, then examines the growing importance of bovine coronavirus, now a leading respiratory virus detected by diagnostic laboratories. He also discusses bovine influenza D, bovine rhinitis virus, bovine astrovirus, and bovine adenovirus 3, along with the bacterial threats that may follow viral infection.

Producers will hear which early warning signs deserve attention, including nasal discharge, coughing, depression, reduced appetite, and poor performance. Dr. Gentry also explains “summer pneumonia,” why apparently low-stress nursing calves may still develop disease, and how unprotected animals can break with BRD after weaning.

Finally, the episode highlights advances in prevention and diagnostics. Dr. Gentry discusses MedGene’s prescription platform vaccines for coronavirus and influenza D, as well as rapid PCR testing that can identify pathogens from nasal swabs collected from live animals. With results potentially available within 24 to 48 hours, producers and veterinarians can make faster, more targeted intervention decisions.

Whether you raise calves, manage a backgrounding operation, or oversee feedlot health, this episode offers timely insight into recognizing BRD, strengthening prevention, using diagnostics, and staying ahead of respiratory threats before they become costly losses. Tune in for guidance supporting healthier cattle and resilient operations.

For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com.

American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:

Moly Manufacturing

Central Life Sciences

Medgene

Forge