CLINICAL SIGNS
The most common signs of BRD are nasal and eye discharges, coughing, fever, decreased appetite, varying degrees of breathing difficulty and noise, rapid breathing, depression, droopy ears, open mouthed breathing and death. These vary greatly, depending on the stage and extent of the disease process.
TREATMENT
In the past, there have been no drugs effective against viral agents in the treatment of cattle for respiratory disease. Through current research, some products may become available for use in the future. The antibiotics and sulfas have no effect on the viral agents but are often of great aid against the bacterial invaders.
Treatment of BRD will be effective and the death loss minimal if the following principles are practiced:
1) early disease detection so those ill can be treated and separated to a sick pen;
2) prompt initiation of an effective treatment program and continuation on a daily basis;
3) continued treatment until 48 hours after signs have abated;
4) change to an alternate treatment if there is no or poor response after 24–48 hours, and
5) good nursing care including cautious handling of both the ill and exposed cattle.
In those cattle where over 50% of the lung tissue has been damaged prior to initiation of effective treatment, there will be a poor response, many relapses, and a high mortality rate.
Group (or mass) treatment may be of value in some situations and aid in reducing the number of cattle severely affected with BRD. It can also delay use of more effective, individual treatment and result in a greater loss. It is preferable to include the antibiotic or sulfa in the drinking water rather than the feed since the ill cattle quickly go off feed but usually continue to drink water a little longer.
Source: Clell V. Bagley, DVM, Extension Veterinarian, UtahStateUniversity