Bovine respiratory disease (BRD), also known as Shipping fever in cattle or pneumonic pasteurellosis, is a serious lung infection caused by bacteria, viruses, or stress that often affects cattle after being moved or stressed. It mainly causes bronchopneumonia in cattle. This condition is one of the biggest health problems in cattle herds and can spread quickly if not managed on time.
The disease gets its name because it commonly appears after animals are shipped or transported. Long travel, new surroundings, or sudden weather changes can weaken a cow’s immune system. Once that happens, viruses and bacteria find it easier to attack the lungs. This is why BRD in cattle is often seen in animals that were recently bought, mixed with new herds, or handled under stress.
The main bacteria behind shipping fever are Mannheimia haemolytica, though others like Pasteurella multocida and Histophilus somni can also play a role. These germs usually take advantage after a viral infection, such as IBR, BVD, PI3, or BRSV, damages the respiratory tract. As a result, the lungs become inflamed, fill with fluid, and the animal starts coughing, losing appetite, and breathing heavily.
Treating early really helps. Once a vet checks the animal, they’ll usually start antibiotics to control the infection and give a few medicines to bring the fever down and help the lungs settle. At the same time, simple management steps make a difference, keep stress low, make sure there’s fresh air in the sheds, feed them well, and stay on top of vaccines for common issues like Mannheimia haemolytica.
Symptoms and Clinical Signs of Bovine Respiratory Disease in Cattle
The first signs of shipping fever usually show up a few days after animals are moved or go through stressful conditions. The affected cattle often run a high fever, between 104°F and 107°F, and start acting dull or tired. They lose interest in feed, move slowly, and sometimes stand away from the herd.
You might also notice a watery discharge from the nose and a mild, dry cough. These early symptoms of bovine respiratory disease are the best time to step in before things get worse.
As the condition develops, the cough becomes harsher and more frequent, and breathing turns fast and heavy. Some animals may even breathe through their mouths, which means the lungs are already struggling. The nasal discharge thickens and turns yellow or cloudy, showing that the infection is deep in the lungs. When you listen closely, you may hear crackling or harsh lung sounds, a clear warning of pneumonia in cattle.
When the disease progresses, the cattle start to look weak. Their ears droop, eyes sink in, and their coat loses shine. In dairy cows, milk production drops, while young animals lose weight or stop growing properly. These are common cow disease symptoms, but in this case, they point to worsening bovine pneumonia symptoms caused by shipping fever.
In severe cases, you’ll see the animal breathing with its mouth open, coughing constantly, and producing thick nasal discharge. The cow may spend more time lying down, refuse to eat, and breathe heavily even while resting. At this stage, pneumonia in cows symptoms are serious and life-threatening, and the animal needs immediate treatment to survive.
Causes of Bovine Respiratory Disease in Cattle
Shipping fever is mainly caused by a combination of bacteria, viruses, and stress that weakens a cow’s immune system. The leading bacterial culprit is Mannheimia haemolytica, a germ that normally lives in the upper airways of healthy cattle without causing problems. But when an animal becomes stressed or its immunity drops, this bacterium can move down into the lungs and trigger serious bronchopneumonia in cattle.
Other bacteria like Pasteurella multocida, Histophilus somni, and Mycoplasma bovis can also play a part, making the infection even worse. In cases of Mannheimia haemolytica in cattle, the bacteria release powerful toxins that damage lung tissue and cause severe breathing difficulty.
Viruses also play a big role in the development of shipping fever. Some of the most common viruses in cattle that lead to this problem include Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus (BRSV), Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis Virus (IBR), Parainfluenza-3 Virus (PI3), and Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus (BVDV). These viruses damage airway linings, allowing bacteria like Mannheimia haemolytica to reach deeper into the lungs.
When this occurs, the lungs get inflamed and filled with fluid, causing fever, coughing, nasal discharge, and reduced appetite in the animal.
The biggest trigger for shipping fever is stress. Long truck rides, overcrowding, sudden weather changes, poor ventilation, and even changes in feed can all stress cattle. Stress triggers hormones such as cortisol, which weaken the immune system and reduce the animal’s ability to fight infections.
That’s why many outbreaks of shipping fever happen a few days after transport or any major handling event. When stress, viruses, and bacteria act together, they lead to the serious lung infections seen in the bovine respiratory disease complex.
Treatment of Bovine Respiratory Disease in Cattle
Treatment of bovine respiratory disease begins with the immediate use of strong cattle antibiotics for pneumonia, such as Florfenicol, Tulathromycin, or Ceftiofur, to stop infection and protect the lungs.
Along with the main treatment, vets usually give anti-inflammatory medicines like flunixin or meloxicam. These help bring the fever down and make the animal a bit more comfortable while breathing. Support also makes a real difference things like vitamins, electrolytes, and just proper care while the animal is recovering. If treatment is started early and followed properly, it can really cut down the risk of long-term lung damage, help the animal get back on its feet sooner, and reduce losses for the farmer.
Start With the Right Antibiotic
The first thing to do when dealing with pneumonia in cattle is to start the right antibiotic without delay. This is what truly turns the illness around. The most trusted antibiotics for shipping fever in cattle are Florfenicol (Nuflor), Tulathromycin (Draxxin), and Ceftiofur (sold as Excenel, Naxcel, or Exceed). Farmers and vets worldwide consider these the best antibiotics for BRD in cattle, and they work equally well for bovine pneumonia treatment and treating a calf with pneumonia.
- Florfenicol (Nuflor): Give 40 mg per kilogram of body weight by intramuscular (IM) or subcutaneous (SC) injection. Repeat after 48 hours.
- Tulathromycin (Draxxin): A long-acting, single-dose antibiotic given once at 2.5 mg per kilogram by SC injection — great for large herds and calf pneumonia treatment.
- Ceftiofur (Excenel, Naxcel, or Exceed): Give 1–2 mg per kilogram IM or SC daily for 3–5 days. It’s widely known as one of the best antibiotics for calf pneumonia and adult cattle.
Only use one antibiotic at a time and always complete the full treatment, even if the animal looks better after a day or two. Stopping early may cause the infection to return and resist treatment.
Reduce Fever and Inflammation
Once the antibiotic is started, the next step in cow pneumonia treatment is to bring down the fever, reduce inflammation, and make the animal comfortable. Anti-inflammatory medicines help cattle breathe more easily, eat better, and recover faster. The most effective options are Flunixin meglumine (Banamine) and Meloxicam.
- Flunixin meglumine: Give 2.2 mg per kilogram of body weight IM or IV once daily for 2–3 days.
- Meloxicam: Give 0.5 mg per kilogram orally or by injection once daily for 3–4 days.
In serious cases, vets sometimes add Dexamethasone for calves with pneumonia to control lung swelling, but this should always be done under professional advice. Using an anti-inflammatory together with antibiotics from the very beginning greatly improves results in BRD treatment in cattle.
After giving the main medicine, proper supportive care plays a big role in helping cows recover from cough and illness. Make sure they stay hydrated, provide clean water mixed with electrolytes or a little molasses to encourage drinking. You can also give Vitamin B-complex injections (10–15 mL IM daily for three days) to improve their appetite and energy.
Also, add multivitamins and minerals—especially Vitamin E and selenium—to their feed or water for about a week. These nutrients strengthen the immune system and help heal lung tissue. Commonly used products include Revitamin B-Complex for appetite and metabolism support, Vita E Sel (Vitamin E + Selenium) to promote immune recovery and muscle health, and Agrimin Bolus or Multimin 90 as mineral supplements to improve resistance and healing in weak or stressed cattle.
Keep sick animals separate from healthy ones and ensure they stay in a clean, dry, and well-ventilated shelter. Minimising stress and keeping the environment calm is as vital as medication for effectively treating pneumonia in cattle.
Keep Monitoring and Adjust if Needed
The final part of treating bovine respiratory disease is keeping a close eye on the animal. Check its temperature in the morning and evening. If it’s still above 103°F (39.5°C) after a couple of days on treatment, it’s best to call the vet. They may tweak the dose, continue the treatment a bit longer, or change the antibiotic if things aren’t improving.
Even when the animal starts improving, continue supportive care until it’s fully recovered. This helps prevent relapse. Most cattle begin to show visible improvement within two or three days. With early care using the best antibiotic for BRD in cattle, complete recovery usually happens within a week.
Prevention of Bovine Respiratory Disease/Shipping fever in cattle
Preventing bovine respiratory disease (BRD) starts with good management, proper vaccination, and keeping stress as low as possible. Healthy, well-cared-for cattle are far less likely to suffer from shipping fever in cows or other diseases in calves. Simple, consistent steps can make all the difference in keeping your herd healthy and productive.
Vaccination
Vaccination is the most effective line of defence against bovine respiratory disease. Using trusted bovine respiratory vaccines that protect against Pasteurella, Mannheimia haemolytica, and Histophilus somni helps in preventing BRD. Commonly used vaccines include One Shot®, Bovi-Shield Gold®, and NUPLURA® PH. Calves should get their first bovine respiratory disease vaccine between two and four months of age and a booster before weaning.
Adult animals should be given a BRD vaccine or booster about two to three weeks before transport or when mixing with new herds. Regular use of BRD vaccines builds strong immunity and greatly lowers the chances of shipping fever in cows and other respiratory diseases in calves.
Stress Reduction
Stress is one of the biggest triggers for bovine respiratory disease. Try to minimise it wherever possible. Avoid overcrowding in transport vehicles and make sure they are clean, dry, and well-ventilated. Handle your cattle calmly and avoid sudden changes in routine.
Give animals time to rest after travel and always offer clean water before feeding. Give shade during the hot months and dry shelter in cold or wet weather. Reducing stress keeps your herd calm, strong, and better protected from shipping fever in cows.
Proper Nutrition
Good nutrition is one of the most important things for keeping cattle healthy and reducing the risk of shipping disease in cattle. Animals should be given a balanced diet with enough protein, energy, and key minerals. Vitamins like A and E, along with selenium, also help support lung health and improve immunity. Clean drinking water should always be available. During stressful periods such as weaning or transport, adding electrolytes can help the animals cope better and recover faster. Well-fed and well-hydrated cattle are far less likely to develop BRD and other respiratory diseases in calves.
Hygiene and Management
Clean housing is just as important as treatment when it comes to bovine respiratory disease. New or returning animals should be kept separate for about two weeks before joining the herd. Pens, feed troughs, and water tanks should be cleaned and disinfected regularly. It also helps a lot to keep barns dry, cut down dust, and control flies to reduce the chance of infection spreading. Good hygiene like this plays a big role in preventing bovine respiratory disease and keeping the herd healthy.
Regular Monitoring
Check your cattle every day because the first signs of illness are usually very mild. You might notice a light cough, a bit of nasal discharge, or an animal that’s just not coming forward for feed like the others. These small changes can be early signs of bovine respiratory disease. When you see something like this, it’s better to isolate the animal and get advice from a vet instead of waiting. Problems often show up after transport or when the weather changes suddenly. At those times, vets may also suggest added support like immune boosters, preventive antibiotics, and BRD vaccination to help keep the herd protected.
Conclusion
Dealing with shipping fever early can really change the outcome. Once it’s picked up, vets usually start treatment straight away using antibiotics like Florfenicol, Tulathromycin, or Ceftiofur to control the infection. They may also add medicines such as Flunixin or Meloxicam to bring down the fever and help the animal breathe more comfortably.
Along with treatment, a bit of extra support can really help the animal bounce back. Use supplements like vitamin B-complex, vitamin E, selenium, and electrolytes to improve strength. They also help restore appetite in the animal. Monitor the animal closely during recovery so you can adjust treatment if there is no improvement in time.
Prevention is always the best approach—regular vaccination, calm handling, good nutrition, clean housing, and quarantining new cattle go a long way in keeping the herd healthy and avoiding heavy losses from shipping fever.
FAQs Related to Shipping Fever in Cattle
What is bovine respiratory disease?
Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) is a common and serious illness in cattle that affects the lungs and airways. A combination of stress, viruses, and bacteria, such as Mannheimia haemolytica and Pasteurella multocida, usually causes it. BRD leads to coughing, fever, nasal discharge, and breathing difficulty, especially after transport or weaning.
How to treat brd in cattle?
Treat BRD in cattle with antibiotics to control infection and anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce fever and lung inflammation.Supportive care like fluids, vitamins, and good ventilation helps recovery. Early treatment, vaccination, and proper stress management are key to controlling the disease in the herd.
What to give a calf with pneumonia?
Treat a calf with pneumonia quickly using broad-spectrum antibiotics like oxytetracycline or tulathromycin. Also give anti-inflammatory medicine to reduce fever and make breathing easier. Offer clean water with electrolytes and provide vitamin support such as B-complex, vitamin E, and selenium to help recovery. Keep the calf warm, dry, and in a well-ventilated space so it can recover more comfortably.
What antibiotics treat pneumonia in calves?
Common antibiotics used for pneumonia in calves include oxytetracycline, florfenicol, tulathromycin, and enrofloxacin. They are effective against bacteria such as Mannheimia haemolytica and Pasteurella multocida. The choice of antibiotic usually depends on how severe the case is and what the veterinarian recommends in terms of dose and treatment length.
What to give a calf with a cough?
If you suspect a bacterial infection in a coughing calf, treat it with antibiotics and support it with vitamins and electrolyte fluids to maintain strength and hydration. Keeping the calf in a clean, warm, well-ventilated, and low-stress environment also helps speed up recovery. Consult a vet for proper diagnosis and treatment.
What antibiotics treat pneumonia in calves?
Vets commonly use antibiotics such as oxytetracycline, florfenicol, tulathromycin, or enrofloxacin to treat pneumonia in calves. These drugs target bacteria like Mannheimia haemolytica and Pasteurella multocida, which are often responsible for the disease. It’s important that a vet decides the treatment so the right drug, dose, and withdrawal time are followed correctly.
