Vaccines for respiratory disease in cattle

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Animal Science
• Pathology

Background:

• Respiratory disease poses a significant economic threat to beef cattle production, costing the UK industry an estimated £70 million annually.
• This complex disease typically affects young cattle and is influenced by a combination of infectious agents and environmental conditions.
• Multiple distinct clinical syndromes are associated with bovine respiratory disease.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the multifactorial nature of respiratory disease in beef cattle.
• To identify key bacterial and viral pathogens implicated in the disease complex.
• To highlight the economic impact and common associations of this condition.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on bovine respiratory disease.
• Identification of causative microorganisms (bacteria and viruses).
• Analysis of contributing environmental factors.

Main Results:

• Key bacterial pathogens include Pasteurella haemolytica type A1, Pasteurella multocida, Haemophilus somnus, Corynebacterium pyogenes, Mycoplasma bovis, and Mycoplasma dispar.
• Significant viral agents include bovine herpes virus 1 (BHV1), causing infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
• Other potential viral contributors are para-influenza 3 (Pi3), adenoviruses, bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) virus, coronavirus, and rhinovirus.

Conclusions:

• Bovine respiratory disease is a complex, multifactorial condition requiring a comprehensive understanding of its diverse etiological agents.
• Effective management strategies must address both infectious challenges and environmental stressors.
• Further research into the specific roles and interactions of these pathogens is crucial for disease control.