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Updated: Jul 17, 2026
09:01
The Bovine Lung in Biomedical Research: Visually Guided Bronchoscopy, Intrabronchial Inoculation and In Vivo Sampling Techniques
Published on: July 3, 2014
Bacterial Respiratory Pathogens of Beef Stocker Cattle
Emily R Snyder1, Jennifer Abi Younes2
1Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine, 7671 Evans Drive, Amarillo, TX 79106, USA.
Summary
Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) significantly impacts stocker cattle health, causing widespread illness and death. Understanding key pathogens and control challenges is crucial for improving beef cattle industry outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Science
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is a primary cause of morbidity and mortality in stocker cattle.
- This high-risk sector faces challenges like stress, commingling, and unknown health histories.
- Key bacterial pathogens opportunistically infect compromised host defenses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review pathogen-specific characteristics of BRD in stocker cattle.
- To summarize the epidemiology of BRD in this population.
- To outline current challenges in BRD prevention and control.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific publications on BRD in stocker cattle.
- Analysis of pathogen virulence factors, including toxins and adhesins.
- Examination of epidemiological data and control strategies.
Main Results:
- Identified Mannheimia haemolytica, Pateurella multocida, Histophilus somni, and Mycoplasmopsis bovis as key BRD pathogens.
- Detailed diverse virulence mechanisms employed by these bacteria.
- Highlighted increasing antimicrobial resistance and variable vaccine efficacy as control hurdles.
Conclusions:
- Effective BRD management in stocker cattle requires addressing pathogen-specific traits and epidemiological factors.
- Antimicrobial resistance and vaccine efficacy present significant challenges to disease control.
- Further research and integrated strategies are needed to mitigate BRD impact.
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