Why Disease Awareness Matters
Cattle are hardy animals, but a handful of diseases account for the vast majority of illness and economic loss on cattle operations. Knowing the early warning signs of the most common conditions lets you catch problems before they spread through the herd or turn fatal.
Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD)
Often called shipping fever, BRD is the leading cause of illness and death in feeder cattle, especially around weaning and transport. Watch for droopy ears, nasal discharge, coughing, and reduced appetite, and isolate affected animals quickly since BRD spreads through close contact.
Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD)
BVD is a viral disease that can cause diarrhea, reproductive losses, and weakened immunity, making cattle more susceptible to other infections. Persistently infected calves can silently spread the virus for years, which is why many herds test and cull PI-positive animals as part of routine biosecurity.
Foot Rot
Foot rot is a bacterial infection that enters through cracks or wounds in the hoof, usually in wet or muddy conditions, causing sudden lameness and swelling between the claws. Early treatment with antibiotics and moving animals to dry ground usually resolves it quickly.
Pinkeye
Pinkeye is a highly contagious bacterial eye infection that spreads rapidly during fly season, causing tearing, squinting, and cloudy corneas. Left untreated it can cause permanent vision damage, so fly control and prompt treatment are key prevention tools.
Clostridial Diseases (Blackleg)
Blackleg and related clostridial diseases are soil-borne bacterial infections that can kill healthy-looking calves within hours. Fortunately, a routine seven-way or eight-way clostridial vaccine given at branding or weaning provides reliable protection.
Building a Herd Health Plan
Work with a livestock veterinarian to build a vaccination and deworming schedule suited to your region, and keep new animals isolated for at least two weeks before introducing them to the main herd. Consistent observation is still your best early-warning tool.
Browse our livestock health and nutrition supplies to help support your herd’s immune system, and see our cattle for sale if you’re adding to your herd this season. For detailed treatment protocols, always consult your veterinarian or the American Association of Bovine Practitioners.
