The earlier BRD is detected and treated, the better the opportunity to minimize lung damage. If it’s not caught quickly, cattle will be less likely to respond to antibiotic treatment and will be at a greater risk for relapse or mortality.

When it comes to bovine respiratory disease, it can be extremely difficult to determine if a sick calf may need a second round of treatment or if the antibiotic should be allowed a few more days to help treat the infection.