Factors involved in a Bovine Respiratory Disease Complex (BRDC) diagnosis
By Guy Sheppard, DVM
The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) frequently works on Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) cases. Multiple factors lead to a BRD diagnosis, leading many to refer to the syndrome as Bovine Respiratory Disease Complex (BRDC). Affected cattle commonly display signs of fever, lethargy, nasal discharge, and coughing. Some of the factors involved in BRDC are stressors such as weaning, shipping, and weather. From an infectious disease organism standpoint, respiratory viruses generally become involved initially, followed by one or more bacterial pathogens.
TVMDL offers several tests to detect BRDC or assist veterinarians with treatment. Acceptable samples for testing include deep nasopharyngeal swabs from live animals and affected lung tissue from animals that have died. Culture for bacterial organisms and molecular testing utilizing Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technology are available at TVMDL to help identify the pathogens involved in the disease outbreak. In addition to culture, susceptibility testing can be performed on bacterial isolates to help guide the veterinarian in selection of antibiotics to be used for treatment of sick animals.
Early diagnosis of pathogens involved in each outbreak of BRDC can be very helpful in managing and controlling BRDC. Veterinary diagnosticians are available at both the College Station and Amarillo laboratories to help with any questions clients may have about sampling or testing techniques for this disease complex.
To speak with a veterinary diagnostician at the College Station laboratory call 1.888.646.5623 or 1.888.646.5624 to speak with a veterinary diagnostician at the Amarillo laboratory. Visit tvmdl.tamu.edu to view TVMDL’s full catalog of tests.