Summary
This narrative review examines contemporary strategies for diagnosing and prognosing bovine respiratory disease (BRD), a persistent global challenge in cattle production despite advances in vaccination and antimicrobials. The authors synthesise evidence on multiple diagnostic modalities—clinical observation, biomarkers, molecular techniques, imaging, and predictive modelling—and argue that an integrated, multifaceted diagnostic approach is likely to yield the most accurate BRD identification. The work situates improved diagnosis within the context of antimicrobial stewardship and evolving regulatory requirements in feedlot settings.
Regional applicability
The findings are applicable to United Kingdom cattle production, particularly in intensive beef and dairy systems where BRD burden is significant. Diagnostic strategies discussed reflect global best practice; however, specific implementation would need to account for UK regulatory frameworks around animal health surveillance and antimicrobial governance, as well as available laboratory and imaging infrastructure in UK feedlots and veterinary services.
Key measures
Clinical signs, animal behaviour, biomarkers, molecular diagnostic methods, ultrasound imaging findings, prognostic model outputs
Outcomes reported
The review synthesises current and emerging diagnostic and prognostic techniques for bovine respiratory disease (BRD), including clinical assessment, biomarker analysis, molecular diagnostics, ultrasound imaging, and prognostic modelling. It evaluates the benefits and limitations of each approach and discusses their integration into a structured diagnostic framework to improve case identification and reduce antimicrobial overuse.
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