Strategies for Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) Diagnosis and Prognosis: A Comprehensive Overview

Simple Summary Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) poses a significant challenge in managing cattle health. This intricate disease affects both the upper and lower respiratory tracts in cattle and is influenced by various environmental, host, and microbial factors. The lack of standardized definitions complicates diagnosis and treatment, with dairy and beef cattle being commonly affected. Environmental stressors such as overcrowding, transportation, and poor ventilation increase susceptibility, while pathogens like Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, Histophilus somni, and Mycoplasma bovis contribute to its manifestation. Despite antibiotics being the conventional treatment, the rise of antimicrobial resistance is a major concern. Current diagnostic strategies rely on observing clinical signs like fever, cough, and nasal discharge, requiring skilled personnel for accurate detection. However, modern diagnostic tools, including imaging, biomarkers, and automated analysis, offer new perspectives on BRD diagnosis. This review provides a comprehensive exploration of BRD, its existing diagnostic strategies, and the potential of emerging field-based diagnostic technologies for timely and optimal care.Abstract Despite significant advances in vaccination strategies and antibiotic therapy, bovine respiratory disease (BRD) continues to be the leading disease affecting the global cattle industry. The etiology of BRD is complex, often involving multiple microbial agents, which lead to intricate interactions between the host immune system and pathogens during various beef production stages. These interactions present environmental, social, and geographical challenges. Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective disease management. Nevertheless, correct identification of BRD cases remains a daunting challenge for animal health technicians in feedlots. In response to current regulations, there is a growing interest in refining clinical diagnoses of BRD to curb the overuse of antimicrobials. This shift marks a pivotal first step toward establishing a structured diagnostic framework for this disease. This review article provides an update on recent developments and future perspectives in clinical diagnostics and prognostic techniques for BRD, assessing their benefits and limitations. The methods discussed include the evaluation of clinical signs and animal behavior, biomarker analysis, molecular diagnostics, ultrasound imaging, and prognostic modeling. While some techniques show promise as standalone diagnostics, it is likely that a multifaceted approach-leveraging a combination of these methods-will yield the most accurate diagnosis of BRD.