The importance of detecting subclinical cases of bovine respiratory disease

摘要

Early diagnosis remains key in limiting the impact and spread of infection however this is often difficult in the absence of clinical signs. Efficient farming systems are those in which animal growth and performance are maximised and infectious diseases are under control. Many Irish farms suffer the economic impact of subclinical disease especially in young stock. Many cases go undetected until animals are slaughtered, and lung lesions are observed during the post-mortem process. Illustrating the presence of subclinical infections can be a major challenge to veterinary practitioners and encouraging action to alleviate its effects is difficult. The use of modern imaging techniques may be a useful tool for veterinarians in highlighting the incidence of lung damage present in young stock groups.