Shipping fever viruses, also known as bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), are a group of highly contagious respiratory pathogens that mainly affect cattle but can also infect other ruminant animals such as sheep and goats. These viruses belong to the family Paramyxoviridae and can cause severe respiratory disease known as shipping fever or bovine respiratory disease complex (BRDC).
Shipping fever viruses are transmitted through direct contact with infected animals, inhalation of respiratory secretions, or contaminated environments such as feedlots or transport trucks. They primarily target the respiratory tract, causing inflammation and damaging the delicate lung tissue. This weakens the animal's immune system, making it more susceptible to secondary bacterial infections, further exacerbating the illness.
Clinical signs of shipping fever viruses may include increased respiratory rate, coughing, nasal discharge, fever, loss of appetite, and depression. Infected animals often show reduced growth rates and decreased productivity, leading to economic losses in the livestock industry.
Prevention and control of shipping fever viruses involve proper management practices such as quarantine and isolation of infected animals, vaccination programs, good ventilation in barns and transport vehicles, and minimizing stress during transportation, as stress can weaken the immune system and increase susceptibility to respiratory infections.
Effective treatment and control of shipping fever viruses often involve a combination of supportive care, including antibiotics for secondary bacterial infections, anti-inflammatory drugs, and vaccines to boost the animal's immune response. Veterinary assistance is recommended for proper diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies tailored to specific circumstances.
