Which strategy best reduces the risk of shipping fever in cattle?

• A. Delayed vaccination until clinical signs appear
• B. Vaccination and management to reduce stress
• C. Isolation after recovery
• D. Increase crowding and stress

Answer: (B)

Shipping fever risk rises when cattle are stressed and exposed to respiratory pathogens. Vaccination helps by priming the immune system to common BRD agents, so animals can mounting a quicker, more effective defense before exposure or early during infection. Coupling vaccination with management that reduces stress—such as careful handling, less crowding, smooth transport, proper nutrition, ventilation, and minimizing mixing unfamiliar groups—lowers both the chance of infection and the severity if exposure occurs. Together, these strategies address both the trigger (stress) and the target (respiratory pathogens), making them the most effective approach.

Delaying vaccination until clinical signs appear misses the opportunity to prevent disease. Isolation after recovery does not prevent an initial infection or protect others during exposure, and increasing crowding and stress would raise the risk rather than reduce it.