Respiratory diseases in food producing animals are not only a health concern for the individual animal but also it is one reason for excessive antibiotic residues entering the food chain; leading to antibiotic resistance. Many of these diseases are primarily viral with secondary Mycoplasma infections which are not responsive to conventional drug therapy. Herbal therapy is the answer for these dilemmas.
This talk will focus on western herbs useful in treating common respiratory diseases in the calf and cow. Although the talk will focus on the bovine, references will be made to small animals and the equine.