Understanding Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR): A High-Stakes Threat to Herd Health

By Jennie Eilerts

Published: November 29, 2021

Few cattle diseases can spread as quickly—or cause as much damage—as Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR). Particularly dangerous in high-density settings like feedlots or dairies, IBR is a highly contagious viral disease that impacts both respiratory and reproductive health. Its ability to move swiftly through a herd and trigger serious complications makes it one of the most concerning illnesses cattle producers face.

What is IBR?

IBR is caused by Bovine Herpesvirus Type 1 (BHV-1), a virus that spreads rapidly through direct contact and airborne secretions such as saliva, nasal discharge, and tears. It can affect cattle of any age, but calves are especially vulnerable—partly due to their natural tendency to lick surfaces and each other, which increases the chances of exposure.

The disease is a major contributor to respiratory infections, including pneumonia, and can also cause significant reproductive issues such as infertility and spontaneous abortion.

Symptoms of IBR

Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR) develops quickly and should be treated as an acute condition—meaning it strikes fast and can escalate rapidly with little warning. Once the virus enters the herd, it can spread through nasal secretions, coughing, and shared equipment, making close monitoring essential. It’s especially important to watch for signs during high-stress periods such as weaning, transport, commingling, or after introducing new animals. These stressors can suppress immune function and create the perfect conditions for viral outbreaks. Recognizing the early signs of IBR can make a big difference in minimizing spread and reducing the impact on overall herd health.

Common clinical signs of IBR include:

Fever: Often one of the first indicators that something is wrong.
Loss of appetite: Sick animals may stop eating, leading to energy depletion and rumen imbalance.
Excessive salivation: May resemble bloat or choking but is often a sign of mouth and throat irritation from viral inflammation.
Red, inflamed nose with heavy mucus: Known as “red nose,” this symptom often includes crusting and discharge around the nostrils.
Watery, irritated eyes: Cattle may show excessive ocular discharge, squinting, or sensitivity to sunlight.
Labored or difficult breathing: Respiratory effort may increase, with audible sounds or open-mouth breathing in more advanced cases.
In severe cases, coughing and pneumonia-like symptoms may follow, especially when IBR is complicated by secondary bacterial infections.

Early detection and immediate isolation of symptomatic animals are critical to preventing a full-blown outbreak. Fast action protects the rest of the herd, reduces stress-related setbacks, and helps contain the virus before it spreads further.

Preventing IBR in Your Herd

The most effective way to prevent Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR) is vaccination. This highly contagious virus can spread rapidly through direct contact, making proactive immunization critical to protecting the health of your entire herd.

Vaccination: Your First Line of Defense

A strong vaccination program helps reduce the severity of symptoms and limits the virus’s ability to spread. While no vaccine offers total immunity, vaccinated cattle are significantly less likely to experience serious illness. Work closely with your veterinarian to determine:

The right vaccine type (modified live or killed)

The best timing for administration, especially for calves and pregnant cows

Whether boosters or combination respiratory vaccines are needed

Be cautious with modified live vaccines in nursing calves—they can potentially shed virus to pregnant cows, causing reproductive complications.

Other Prevention Measures

While vaccines are your best protection, these additional steps help reduce stress and exposure risk:

Implement biosecurity protocols: Quarantine new or returning animals
Maintain a clean environment: Especially during calving and weaning
Support the immune system: Ensure cattle have access to clean water, quality nutrition, and balanced minerals
Minimize stress: Transport, weather shifts, and handling can suppress immunity

Protect Your Herd Before the Virus Hits

Once IBR enters your herd, it can spread fast—especially in tight quarters like feedlots or dairies. A solid vaccination plan is your strongest defense against this aggressive respiratory and reproductive threat.Preventing Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR) starts with a proactive, whole-herd health management strategy. Because IBR is highly contagious and often triggered or worsened by stress, prevention hinges on minimizing risk factors, supporting immune function, and maintaining consistent vaccination protocols.

Vaccination is the cornerstone of IBR prevention. Work with your veterinarian to build a vaccination schedule tailored to your herd’s age groups, breeding status, and exposure risk. While vaccinated animals may still contract the virus, symptoms are typically milder, and transmission is reduced. For young calves, timing is critical—some modified live vaccines may not be suitable for nursing calves, as they could pose a risk to pregnant cows through viral shedding.

Biosecurity also plays a major role. Quarantine new or returning animals, limit unnecessary commingling, and maintain clean equipment and facilities. Keeping stress to a minimum—especially during transport, weaning, or extreme weather—can help support immune function and reduce susceptibility to infection.

Finally, nutritional support and hydration are essential in giving cattle the resources they need to mount a strong immune response. Balanced minerals, consistent water access, and a low-stress environment all contribute to keeping IBR out of the picture—and your herd healthy and productive.

The immune-boosting properties of CattlActive® can help to increase vaccine efficacy and strengthen the body's own immune response to pathogens such as IBR. Learn more about CattlActive® by visiting our Learning Center.

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