Research Summary - 2
Assessment of bovine respiratory disease treatment outcomes in stocker cattle following 3- or 6-day post-treatment intervals using pradofloxacin for initial treatment
| Date/Time: |
8/28/2026
17:30
|
| Author: |
Katherine Shirley |
| Clinic: |
Kansas State University |
| City, State, ZIP: |
Manhattan, KS 66506 |
Katherine P. Shirley, BS
1
;
Brad J. White, DVM,MS
1
;
Robert L. Larson, DVM, PhD
1
;
Brian V. Lubbers, DVM, PhD, DACVCP
1
;
Ronald K. Tessman, DVM, PhD, DACVIM, DACVPM
3
;
Chris Cox, DVM
2
;
1Beef Cattle Institute, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506
2Spur Ridge Veterinary Hospital, 901 N. Industrial, Marion, KS 66861
3Elanco Animal Health, Greenfield, IN 46140
Introduction:
Pradofloxacin is approved for the treatment of BRD associated with specific labeled pathogens following consideration of non-fluoroquinolone therapies. In this study, many cattle received a non-fluoroquinolone antimicrobial upon arrival, and pradofloxacin was used in the remaining animals to evaluate its utility in this and similar operations. The number of days between initial and subsequent respiratory disease treatments could impact antimicrobial use and cattle health outcomes; however, an optimal post-treatment interval (PTI) has not been identified for pradofloxacin. The objective was to determine the effect of 3- or 6-day PTI on first treatment failure (FTF), case fatality risk (CFR), chronic risk (CR), and days until death (DTD) following pradofloxacin treatment for bovine respiratory disease (BRD).
Materials and methods:
A randomized controlled trial was conducted at a commercial stocker operation in Kansas. Cattle identified with BRD (n=400) were randomized to a 3- or 6-day PTI and followed for 60 days to monitor health outcomes. Generalized linear mixed effects models were used to determine potential effects of PTI, while accounting for weight, days on feed, and metaphylaxis status on treatment outcomes.
Results:
No differences were detected in FTF, CFR, or DTD between PTI groups. Cattle with a 3-day PTI had a higher probability of CR compared to 6-day PTI (28% ± 6% vs 18% ± 4%, respectively; P= 0.01).
Significance:
This study concluded that cattle assigned to a 3-day PTI have a greater probability of reduced success following initial treatment. Further research is needed to determine the optimal post-treatment window for cattle with BRD treated with antimicrobials.
