By Jamie Martin
Dr. Kevin Fenton, a veterinarian and rancher in Stigler, Oklahoma, has dedicated nearly 30 years to preventing bovine respiratory disease (BRD), one of the cattle industry’s most costly illnesses. With his wife, Dr. Jennifer Fenton, he operates Fenton Animal Clinic and Fenton Cattle Company, guiding ranchers in proactive herd health.
Strong immunity begins at birth. Calves need colostrum within four hours to receive protective antibodies. Vaccination programs follow, ensuring long-term defense. Fenton recommends PYRAMID® vaccines for young calves and booster shots before and after weaning. “The main thing we try to emphasize with our cattle clients is to be in control of the situations that we can actually be in control of, whether it’s biosecurity or implementing a proactive preventive-medicine protocol,” said Dr. Fenton.
Fenton also urges ranchers to test for bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV). Persistently infected calves can spread disease within an hour of contact, weakening immunity and making BRD harder to control. Removing infected animals protects the rest of the herd and improves market value.
Rapid action is critical when BRD appears. Symptoms may not show until illness is advanced, so Fenton and industry expert “It costs us more money than any of the other animal health diseases that we deal with, as far as the beef cattle segment is concerned,” said Dr. Wade. “What we’re trying to figure out are the best ways to battle against bovine respiratory disease, so that we can actually stay ahead of it.”
By focusing on prevention, strong immunity, testing, and early treatment, Dr. Fenton demonstrates how proactive care lowers disease risk, protects cattle health, and supports ranch profitability across the United States.
Photo Credit: istock-dusanpetkovic
Categories: National