New device helps veterinarians target treatment of bovine respiratory disease

Merck Animal Health and its subsidiary Allflex Livestock Intelligence announced the release of Whisper On Arrival, which Merck calls “the only precision tool on the market today that predicts which animals will benefit from treatment for the control of bovine respiratory disease.”

The handheld scanner analyzes chest sounds to detect a cow’s risk of developing bovine respiratory disease. It then delivers a “treat” or “no treat” assessment to indicate whether cattle are likely to respond to antimicrobial therapy for BRD control. Whisper On Arrival was developed exclusively for feedlot and backgrounded cattle on arrival, according to Merck.

“The technology has the potential to transform how feedlot managers and veterinarians treat one of the most expensive and prevalent diseases in cattle,” said Paul Koffman, the North America lead at Allflex Livestock Intelligence. “It advances thoughtful antimicrobial stewardship by maintaining the animal health and welfare benefits associated with conventional BRD control practices.

“Providing precision targeting of only those animals that will benefit from antimicrobial treatment can result in a reduction in unnecessary use of antibiotics and a positive impact to the bottom line for producers,” Koffman said.