Comparison of a Remote Early Disease Identification (REDI) System to Visual Observations to Identify Cattle with Bovine Respiratory Diseases

Background Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is the most common disease in the beef industry, and diagnosis based on visual observation of clinical signs is challenging. Cattle may alter behavior when diseased and technology exists to remotely monitor these behavioral changes. The objective of this study was a preliminary assessment of the ability of a remote early disease identification system (REDI) to identify cases of BRD compared to a trained observer. Methods Eighty cross breed bull calves (239 ± 19 kg) were used to evaluate potential differences in the two BRD diagnosis modalities. Bulls were randomly assigned to one diagnostic modality, and were then treated for respiratory disease only when that modality called them sick and their rectal temperature was above 40° C. Agreement and accuracy between the two diagnostic modalities were