Drought conditions drive increase in respiratory illness reports in ND cattle herds

BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) - Dry, windy conditions across North Dakota have created health challenges for state cattle herds this summer, prompting a noticeable increase in reports of a respiratory illness known as dust pneumonia.

Pictures coming out of the western and northwestern parts of the state this year have looked more like the 1930s Dust Bowl, with heavy dust storms thick enough to block out the sun in the middle of the day. This extreme dust, combined with persistent heat and drifting wildfire smoke, has created a hazardous environment for livestock.

North Dakota State University Extension Veterinarian Dr. Jake Galbreath said the agency has seen an increase in dust pneumonia cases this year, particularly in the hardest-hit drought zones.

“Most of the time when we talk about dust pneumonia, we typically expect to see it mostly in dry lot settings,” Dr. Galbreath explained. “But this year, because of the dry conditions, we’re seeing it out in pastures as well, just because of how dry things have been getting.”

The disease begins when heavy dust particles overwhelm a cow’s natural respiratory defenses. Normally, mucus and tiny hairlike cilia trap and eliminate dust. But constant exposure to high levels of dust causes severe inflammation and irritation in the lungs, leaving the animal vulnerable to secondary bacterial and viral infections.

Young calves are especially at risk because their immune systems and lungs are not yet fully developed.

Dr. Galbreath noted that cattle in general are physically vulnerable to respiratory stress because their lung capacity is incredibly small relative to their overall body size. Because they have very little reserve lung function, even a minor amount of inflammation can quickly lead to severe health complications or death.

The threat to North Dakota herds will not simply fade away as summer transitions into autumn. With the fall harvest and weaning seasons fast approaching, active field work is expected to kick up significant amounts of dust, keeping the respiratory risk high for months to come.

Dr. Galbreath urged producers to take active steps to mitigate dust exposure and protect their herds. This includes using sprinklers to knock down dust in feeding pens, utilizing bedding and avoiding unnecessary vehicle traffic on roads upwind from cattle. Working cattle slowly and using low-stress handling techniques is also vital, as stressed animals breathe faster and inhale more dust.

Maintaining herd hydration is another line of defense. Dr. Galbreath strongly advised producers to test their water sources. As summer heat evaporates these water sources, harmful elements like nitrates, sulfates and total dissolved solids become highly concentrated and dangerous. Extension agents are available across the state to help ranchers conduct water quality testing and establish treatment protocols with their local herd veterinarians.