We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Dr. Jim Lowe, DVM, MS, Dip ABVP (Food Animal) and Dr. Brian Aldridge, BVSc, MS, PhD, Dip ACVIM (Large Animal), MRCVS

Respiratory disease continues to be one of the greatest sources of loss, and hence lack of sustainability, to livestock production systems around the world. In this course, we will explore the factors that contribute to respiratory disease in livestock systems and practical tools to limit its impact on food system sustainability. We will review the basics of respiratory physiology, immunology, and pathology along with how the commensal, symbiotic and pathogenic microorganisms interact in food production ecosystems to prevent or promote respiratory disease.

Enroll now

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Orientation
You will become familiar with the course, your classmates, and our learning environment. The orientation will also help you obtain the technical skills required for the course.
Read more

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Activities

Coming soon We're preparing activities for Respiratory Disease Control and Sustainable Livestock Production. These are activities you can do either before, during, or after a course.

Career center

Learners who complete Respiratory Disease Control and Sustainable Livestock Production will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Animal Health Veterinarian
An Animal Health Veterinarian provides comprehensive medical care to livestock, focusing on preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases that impact animal welfare and productivity. This role is highly correlated with the course "Respiratory Disease Control and Sustainable Livestock Production" as it directly addresses crucial aspects of veterinary practice. The course’s exploration of respiratory physiology, immunology, pathology, and pathogen interactions provides a robust foundation for understanding livestock health challenges. Furthermore, the detailed study of therapeutic management, including antimicrobial selection and pharmacokinetic principles, is directly applicable to an Animal Health Veterinarian's daily work. Learners will acquire practical tools to limit disease impact and enhance food system sustainability, which is vital for success in this demanding field. An advanced degree, typically a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, is usually required for this position.
Animal Health Research Scientist
An Animal Health Research Scientist designs and conducts studies to advance understanding of animal diseases, develop new diagnostic tools, or improve treatments. This role is strongly correlated with the "Respiratory Disease Control and Sustainable Livestock Production" course. The curriculum provides a deep dive into respiratory physiology, immunology, and pathology, which are fundamental to scientific inquiry in animal health. By exploring pathogen interactions, disease complexes, and diagnostic assays, the course offers critical insights for designing effective research protocols. Additionally, understanding therapeutic management, including pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic principles, is invaluable for developing and testing new interventions. This comprehensive foundation helps build the analytical and scientific thought processes essential for an Animal Health Research Scientist. A Master's or PhD degree is typically required for this research-intensive career.
Veterinary Pathologist
A Veterinary Pathologist specializes in diagnosing diseases by examining tissues and bodily fluids, often working in laboratories to identify the causes and progression of illnesses in animals. This critical role benefits immensely from the insights offered in the "Respiratory Disease Control and Sustainable Livestock Production" course. The course provides a foundational understanding of respiratory physiology, immunology, and pathology, which are essential for a Veterinary Pathologist to accurately interpret diagnostic samples. It also delves into how pathogens cause disease, cell tropisms, and the specific tools for understanding what pathogens are present, including diagnostic assays and sample collection techniques. This specialized knowledge is indispensable for precise disease identification and contributes significantly to sustainable livestock health management. An advanced degree, typically a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine followed by specialized training or a PhD, is often required.
Animal Health Pharmaceutical Researcher
An Animal Health Pharmaceutical Researcher is dedicated to discovering, developing, and testing new medications and vaccines to combat diseases in livestock and companion animals. The "Respiratory Disease Control and Sustainable Livestock Production" course provides a highly pertinent foundation for this specialized career. The course delves deeply into therapeutic management of infectious respiratory disease, with a strong focus on antimicrobial selection informed by pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic principles. Understanding how host immune status and tissue pathology influence treatment outcomes, alongside considering management strategies to support host defenses, is crucial for developing effective pharmaceuticals. This detailed exploration of disease mechanisms and treatment modalities will help build the scientific expertise essential for an Animal Health Pharmaceutical Researcher. A Master's or PhD degree is often required for this research-intensive field.
Diagnostic Laboratory Scientist Animal Health
A Diagnostic Laboratory Scientist Animal Health performs tests on animal samples to identify diseases, pathogens, and other health indicators, providing essential information for veterinarians and public health officials. The "Respiratory Disease Control and Sustainable Livestock Production" course offers core knowledge for this precise and vital role. The course details how to understand what pathogens are present, covers diagnostic assays, and explains effective sample collection techniques. Furthermore, the review of respiratory physiology, immunology, and pathology provides the scientific context necessary for interpreting test results accurately. Understanding how microorganisms interact in food production ecosystems to prevent or promote respiratory disease is directly applicable to developing and refining diagnostic strategies. This course will help build the practical and theoretical knowledge required for a successful Diagnostic Laboratory Scientist Animal Health. A Master's degree is often preferred for this position.
Livestock Production Manager
A Livestock Production Manager oversees the daily operations of a farm or facility, focusing on animal health, welfare, productivity, and the economic viability of livestock enterprises. The "Respiratory Disease Control and Sustainable Livestock Production" course offers highly relevant knowledge for this position. This course directly addresses how respiratory disease is a major source of loss and a challenge to sustainability in livestock systems. Learning about factors contributing to respiratory disease, practical tools to limit its impact, and management strategies to support host defenses and promote recovery will equip a Livestock Production Manager to implement effective health protocols. Understanding both individual and population-level disease contexts helps ensure efficient and sustainable animal-source food production, which is a core responsibility of this role. While not always strictly required, a Master's degree in animal science or a related field can be very beneficial.
Epidemiologist Animal Health
An Epidemiologist Animal Health investigates the patterns, causes, and effects of diseases in animal populations, playing a crucial role in disease prevention and control strategies. The "Respiratory Disease Control and Sustainable Livestock Production" course offers highly pertinent knowledge for this analytical role. The course explores the factors that contribute to respiratory disease in livestock systems and discusses how to limit its impact, which are core epidemiological questions. Furthermore, understanding therapeutic management within "population-level contexts" is directly applicable to designing disease surveillance programs and intervention strategies. The study of how pathogens interact to create disease complexes provides a framework for understanding disease dynamics, which is essential for an Epidemiologist Animal Health to analyze outbreaks and inform public health decisions. A Master's or PhD degree is often required for this field.
Microbiologist Animal Health
A Microbiologist Animal Health studies microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, that affect animal health, focusing on their identification, characteristics, and disease mechanisms. The "Respiratory Disease Control and Sustainable Livestock Production" course offers highly relevant insights for a Microbiologist Animal Health. It explicitly explores how commensal, symbiotic, and pathogenic microorganisms interact in food production ecosystems to prevent or promote respiratory disease. The course delves into the pathogens involved in respiratory disease of livestock, how they cause disease, and what tools are available to understand their presence. This detailed examination of microbial ecology and pathogenesis provides a strong scientific foundation, directly applicable to identifying disease agents and developing control strategies in animal populations. A Master's or PhD degree is often required for this research-focused profession.
Public Health Veterinarian
A Public Health Veterinarian works at the intersection of animal, human, and environmental health, focusing on zoonotic diseases, food safety, and overall community well-being. The "Respiratory Disease Control and Sustainable Livestock Production" course is highly relevant to this profession, as it directly addresses concerns regarding food safety and a wide range of public health issues linked to animal-source food production. By comprehensively exploring animal disease in farmed livestock and its impact on the sustainability and security of food systems, the course provides critical context. Understanding how pathogens interact in food production ecosystems to prevent or promote disease, along with therapeutic management at population levels, is crucial for a Public Health Veterinarian dedicated to safeguarding both animal and human populations. An advanced degree, typically a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, often complemented by a Master of Public Health, is usually required.
Biosecurity Officer
A Biosecurity Officer develops and implements protocols to prevent the introduction and spread of diseases within agricultural facilities, laboratories, or borders. The "Respiratory Disease Control and Sustainable Livestock Production" course offers highly practical and foundational knowledge for this critical role. The course explores factors that contribute to respiratory disease in livestock systems and focuses on practical tools to limit its impact. By reviewing how microorganisms interact in food production ecosystems and discussing management strategies that support host defenses, the curriculum directly informs biosecurity practices. Understanding disease complexes and therapeutic management at population levels enables a Biosecurity Officer to design and enforce robust prevention and control measures, thereby protecting both animal welfare and economic sustainability in livestock operations.
Agricultural Consultant
An Agricultural Consultant advises farmers and agricultural businesses on optimizing production, improving sustainability, and managing challenges such as animal disease. The "Respiratory Disease Control and Sustainable Livestock Production" course is relevant for individuals aiming to become an Agricultural Consultant. This course directly addresses the sustainability and security concerns surrounding animal-source food production systems, providing knowledge on how animal disease impacts these areas. By exploring practical tools to limit the impact of respiratory disease and reviewing management strategies at both individual and population levels, the course equips learners with actionable advice. This understanding allows a consultant to guide clients toward more resilient and economically sound livestock practices, making a tangible difference in agricultural operations. While not strictly required, a Master's degree in a relevant agricultural field can be very beneficial.
Food Safety Specialist
A Food Safety Specialist works to ensure that food products meet safety standards, prevent contamination, and protect public health throughout the food supply chain. The "Respiratory Disease Control and Sustainable Livestock Production" course is relevant for those considering a career as a Food Safety Specialist. The course highlights "food safety" as a key concern related to animal disease in farmed livestock and discusses how microorganisms interact in food production ecosystems. Understanding the factors that contribute to respiratory disease in livestock systems and practical tools to limit its impact on food system sustainability provides a critical foundation. This perspective helps a Food Safety Specialist appreciate the origins of potential contaminants and implement preventative measures in animal-source food production. A Master's degree in food science, public health, or a related field is often preferred for this role.
Agricultural Extension Agent
An Agricultural Extension Agent educates farmers and the public about best practices in agriculture, including animal health, crop management, and sustainable farming techniques. The "Respiratory Disease Control and Sustainable Livestock Production" course is relevant for an Agricultural Extension Agent, as it addresses a significant challenge in livestock farming. By exploring factors that contribute to respiratory disease and practical tools to limit its impact, this course equips agents with actionable knowledge to share. Understanding management strategies to support host defenses and promote recovery in livestock allows them to guide producers toward healthier and more sustainable practices. This course will help build the expertise needed to effectively communicate and implement strategies for improving animal welfare and economic viability in farming communities. A Master's degree in animal science, agriculture, or a related field can be very beneficial.
Animal Health Policy Advisor
An Animal Health Policy Advisor develops and recommends policies related to animal disease prevention, control, and welfare, often working with government agencies or international organizations. The "Respiratory Disease Control and Sustainable Livestock Production" course may be helpful for individuals aspiring to be an Animal Health Policy Advisor. The course raises concerns regarding the sustainability and security of animal-source food production systems due to animal disease, providing a foundational understanding of the challenges policy aims to address. Practical tools to limit disease impact and management strategies at population levels offer insights into effective interventions. Understanding the economic importance of animal-source food production and public health issues provides the broader context necessary for shaping informed and impactful animal health policy. A Master's degree in public policy, veterinary public health, or a related field is often beneficial.
Animal Welfare Specialist
An Animal Welfare Specialist advocates for and improves the treatment and living conditions of animals, often working with farms, shelters, or research institutions. The "Respiratory Disease Control and Sustainable Livestock Production" course may be useful for an Animal Welfare Specialist, as it directly addresses "animal welfare" as a key concern associated with animal disease in farmed livestock. Understanding the basics of respiratory physiology, immunology, and pathology, along with how disease impacts animals, provides a crucial scientific foundation for advocating for better animal health practices. While the course primarily focuses on disease control, the knowledge gained about the causes and effects of respiratory illnesses helps to inform strategies for reducing animal suffering and improving overall welfare. A Master's degree in animal science, ethics, or a related field can be beneficial for this role.

Reading list

We haven't picked any books for this reading list yet.
Covers all aspects of goat production, including breeding, nutrition, health care, housing, and marketing. The author has extensive research experience in goat nutrition and physiology.
This comprehensive textbook comprehensively covers all aspects of poultry science from genetics and nutrition to production and disease control.
The book provides comprehensive coverage of the science of animal welfare, including topics such as animal sentience, stress, and pain.
This classic textbook provides a thorough grounding in the principles of animal nutrition, including the chemistry of feedstuffs, nutrient digestion, metabolism, and requirements.
This Pulitzer Prize-winning book explores the ongoing extinction crisis and its causes, highlighting the profound impact of human activity on biodiversity. It provides a crucial understanding of the ecological consequences of unsustainable practices. is important for deepening understanding of the environmental challenges related to sustainability and is often recommended as essential reading on biodiversity loss.
This classic work explores the environmental limits to economic growth and the need for sustainable development, providing valuable insights into the challenges facing our planet.
Focuses on the economic aspects of sustainability, examining the costs and benefits of different approaches to environmental protection and sustainable development.
Offers a comprehensive overview of sustainable development, covering its history, key concepts, and practical challenges. Written by a leading economist, it provides valuable insights into the economic dimensions of sustainability and the role of policy. It can serve as a core textbook for undergraduate and graduate programs, offering a solid foundation for understanding the multifaceted nature of sustainable development. It useful reference for exploring various aspects of the topic.
This groundbreaking book presents a comprehensive plan for reversing global warming, offering a roadmap for a sustainable future.
Also known as the Brundtland Report, this publication landmark document that popularized the concept of sustainable development. It provides a comprehensive overview of the interconnected environmental and development challenges facing the world. This report is essential reading for gaining a broad understanding of the definition and scope of sustainable development as widely accepted internationally. It crucial reference for understanding the historical context of sustainability policy.
Takes a systems approach to sustainability, examining the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and economic systems and providing a framework for understanding complex sustainability challenges.
Examines the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their implications for sustainability, providing a practical guide to implementing these goals across different sectors.
This foundational text is crucial for understanding the origins of the modern environmental movement and its connection to sustainability. It provides essential background knowledge on the impact of human activity on the environment, particularly the dangers of pesticides. While not a recent publication, its historical significance and clear articulation of ecological principles make it valuable prerequisite reading for anyone studying sustainability. It highlights the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the need for careful consideration of our impact.
Offers a critique of conventional economics and advocates for a more human-scale, decentralized, and environmentally conscious approach. It provides a valuable perspective on alternative economic models that align with sustainability principles. While first published in the 1970s, its ideas remain highly relevant for discussions on sustainable development and serve as important additional reading to broaden understanding beyond mainstream economic thought. It challenges readers to consider the social and environmental impacts of economic systems.
This innovative work introduces the concept of cradle-to-cradle design, which aims to eliminate waste and create products that are safe for both humans and the environment.
Understanding systems thinking is crucial for comprehending the complex and interconnected nature of sustainability challenges. provides a clear and accessible introduction to the principles of systems thinking and how they can be applied to environmental and social issues. It is highly recommended as foundational reading to develop a holistic perspective on sustainability. It serves as a valuable tool for analyzing the root causes of unsustainable practices and designing effective interventions.
This influential book argues that sustainability can be profitable and that businesses can play a key role in creating a more sustainable future.
This comprehensive guide provides a thorough overview of the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and economic systems, exploring the challenges and opportunities of sustainability.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser