Calf Scours A Problem In Some Herds

We and our colleagues in private practice are now seeing scours in young calves across the region. As with most other baby animals, calves are susceptible to diarrhoea, which can be fatal if untreated.

Young calves without vigour or body reserves are especially vulnerable.

Scours can strike calves unexpectedly, but it is sometimes a recurring problem.

It usually affects calves more severely later in the season. This is in part because the causative bugs build up in the environment after calving and partly because calves dehydrate more quickly in warmer weather.

While several different organisms cause diarrhoea in young beef calves, in our region we find that the most common culprits are rotavirus and cryptosporidia (a protozoan), often together.

Regardless of the cause, badly affected calves become dehydrated, weak and may die.

Some of the microorganisms that cause diarrhoea in calves can also affect people.

Cryptosporidia for example can cause temporary, unpleasant diarrhoea in adults in good health but can be much more dangerous to children or those with a compromised immune system.

Wear gloves when treating calves and ensure that you wash and leave contaminated clothing outside.

If calf scours is a recurring problem, Coopers Rotavec Corona Calf Scour vaccine may help. It covers two strains of rotavirus and corona virus, plus E. coli and Clostridium perfringens types C and D.

• Topics:
• Agriculture / Farming
• Rural Roundup