First up in our calf scour series is coccidiosis in calves.
Coccidiosis in calves is usually seen from three weeks to about nine months of age.
Infected calves excrete large numbers of the parasitic oocytes which cause the scour which means that it can passed on very easily to other animals in contaminated environments.
The resistant oocytes can also survive for long periods in housing.
Cattle develop immunity to the condition over time, but young calves with an underdeveloped immune system are most likely to contract the infection especially in a highly contaminated environment.
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Symptoms
- A watery scour
- Calves become dehydrated and weak
- Calves may start to pass blood, shed part of the intestine lining in the scour
- Constant forcing and trying to pass manure
Treatment
Farms with a history of Coccidiosis scour need to be particularly careful due to the nature of the parasite living for so long and the risk of young calves becoming contaminated.
In some instances, calves are routinely dosed with 20-30 ml of Vecoxan as a preventative measure.
Prevention
- Maintain calf housing in a hygienic manner
- Use disinfectants to clean housing after different groups of calves
- Keep calf pens clean, dry and well bedded.
- Isolate infected calves to the reduce risk of the infection spreading
For further advice on any of the above, please contact a member of the Moocall team to speak to some of our breeding specialists on +353 1 96 96 038 or email [email protected]
