Calf Scour
Diarrhoea or calf scour can be a major cause of poor growth and mortality in all herds.
Many organisms can cause diarrhoea and identifying the causal agent can aid in the
treatment and prevention of scour. The following are some of the main causes of diarrhoea
in young stock.
Rotavirus - A very common cause of diarrhoea in calves. Usually affects calves aged 8-14
days, and as with most scour occurs in housed animals. Diarrhoea is yellow/green, and
calves may quickly deteriorate with depression, collapse, dehydration and death.
Coronavirus - Is less common than rotavirus but can be more serious. Calves can be affected
up to 20 days old. Weakness, depression, recumbancy and dehydration all occur with death
in many cases.
E Coli - Affects very young calves, 1-3 days of age. It progresses rapidly from yellow/white
diarrhoea to collapse, bloated appearance, dehydration and death.
Cryptosporidium - A parasite which strips the lining of the intestines. Calves usually affected
between 10-21 days housed in groups. Produces a yellow/green diarrhoea with lots of
mucus.
Salmonella - Affects young calves usually with concurrent diseases such as joint/naval ill or
pneumonia. Characterised by the presence of blood and mucus.
Coccidiosis - This usually affects groups of older calves. Mortality is low but affected calves
may pass blood and mucus with profuse faecal staining. Appetite and growth are reduced.
Treatment
The corner stone of treatment of scour in young calves is rehydration.
 If the calf is still standing and suckling, oral rehydration is key. Alternate between
milk/colostrum and oral electrolytes until diarrhoea has resolved.

If the calf is unwilling to suck, stomach tubing can be performed but only a couple of
times as sucking should come as the calf improves.

If the calf is collapsed, intravenous fluids are essential - call us immediately.

Antibiotics may sometimes be used to address secondary bacterial infections, as
well as anti-inflammatories at the discretion of the vet.
Some specific causes of diarrhoea requires targeted treatments (Coccidiosis,
Cryptosporidium), therefore diagnosis is important.

Prevention and Control
Vaccinate - Passive immunity from vaccinated dams can be essential. Rotavec Corona
vaccine given 12-3 weeks prior to calving offers good protection against rotavirus,
coronavirus and E. coli.
Make sure calves receive adequate colostrum - Four litres within the first six hours with 2
litres being given immediately after birth.
Supply clean, dry bedding - Ensure that housing is well bedded, thoroughly cleaned and
disinfected prior to new calves entering. Pay particular attention to feeding hygiene and
areas surrounding feed buckets etc.
Avoid overstocking - Disease establishes more rapidly as bedding and the environment
become contaminated.
For any more information or more specific advice relating to your farm, please contact the
practice.