Calf Scours

Calf scours, or diarrhea, is caused by bacterial, viral and/or parasitic infections. Newborn dairy and beef animals are vulnerable to calf scours because they are subject to many stresses during the first few hours of life when their immune systems aren't fully developed. Fluid loss due to calf scours results in dehydration and often, death. Animals that survive calf scours often remain weak and perform poorly throughout their lives.

Causes of calf scours include coronavirus, rotavirus, K99 E. coli bacteria or Clostridium perfringens Type C. Management of the cow, calf and the environment are essential in preventing calf scours. The best way to prevent calf scours is to vaccinate the pregnant cow with Scour Bos™, so she can pass protection on to the calf through her antibody-bolstered colostrum. Or, if the dam hasn't been vaccinated, or quantity or quality of colostrum is low, producers can help prevent calf scours caused by K99 E. coli and Clostridium perfringens Type C by giving Bovine Ecolizer®.

Learn more about calf scours in beef cattle.

Learn more about calf scours in dairy cattle.