What causes calfhood scours?
There have been a number of agents incriminated as causing calf scours, both bacterial and viral, which can occur singly or in combinations. The most frequent culprit continues to be the enteropathogenic E. coli organism. Although various types of E. coli are normal inhabitants of the intestine, some forms occur that are highly pathogenic (disease producing) resulting in severe scouring and often death. Occasionally, bacteria such as Salmonella and viruses such as IBR virus cause outbreaks or isolated cases of calf diarrhea but their economic impact is minimal in the total industry. Viral diarrheas due to rotavirus or coronavirus are being diagnosed more frequently but at the present time there is no effective vaccine available and prevention through management and hygiene is the most effective measure. Neonatal calf diarrhea is usually seen in calves one week old or less. Diarrhea problems in calves over 1-2 weeks of age are usually caused by agents other than E. coli organisms. Septi
