Calf Diarrhoea (Scours)

What is calf diarrhoea (scours)?

Scours is diarrhoea in young calves. It is one of the most common reasons calves fall sick or die. The real danger is dehydration, the loss of water and salts from the body, which can make a calf weak very quickly.

Many germs can cause scours, and more than one may be present. In the first days of life, E. coli bacteria are a common cause. Rotavirus, coronavirus and Cryptosporidium (a tiny parasite) are common in the first weeks. Coccidia and Salmonella are seen more in calves a few weeks old. In buffalo calves, a roundworm called Toxocara, passed on through the mother's milk, is another cause. Calves that did not get enough colostrum (the first milk) soon after birth are at higher risk, because colostrum carries the mother's antibodies.

Cryptosporidium and Salmonella can pass to people, so wear gloves, wash your hands after handling sick calves or dung, and see a doctor if you feel unwell.

Signs to watch for

Common signs include:

• Watery, pasty or bloody dung
• A dirty tail and back end
• Not sucking or drinking eagerly
• Sunken eyes and a dry mouth
• Skin that stays tented when pinched
• Weakness or being unable to stand

Not every calf shows every sign. A calf with cold legs and mouth, or one that cannot stand, is in serious danger.

Which lab tests help

Fresh dung, collected early in the illness into a clean, closed container, gives the most useful result. The Calf Diarrhoea Rapid Test (Rotavirus, Coronavirus, Cryptosporidium & E. coli K99) checks for several common germs at once; the exact germs depend on the kit and are confirmed when you book. The Calf Diarrhoea RT-PCR Panel typically covers rotavirus, coronavirus, Cryptosporidium, E. coli K99 and Salmonella, with the exact list confirmed when you book. Cryptosporidium Faecal Antigen (Rapid Test) looks for Cryptosporidium alone.

A Faecal Flotation Test (Worm Eggs & Oocysts) finds worm eggs and coccidia, and a Coccidia Oocyst Count (OPG) shows how many coccidia are present. Stool Culture & Sensitivity can grow bacteria such as Salmonella.

The Calf Passive Transfer Test (Serum IgG / Total Protein) is a blood test that shows whether a newborn calf absorbed enough antibodies from colostrum, and it is most useful in the first days of life. The Colostrum Quality Test (Brix / IgG) checks how rich the colostrum itself is.

A registered veterinarian interprets every result together with the calf's signs and history.

When to see your vet

See your vet promptly for any calf with diarrhoea. A calf that is weak, will not suck, has sunken eyes or cannot stand needs a vet the same day, because dehydration can kill quickly. If several calves are sick, ask your vet about testing them as a group and about prevention for the herd.

Testing in Bhopal

Free sample collection is available anywhere in Bhopal, and Pashupatinath Vet Lab is at C-200, C Sector, Shahpura, Bhopal. From other districts, dung and blood samples can be sent through your local vet, by courier or by bus parcel. Phone or WhatsApp +91 88175 01118 to arrange this. Reports come on WhatsApp, by e-mail and in My Reports on the website.