Calf Diarrhoea RT-PCR Panel
The Calf Diarrhoea RT-PCR Panel is a dung test that looks for the common germs behind scours in cow and buffalo calves. It typically covers rotavirus, coronavirus, Cryptosporidium, E. coli K99 and Salmonella, and the exact list is confirmed when you book.
- Sample
- Faeces
- Quantity
- As advised
- Report
- Confirmed when you book
- Collection
- Free in Bhopal
What this test checks
- Genetic material of common scour viruses, such as rotavirus and coronavirus
- Cryptosporidium, a tiny parasite that is a common cause of scours in young calves
- E. coli K99, a type of E. coli linked to scours in the first days of life
- Salmonella, a germ that can cause scours, fever and sometimes blood in the dung
- Mixed infections, where more than one germ is found; the exact list is confirmed when you book
Benefits of this test
- Checks for several scour germs from one dung sample.
- Can show mixed infections, which are common in calf scours.
- Helps your vet understand why scours keep coming back in a herd.
- Testing a few sick calves can guide care for the other calves in the group.
- Gives your vet clearer information to plan treatment and calf care with you.
Often discussed at these ages:CalfBuffalo Calf
When your vet may advise it
- A young calf with watery or loose dung, especially in the first weeks of life.
- Several calves in the herd getting diarrhoea at the same time.
- Scours that keep coming back, season after season.
- Calves with blood or mucus in the dung, or with fever.
- Calf deaths from diarrhoea, when your vet wants to know the cause.
About this test
Calf diarrhoea, often called calf scours, is a common and serious problem in young cow and buffalo calves, especially in the first weeks of life. A sick calf passes loose or watery dung and can lose a lot of water and body salts very quickly. This is called dehydration. Signs include sunken eyes, weakness, a cold mouth and not wanting to suck. A calf that is getting weaker needs a vet quickly, because dehydration can kill a young calf.
Several germs can cause scours, and a calf often has more than one at the same time. This is a multiplex PCR panel. PCR (polymerase chain reaction) copies a germ's genetic material, DNA or RNA, many times until it can be detected, and multiplex means the lab looks for several germs in the same dung sample. The panel typically covers rotavirus, coronavirus, Cryptosporidium (a tiny parasite), E. coli K99 and Salmonella. The exact list is confirmed when you book.
The most useful sample is fresh dung from calves early in the illness, before treatment where possible, though a sick calf's care should never wait for the test. Testing more than one sick calf gives a clearer picture. Some of these germs are also found in healthy calves, so a registered veterinarian reads the result together with the calf's age, signs and herd history. Cryptosporidium and Salmonella can pass to people, so wear gloves when handling sick calves or dung, wash your hands well and see a doctor if you become unwell.
How to prepare
Collect fresh dung early in the illness, before treatment where possible, into a clean sealed container while wearing gloves, but never delay a sick calf's care for the test. The lab confirms the method, sample needs and reporting time when you book.
Reading the result
A registered veterinarian reads the result together with the calf's age, signs and herd history. Some of these germs can be found in healthy calves, so a positive result does not always mean that germ caused the scours. A negative result does not always rule infection out, for example if the sample was taken late in the illness or after treatment.
Questions about Calf Diarrhoea RT-PCR Panel
What causes diarrhoea in young calves?
Which germs does the calf scours PCR panel test for?
Can calf diarrhoea germs spread to people?
How do I send a calf dung sample from outside Bhopal?
Before you book this test
Why this notice: so you know, before you book, how a test is done, what its limits are and who is responsible.
- Where it is tested. Some tests are done wholly or partly by an independent partner laboratory. The lab tells you before booking if this test is sent out, and the report names the laboratory that did it.
- What a result can and cannot tell you. No test is right every time. A normal result does not rule out every disease, and an abnormal result does not prove one. A registered veterinarian should read the report with the animal’s signs and history before any treatment is started, changed or stopped.
- The sample. A sample that is clotted, too small, wrongly labelled, leaking or too old may be rejected or reported with a note, and the lab may ask for a fresh one.
- Reporting time. Confirmed when you book. Times are estimates, not guarantees, and the lab confirms the time when you book.
- Emergencies. A booking or a pending report must not delay urgent care. If an animal has collapsed, struggles to breathe, has fits or bleeds heavily, call a veterinarian at once.
Please read our Terms of Service, Medical Disclaimer, Privacy Policy and Refund and Cancellation Policy. Pashupatinath Vet Lab is operated by Duaji Healthcare and Tech Private Limited. This page is general information and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice.
Related tests
Call to confirm
Call to confirm
Call to confirm
Call to confirm
Call to confirm
Lumpy Skin Disease Virus (LSDV) RT-PCR
Skin nodule, scab, swab or EDTA blood
Call to confirm
More RT-PCR tests
Calf Diarrhoea RT-PCR Panel: Bhopal and the big cities of Madhya Pradesh
Free sample collection anywhere in Bhopal. From the other cities, send the sample by courier, bus parcel or through your local veterinarian, and the report comes to you online.
Free collection in these Bhopal areas
Read more
Calf Health in the First Weeks: Colostrum and Lab Tests
A newborn calf gets its first defence against infection from colostrum, its mother's first milk. A blood test and a colostrum check can show whether enough antibodies were taken in.
18 Oct 2026
Calf Scours: Rapid Kits and RT-PCR Panels
Calf scours is diarrhoea in young calves, and the danger is dehydration. A rapid kit on fresh dung can point to rotavirus, coronavirus, cryptosporidium or E. coli K99, and an RT-PCR panel can search more widely. Call the vet first; the tests help find the cause.
18 Oct 2026