Neonatal calf scours is the leading cause of calf death globally. Prevention through colostrum management and vaccination dramatically improves calf welfare outcomes.
Neonatal scours causes significant suffering in affected calves including dehydration, weakness, abdominal pain, and inability to stand. Calves experiencing acidosis from dehydration lose consciousness and die in a distressed state without treatment. The entirely preventable nature of most cases through colostrum management makes scours deaths particularly significant welfare failures. Beyond mortality, calves that survive scours often have reduced growth rates and increased susceptibility to future disease, with lasting welfare implications.