Farm Animal Welfare

Farm Cattle: Rotavirus and Coronavirus Vaccination

Vaccination of pregnant cows against rotavirus and coronavirus prevents neonatal calf scour, one of the most welfare-significant diseases of young calves.

Key Facts

Rotavirus and coronavirus are the leading infectious causes of neonatal calf scour in the first two weeks
Vaccination of dams 6-3 weeks before calving elevates antibody levels in colostrum
Colostrum from vaccinated cows provides passive immunity to calves during the highest-risk period
Combined with colostrum management, vaccination dramatically reduces scour incidence and severity
Electrolyte replacement therapy remains the primary treatment for scouring calves

Welfare Considerations

Neonatal calf scour causes acute welfare harm through dehydration, metabolic acidosis, and pain. Prevention through dam vaccination is more welfare-positive than treating established disease - preventing suffering is always preferable. The combination of effective colostrum management and dam vaccination creates strong passive immunity during the first two weeks when calves are most vulnerable.

What You Can Do

Vaccinate cows 6-3 weeks pre-calving with rotavirus and coronavirus vaccine
Ensure all calves receive adequate vaccinated colostrum within 2 hours of birth
Have oral electrolyte rehydration therapy available for scouring calves
Monitor scour incidence to assess vaccination programme effectiveness
Work with your vet to select and time vaccination appropriately for your system