Farm Animal Welfare

Cattle Coccidiosis and Calf Welfare

Coccidiosis is a parasitic disease causing severe diarrhoea and welfare problems in young cattle particularly at housing.

Key Facts

Eimeria species cause coccidiosis in cattle calves typically between 3 weeks and 6 months
The disease causes profuse bloody diarrhoea, dehydration and can cause nervous system damage
Risk factors include overcrowding, poor hygiene and stress at housing transitions
Subclinical coccidiosis reduces growth rate without obvious disease signs
Treatment with diclazuril or toltrazuril is highly effective when given promptly

Welfare Considerations

Coccidiosis causes acute and sometimes severe suffering in affected calves. The disease is largely preventable through management improvements including reduced stocking density, improved hygiene and strategic treatment at high-risk periods.

What You Can Do

Implement coccidiosis prevention protocols for calves at housing transitions
Monitor calf pens for diarrhoea and treat promptly when coccidiosis is suspected
Improve hygiene and reduce stocking density to prevent coccidiosis build-up in calf accommodation