Farm Animal Welfare

Cattle Calf Scour Prevention and Management

Calf scour (neonatal diarrhea) is the leading cause of calf mortality and welfare compromise, with prevention strategies now well established.

Key Facts

Calf scour causes dehydration, metabolic acidosis, and death in severe cases
Rotavirus, coronavirus, cryptosporidium, and E. coli are the most common causative agents
Colostrum immunoglobulin transfer is the most important preventive measure
Dam vaccination with scour vaccines reduces rotavirus and coronavirus challenge in newborn calves
Early oral rehydration therapy prevents progression from mild to life-threatening disease

Welfare Considerations

Calf scour causes significant suffering through dehydration, weakness, and pain. The tools to prevent most cases through vaccination, colostrum management, and environmental hygiene are available and proven.

What You Can Do

Support cattle farms with structured scour prevention programs
Advocate for scour prevention standards in calf welfare certification
Choose dairy and beef from farms with documented low calf scour mortality