Calf Scours Welfare and Prevention

Neonatal calf diarrhea (scours) is the most common cause of death in calves under one month old and causes severe welfare impact requiring prompt intervention.

Key Facts

Rotavirus, coronavirus, Cryptosporidium, and E. coli are the most common scours causes
Scours affects up to 50 percent of dairy calves in some intensive systems
Dehydration and metabolic acidosis from scours are the primary causes of death
Oral rehydration therapy is effective when initiated promptly in alert calves
Vaccination of cows before calving provides passive immunity to calves through colostrum

Welfare Considerations

Calf scours causes acute suffering through painful diarrhea, dehydration, and metabolic disturbance. Severely affected calves become profoundly depressed, unable to stand, and may experience shock-like states before death. Early recognition using the California Scour Score allows prompt oral rehydration before severe deterioration. Aggressive intravenous fluid therapy is required for recumbent calves that cannot swallow. Antibiotic therapy is indicated only for specific bacterial causes and specific presentations; indiscriminate antibiotic use drives resistance. Environmental hygiene through all-in all-out calf housing management and thorough disinfection between batches reduces pathogen load. Vaccination programs are highly effective for rotavirus and coronavirus prevention.

What You Can Do

Implement vaccination protocols for pregnant cows against rotavirus and coronavirus before calving
Monitor calves daily for signs of scours and begin oral rehydration therapy at first signs
Ensure all-in all-out management and thorough disinfection between calf batches
Seek veterinary guidance promptly for recumbent or severely depressed scouring calves