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Bovine Coronavirus: Respiratory and Enteric Welfare

Bovine coronavirus causes both respiratory and enteric disease in cattle. This guide covers welfare impacts and management strategies.

Key Facts

Bovine coronavirus (BCoV) affects both the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts
Calf diarrhoea and winter dysentery in adult cattle are the primary presentations
Respiratory BCoV contributes to the bovine respiratory disease complex in feedlot cattle
Winter dysentery outbreaks cause bloody diarrhoea in adult dairy herds
The virus is widespread — most cattle herds have been exposed
Vaccination is available and reduces disease severity in high-risk situations

Welfare Considerations and Management

Welfare-centred management of BCoV focuses on supportive care and prevention. Enteric BCoV in calves requires oral rehydration and supportive nursing as for other calf scours. Winter dysentery in adult cattle is usually self-limiting but can cause significant welfare impact through dehydration and abdominal pain. Respiratory BCoV is addressed as part of broader BRD management. Vaccination of dams before calving provides passive immunity through colostrum.

What You Can Do

Vaccinate dams pre-calving to provide passive immunity to calves via colostrum
Maintain good colostrum management to maximise passive immunity transfer
Provide supportive care including oral rehydration for affected calves
Maintain strict biosecurity during winter dysentery outbreaks to limit spread