Scours Prevention is the Key

SUSSEX, Wis. — Scours is the leading cause of sickness in newborn calves.¹ If producers are not careful, scours can take a toll on their calves’ health and ultimately, the economic health of the dairy farm or calf ranch.

Scours is a disease caused by a variety of pathogens, making it difficult to treat or control. Calves may become sick within the first 24 hours of birth or the symptoms may not be seen for two or three weeks. While most calves can recover through treatment, scours treatments are costly and time consuming. Thus, prevention before birth is a key to protecting calves from this condition.

The following tips from Doug Braun, DVM and senior veterinarian with Pfizer Animal Health, will help keep your calves healthy and help protect them from calf scours.

Scours Prevention Tips

• Cows and first-calf heifers should be vaccinated with two doses of a reputable scours vaccine pre-calving. It is important to always follow label directions to accurately vaccinate at the correct time for both doses.
• It is important to meet the pregnant cow and heifer’s nutrient requirements.
• Reduce stress as much as possible during delivery.
• Pens or pasture should be kept clean and dry during calving and post-calving.
• If an operation has scouring calves, they should be isolated from the healthy animals.
• Additionally, caretakers should always first care for the healthy animals before moving those that are scouring to minimize the risk of transmission from sick to healthy calves.
• Work with a local veterinarian in designing a scours management program that fits in with the overall health protocols of the operation.

Pfizer Animal Health, a business of Pfizer Inc, is a world leader in animal health, committed to providing high-quality, innovative health products, including pharmaceuticals and biologicals, for livestock and companion animals. For additional information on Pfizer cattle vaccines and other cattle health products, visit www.pfizerah.com.