Calf diarrhoea: Serious concern for calf mortality

Calf diarrhea, also known as calf scours, is a common and concerning condition affecting young calves, particularly in the livestock industry. It is one of the major causes of death in dairy calves and attribute approximately 57% of calf mortality, resulting in economic losses across the world due to high morbidity, mortality and veterinary cost. It is characterized by frequent and watery bowel movements in calves less than three weeks old causing dehydration, decreased appetite and difficulty in standing. In severe cases, calves may suffer from ataxia, acidemia, bacteremia, arrhythmia and hypovolemia leading to death. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections, as well as management and environmental factors.