Diseases affecting newborn calves

Common diseases that affect newborn calves (especially in the first few weeks of life):

Common Infectious Diseases

1. Neonatal Calf Diarrhea

The most common cause of calf mortality.

    •   Causes: E. coli, rotavirus, coronavirus, cryptosporidium

   •  Signs: Watery/yellow diarrhea, dehydration, weakness

   •  Prevention: Timely quality colostrum, hygiene

2. Septicemia

Systemic bacterial infection.

    •   Signs: Extreme weakness, fever or hypothermia, failure to suck

   •   Sometimes through the umbilical cord

3. Neonatal pneumonia

Less common in the first few days but dangerous.

    •   Signs: Cough, difficulty breathing, nasal discharge

   •   Causes: Cold/humid environmental conditions, bacteria and viruses

Diseases related to calving and colostrum

4. Failure of Passive Transfer (FPT)

   •   Caused by insufficient colostrum intake

   •   Causes high susceptibility to any disease

5. Hypothermia

   •   Common in winter or with difficult calvings

   •  Signs: shivering, apathy, decreased suckling

Local problems

6. Omphalitis / Navel Ill

   •   Bacteria enter through the umbilical cord

   •   May develop into sepsis or arthritis

7. Infectious arthritis

   •   Swelling and pain in the joints, lameness

Metabolic/Nutritional Diseases

8. Metabolic Acidosis

   •   Secondary to Diarrhea and Dehydration

   •   Life-threatening without appropriate fluid therapy

Prevention – the most important thing

   •   Giving quality colostrum within two hours of birth

   •   Cleaning and disinfecting the umbilical cord

   •   A dry, clean, draft-free environment

   •   Close monitoring in the first 72 hours

*It is always advisable to consult a qualified veterinarian.