Rotavirus
· Rotavirus is the biggest animal health issue facing newborn calves.
Rotavirus affects calves less than 3 weeks old and is spread by infected calves shedding large quantities of the virus.
Calves affected have a pale yellow brown rancid smelling scour.
Confirm with a lab test or conside test D4T The key to managing an outbreak is early identification, separating affected calves and treating with electrolytes.
Vaccination of cows prior to calving and ensuring calves get adequate colostrum helps prevent an outbreak.
Spray the shed every 3-4 days with a viricide solution throughout the risk period.
Regular cleaning of all surfaces with a steam cleaner will reduce the incidence markedly.
Rotavirus is the biggest animal health issue facing calf rearers with some experiencing death rates as high as 30%. It can be devastating and demoralising. The virus is persistent in the environment, and can remain infectious for many months at room temperature. It can withstand low temperatures and high humidity on non-porous surfaces like plastic and concrete.
