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Cryptosporidiosis
Cryptosporidiosis is a severe intestinal disorder with young calves (1 to 3 weeks, caused by parasites. Cryptosporidiosis usually is seen in combination with a viral or a nutritional diarrhoea. Already shortly after birth, calves can be infected with Cryptosporidum spp. The intestinal wall will be damaged, which causes mild to severe diarrhoea.
Symptoms
- thin diarrhoea, from gruel to watery and/or slimy
- flocks are visibly white/yellow-green in colour
- mixing with blood could occur
- calves are listless (apathetic), have less appetite and will lose weight
- if diarrhoea maintains longer, calves will run the risk of dehydration
By testing the manure it is possible to confirm / determine the diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis.
Treatment
Cryptosporidiosis can be treated well (for example with Halocur or Grabovet). Consult your veterinarian surgeon for giving medication.
It does not kill the parasite, but will have a restraining effect.
Provide extra energy to calves (e.g. through steeped pulp), because the intestines are quite harmed.
A consequent hygience with regard to nutrition and housing is essential in terms of prevention.
It will beak through the cycle of infection on a farm.
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