With calving, lambing and kidding seasons in full swing, livestock producers should be mindful of diarrhea, commonly called scours in livestock, says Dr. David Fernandez, Cooperative Extension Program livestock specialist at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.
While scours may not sound serious, especially to new livestock producers, young animals are especially susceptible and can die quickly because of rapid dehydration if scours is left untreated, warns Dr. Fernandez. Scours can cause rapid loss of fluids and electrolytes. Young animals may have a hard time getting enough energy because they cannot absorb nutrients. Provide supportive therapy by giving plenty of fluids, oral or injectable electrolytes and glucose or dextrose.
Scours is caused by a variety of organisms – bacterial, viral and microscopic parasites. “Each must be treated differently,” says Dr. Fernandez. Bacteria, such as E. coli can cause watery, yellow scours. Clostridium perfringins releases a toxin whose first sign may be death. Otherwise, sluggishness, abdominal pain and swelling and bloody diarrhea can indicate clostridial scours.
Bacterial scours can be treated with antibiotics. Your veterinarian can help you decide which one would be most effective. Vaccines for E. coli and C. perfringins can be given to adult animals about 30 days before they give birth.
Viruses also cause scours in young animals. Rotoviruses usually cause only a mild case that clears up in a day or two. Coronaviruses take longer to clear up and are more serious. Antibiotics have no effect on viruses. Instead, vaccinate adult animals so they pass their antibodies to their young in the first milk, called colostrum, advises Dr. Fernandez.
Protozoa, such as coccidia and cryptosporidia, are microscopic parasites that invade and damage the intestinal wall. The damage prevents young animals from absorbing nutrients and causes bloody scours. Certain types of cryptosporidia can be transmitted to humans so Dr. Fernandez advises wearing gloves if ranchers suspect their animals of cryptosporidia.