Bacterial Causes of Intestinal Disease in Dairy Calves: Acceptable Control Measures

Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract. 2022 Mar;38(1):107-119. doi: 10.1016/j.cvfa.2021.11.008.

Abstract

Although diarrhea in dairy calves is common, it is not always due to bacteria. Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and Clostridium perfringens are the most commonly implicated bacteria, but an etiologic diagnosis should be sought before specific treatment is instituted. Nonspecific treatment such as fluid, electrolyte, and nutritional support should be accomplished while diagnostics are pending. Antimicrobials should not be a first-line therapy for calf diarrhea. Control measures are discussed.

Keywords: Antibiotic; Clostridium perfringens; Dairy calf; Diarrhea; E coli; Salmonella.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cattle
  • Cattle Diseases* / microbiology
  • Cattle Diseases* / prevention & control
  • Diarrhea / microbiology
  • Diarrhea / veterinary
  • Escherichia coli
  • Escherichia coli Infections* / microbiology
  • Escherichia coli Infections* / prevention & control
  • Escherichia coli Infections* / veterinary
  • Feces / microbiology
  • Intestinal Diseases* / veterinary