Antitoxins, also used in preventive treatment, may be given to newborn calves to provide passive immunity similar to that given by colostrum. Some veterinarians recommend the use of toxoid vaccines in young calves. There are limited research results showing this practice as valuable. Other than vaccination, enterotoxemia prevention is generally confined to decreasing exposure to the bacteria and to controlling conditions that might lend themselves to promotion of the disease. Use of clean calving areas or pastures and pairing out of newborn calves and dams to other pastures are practices that limit exposure to Clostridium perfringens and other infections.
Calves obtain the bacteria orally so practices promoting cleanliness are important.
Contamination of teats is an example of a route of exposure. Although difficult to accomplish in all cases, management allowing calves to nurse regularly, and preventing overeating, is helpful. Regular feeding of cows to meet their requirements may also prevent excessive milk production. Calves from heavy milking cows may be more susceptible to enterotoxemia, according to frequent owner observations. It is important to remember that the bacteria, Clostridium perfringens , Type C, is normally found in the gut of cattle as well as in the environment.