This disease is best controlled by vaccinating the cows with Clostridium perfringens toxoid 60 and 30 days before calving. A single booster dose of toxoid should be given annually thereafter before calving. If this problem is diagnosed in calves from nonimmunized cows, antitoxin can be given to the calf. Administration of antitoxin and oral antibiotics is the only treatment that is effective. Other Causes of Scours Coccidiosis.
Coccidiosis is caused by one-celled parasites that invade the intestinal tract of animals.
There are many species of coccidia. Two, Eimeria zurnii and Eimeria bovis , are usually associated with clinical infections in cattle. Coccidiosis has been observed in calves 3 weeks of age and older, usually following stress, poor sanitation, overcrowding or sudden changes of feed. It often occurs in calves 7 to 14 days after they are moved from the calving lots onto pasture. Clinical coccidiosis is diagnosed by finding significant numbers of parasites in the feces.