FieldDxBovine neonatal colibacillosisClinical signs, differential diagnosis, treatment and prevention in cattle.
Overview
A common cause of septicemia and death in newborn calves, especially those with inadequate colostrum intake. Escherichia coli, entering via the digestive tract, umbilicus or respiratory tract.
Clinical signs
- Sudden onset of profuse liquid faeces.
- Rapid depression and recumbency.
- Loss of more than 12% of body weight as fluid within hours.
- Normal to subnormal body temperature.
- Progression to hypovolaemic shock.
- Death possible within 12-24 hours.
Predisposing factors
- Failure of passive transfer of colostral immunity.
- Calves under 3-5 days old.
- Poor environmental conditions.
- Too little colostrum, or colostrum of poor quality.
Treatment
- Oral electrolyte solutions with glucose and amino acids, given early.
- Intravenous fluids for recumbent calves: hypertonic sodium bicarbonate, then a balanced solution.
- Keep feeding milk alongside, for energy.
- Parenteral antimicrobials if the calf is systemically ill.
- NSAIDs for pain and inflammation.
Drugs mentioned: Sodium Bicarbonate
Prevention
1. Get adequate colostrum into the calf within 2 hours of birth. 2. Vaccinate pregnant dams to raise colostral antibody. 3. Give newborn calves monoclonal F5 (K99) antibody. 4. Keep maternity and calf-rearing areas separate. 5. Maintain strict hygiene.
Source
MSD Veterinary Manual — Diarrhea in Neonatal Ruminants (enterotoxigenic E. coli / enteric colibacillosis) (accessed 2026-07-31)
Condensed and attributed, never reproduced whole. Open the full entry in the app.