Synonyms

No known synonym

Name of the disease in English

Escherichia coli (STEC-AEEC) dysentery of calves

The disease in brief

Dysenteries are hemorrhagic diarrheas that can be caused by many agents: viruses (coronavirus, BVD), salmonella, Clostridia. Some strains of colibacilli also cause this form of diarrhea:

-Strains carrying Shiga toxin (=Shiga Toxin Eschericia coli =ETEC) which cause hemorrhagic colitis in calves and uremic syndromes in humans. 

- strains capable of attaching to the intestinal wall and destroying intestinal cells (attachment & effacing E. coli=AEEC), without producing enterotoxins.

AEEC or STEC strains that can be transmitted to humans, hygienic precautions must be taken by the breeder and his family when the presence of these strains is proven.

In practice, we can encounter associations of different AEEC, STEC strains with ETEC, sometimes with viruses… These colibacilli can play a role in diarrhea in the 2nd week of the calf's life (VX12.1) or in the 2nd fortnight of the calf's life (VX23).

Clinic & diagnosis

This disease is suspected by observing hemorrhagic diarrhea in calves whose average age is in the 2nd week or 2nd fortnight of life.

Typical sign of the disease

No description

Pictures

See below

Diagnostic formulas

No description

Differential diagnosis

-VX11.1 coronavirus calf diarrhea

–Mixed diarrhea in the 2nd week of life of the calf:INFO -VX12.1

-Breda virus diarrhea-Torovirus N322

Confirm a suspicion?

To characterize these strains, send them to the laboratory.

Prognosis and treatment

1-Rehydration and transfusion: Anemic calves may be subject to a maternal blood transfusion (1 to 2 liters). Control of hydration and acid-base balance is the key to success; an assessment is made in the general condition section: The volume and composition of the infused fluid are defined either by clinical examination alone or by laboratory assessment.

-2-Antibacterial/general route: The risk of bacteremia is greater in these calves with dysentery, which justifies the inclusion of general antibiotics in the treatment.

3-Antidiarrheal-antibacterial/oral route: also if the bacteria remains in the intestine.

4-Feed the calf: Continue breast feeding if appetite is there with a good sucking reflex.

Prevention

Prevention is well founded  on good colostral intake; there is no specific vaccine or specific immunoglobulins.

References

Rebhun's disease of dairy cattle; Various DJs, Peek SF 3^rd edition by Ed. Saunders Elsevier