Immune Ready is a guideline for the care of sale cattle.
This protects cattle in the preparation, transport and arrival post sale.
Most calf scours are caused by infections with one or more of the following pathogens: Rotavirus, coronavirus, E.coli, Salmonella spp. and Cryptosporidium parvum.
Calves with inadequate colostrum intake are at increased risk of calf scours.
These organisms are transferred by the faeco-oral route. The main source of these infections is carrier cows, sick calves and the environment in which they reside.
The severity of diarrhoea can range from mild and self-limiting to life-threatening. Most calves which die from calf scours do so from dehydration. E.coli infections can result in sudden septicaemia and death. Rotavirus is the most frequently isolated calf scour pathogen in Australia and mixed infections often occur in calves.
Salmonella spp. are included in different vaccines and is discussed separately. No vaccine exists for Cryptosporidium parvum.
Anthrax is a zoonotic disease caused by the bacteria Bacillus anthracis.
Anthrax is transmitted by ingesting spores from soil on contaminated properties. These spores can survive in soil for many years.
The primary sign of anthrax in grazing animals is sudden death, often with bloody discharges from the mouth, nose and anus.
Humans can be affected, usually by infection of open sores when handling infected carcasses, but anthrax can be fatal if the bacterial spores are ingested or inhaled.
Use of the vaccine is regulated and permission from the relevant State or Territory Government Department is required.