Rotavirus question

[it's not over]

If I took a sample of dung from a healthy calf will it contain rotavirus

 

[livestock 1]

If I took a sample of dung from a healthy calf will it contain rotavirus

It should do. The results may come back negative though even if it is rotavirus. I took six lots years ago before I got a positive result.

 

[it's not over]

Would it be correct that even if a scour sample comes back containing various amounts of rotavirus, it may have a different type of scour

 

[livestock 1]

Would it be correct that even if a scour sample comes back containing various amounts of rotavirus, it may have a different type of scour

Yes tests can often be negative when they shouldn’t be
There can be numerous things that can cause scour

 

[Stinker]

My scour samples have always been positive for rotavirus. Spent years trying to prevent it with vaccines etc without any luck. Used halocur which is meant for crypto and the problem goes away just like that. For some reason the scour samples never came back positive for crypto.

 

[Sandpit Farm]

I’d expect to see Rotavirus in lots of samples. It think it is opportunistic isn’t it. It’s looking for a way in to infect a calf with a substandard immune system. If you can make sure your colostrum management is right (3 litres in 6hrs and another 2 within 12) and try to feed transition milk for 5 days, that will definitely help. This is because it contains way more solids and, most importantly, less lactose than a milk powder. Young calves are lactose intolerant so if their immune system is hit, the lactose sugar can support bacteria in their intestine causing a scour. I know I’m preaching to the converted but feeding clean transition milk in the face of a scour should help.


Worth looking at the calf environment and make sure there aren’t draughts. Best way to shut down a calf’s immune system is to make it direct its resources to keeping warm instead of making antibodies.

(I’m no expert but pick a few bits up).

 

[livestock 1]

I use rotovac for anything that calves inside as a precaution. From December to April.
Im often criticised for the cost but I think it’s worth it’s money