Dairy Cattle: Calf Scours and Mastitis Diseases - Case Study Example

Dairy Cattle: Calf Scours and Mastitis Diseases Student’s Name Institutional Affiliation Table of Contents Table of Contents 2 Dairy Cattle: Calf Scours and Mastitis Diseases 3 Calf Scours 3 Introduction 3 Causes of Calf Scours 3 Life Cycle of Disease 5 Infection and Spread of Disease 5 Short and Long Term Symptoms 6 Management of Infected Animals 6 Outcome if Calf Scours is Untreated 7 Treatment of Calf Scours 7 Mastitis 8 Introduction 8 Causes of the Mastitis 9 Mastitis Lifecycle 10 Infection and Spread of Mastitis 11 Short and Long Term Symptoms of Mastitis 12 Managing an Infected Cow in the Herd 12 Outcome if Mastitis is Untreated 13 Treatment 13 Conclusion 14 References 15 Appendix: Types of Dairy Cattle Diseases and Example 16 Dairy Cattle: Calf Scours and Mastitis Diseases Calf Scours Introduction One of the major diseases in dairy cattle is calf scours. It is not described as a disease itself since it has numerous causes. However, calf scours involves increased diarrhea, which is when the intestines of a calf fail to absorb or take up fluid causing secretion to increase in the intestines. The disease affects new born calves within days of their birth. When a calf is born, it has roughly 70% of its body being water. If it starts to diarrhea, this water can reduce resulting in fast dehydration. The rapid dehydration causes increased loss of body salts or electrolytes resulting in a huge change of body chemistry as well as serious depression and eventually fatal death. In Australia, calf scours is among the two major disease challenges in calves with accounting for about 80% of calf deaths. Additionally, According to Nason (2015), calf scours accounts for about $21 million in losses due to treatment, prevention, and production costs. Therefore, calf scours is a serious disease with severe implications of dairy cattle farming in Australia. The following report aims at investigating the causes, management, and treatment of calf scours. Causes of Calf Scours Calf scours is not an individual disease entity, but rather a clinical syndrome associated with numerous diseases described by diarrhea (Hudson & White, 1982). Calf scours can be cause by bacteria, protozoa, and viruses. Additionally, there are non-infectious causes that include nutritional deficiency in pregnant dams as well as lack of proper or suitable environments for rearing calves. The predominant cause of calf scours is bacteria. Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria have been implicated as the predominant cause of calf scours (Hudson & White, 1982). E. coli has been known to cause diarrhea and is always present in a calf’s intestinal tract and usually recognized as the major agent that results to secondary infections from viral agents. This bacterium is described by diarrhea and advanced dehydration. In certain cases, death of the calf may happen hours before diarrhea occurs. For diarrhea to occur, certain E. coli bacteria tend to colonize or attach to the calf’s gut. These bacteria attach using very fine and fuzz protrusions called fimbriae or pili (Hudson & White, 1982). These fimbriae are known to have the K99 antigen and E. coli that have this antigen are known as enterotoxigenic E. coli (E.T.E.C.) (Hudson & White, 1982). These antigens have the ability to create toxins in the calves’ intestines. Other bacteria known to cause calf scours is salmonella. Salmonella an endotoxin or poison inside its cells (Stoltenow & Vincent, 2003). Use of antibiotics destroys the salmonella, thus causing it to release the poison. This poison is powerful and eventually poisons the calf, leading to endotoxin shock and severe sickness. This sickness results in diarrhea, fever, and increased depression. Clostridium perfringens is also bacteria responsible for calf scours (Stoltenow & Vincent, 2003). The Clostridium perfringens is fatal and can lead to death within hours without any symptoms being observed. Different issues such as poor feed or management practices can lead to development of these bacteria. Calves that overfeed on milk offer favorable thriving environments for these bacteria (Stoltenow & Vincent, 2003). Calf scours are also caused by viruses such as Coronavirus and Rotavirus (Stoltenow & Vincent, 2003). These viruses have the capacity to disturb cells located on the small intestine leading to diarrhea as well as dehydration. Additionally, both viruses can lead to activation of bacteria that can also elevate the disease leading to fatal diarrhea when such combined infection occurs (Stoltenow & Vincent, 2003). Other viruses responsible for causing diarrhea and fatal death include bovine virus diarrhea (BVD) and infectious bovine rhinotrachetis (IBR) viruses. (Stoltenow & Vincent, 2003) Lastly, calf scours can be also caused by Cryptosporidium and Coccidiosis protozoa that are parasites with the ability to cause infections leading to diarrhea and severe dehydration. Life Cycle of Disease The main lifecycle of calf scours depends on numerous factors including the major agent involved in the infection. However, most of the bacteria, pathogens, and viruses are passed from the host through its feces during diarrhea. This occurs when all the bacteria, pathogens, and viruses are at an ineffective state. Such as the crypto parasite, but all of them reactivate once ingested through one way or another (Stoltenow & Vincent, 2003). These entire organisms undergo different life stages that lead to exposure to different agents resulting in their spread and release of toxins that cause the infections. The overall lifecycle also involves the nutrition or exposure of the pregnant dam to these organisms. Infection and Spread of Disease New born calves are infected to bacteria such as the E. coli through the environment such as feces of unhealthy cows as well as manure. Such bacteria can find its way to calves that are about 16 to 24 hours old (Moran, 2002). Bacteria such as salmonella can find their way to the host through other human or non-human agents including humans, cats, birds, cattle, water supply, and rodents. Milk or colostrum from infected cows can also lead to infection of the host during feeding. The disease is spread through feces because it results in increased diarrhea. Calves that are exposed to feces from another calf can easily be infected with calf scours. Spread of the disease can also occur due to poor management practices such as feeding calves together or allowing for calves to interact together freely without any precautions. Short and Long Term Symptoms The main symptom of calf scours is discharge of increased fluid as diarrhea. Calves with scours will discharge a large amount of fluid on a daily basis in form of diarrhea. This both a short and long term symptom since it can occur for long if untreated. Additionally, calves with scours illustrate increased dehydration that is a long term symptom. When dehydration occurs, calves illustrate numerous clinical symptoms including mild to severe depression, reduced urine output, tight skin, cold ears, dry nose and mouth, and increased standing time (Moran, 2002). Blood and fibrin traces in calf feces are also a clinical sign of salmonella infections. Elevated or high temperatures may also signify calf scours. Management of Infected Animals If a calf is infected with scours in a large her of cattle, the first step is culling and keeping the calf in a separate area. One should avoid cross-infection by ensuring that they disinfect themselves and their clothes to avoid directly coming into contact with uninfected herds after isolating the infected calf. This area should be based on a conducive and clean environment that includes a dry and disinfected area (Moran, 2002). All the remaining herd should be separated in alternative pens and solid barriers elected to avoid direct contact with infected animals. The second step should be getting rid of all the manure, feces, and urine that the infected animal may have left behind. The isolation of infected calves ensures that other calves are not in risk of being infected. Since this is a disease only prone to calves, it is not increasingly risky to other herds of cattle. Isolated calves should be managed carefully by ensuring that they do not mix with other calves in any way including water and feed administration or through feces and urine contact (Moran, 2002). The remaining herd of cattle should be monitored for any symptoms and address identified cases in the same manner. Overall, all the areas of the herd should be kept increasingly clean through the use of disinfectants to ensure reduced spread of infection. Outcome if Calf Scours is Untreated When a calf is born, it has roughly 70% of its body being water. If it starts to diarrhea, this water can reduce resulting in fast dehydration. Not treating calf scours leads to increased dehydration. This means that if the infection is not managed, the calf continues losing water in form of diarrhea resulting in severe depression and dehydration. The lack of fluids or water in the calves’ body results in a change of chemistry where a lot of salts or electrolytes are lost in the process. The overall outcome is fatal death in most cases if the disease is untreated. Treatment of Calf Scours One of the major diseases in dairy cattle is calf scours. It is not described as a disease itself since it has numerous causes. However, calf scours involves increased diarrhea, which is when the intestines of a calf fail to absorb or take up fluid causing secretion to increase in the intestines. The disease affects new born calves within days of their birth. When a calf is born, it has roughly 70% of its body being water. Despite all the different causes of calf scour, the treatment is similar in all cases. According to Hudson & White (1982), treatment should focus on the rectification of acidosis, dehydration, and electrolyte damage. Additional antibiotic treatments can be offered with dehydration treatment. There are a number of fluids available for overcoming dehydration. Oral fluid therapy often helps to cure scores with additional soluble sources of electrolytes and energy (Hudson & White, 1982). Rehydration of claves should be tested with the toughness of the skin, which is achieved by pinching the animal’s skin. Electrolyte treatment should also be used to replace the salts and vital vitamins and minerals lost through dehydration and diarrhea (Moran, 2002). Different electrolyte treatment options are available in form of soluble powders. Use of baking soda, salt, dextrose and warm water can help in electrolyte treatment (Moran, 2002). Nonetheless, veterinary consultation is significant to understand the best method of treatment and administration of the treatment. During dehydration, most calves may face reduction in body temperature, thus it is important to offer additional heating solutions such as a warm barn while offering electrolyte treatment. Antibiotics are not a necessary treatment, but are used based on the severity of the disease. This is because increased use of antibiotics may lead to increased development of antibiotic resistant disease causing agents. However, they help in preventing further infection during treatment such as pneumonia. Antibiotics should be administered through injection or orally (Moran, 2002). All these steps are effective for ensuring treatment of the calf. Nonetheless, early prediction and treatment can help while delayed identification and treatment may lead to fata death. Mastitis Introduction Mastitis is a disease in dairy cattle that affects the under. It involves inflammation of the cow’s under or mammary glands, which caused by bacteria infection inside the teat canal that move to the udder. The changes that occur can also involve chemical and physical changes to mammary glands usually caused by pathological agents in the tissues. The changes in the amount of somatic cells cause chemical, physical, and microbiological changes to the milk produced by infected cows. Clinical mastitis can therefore influence the manufacturing and composition properties of milk. Mastitis is known to affect approximately 5-10% of dairy cattle in Australia during lactation (Dairy Australia, 2015). This disease is also costly since in every case of mastitis, the farmer incurs about $200 in production loss and $1000 in treatment and control costs (Dairy Australia, 2015). Furthermore, mastitis is also closely linked to reduction in milk production that can result in increased loss of revenue for dairy farmers in Australia. According to Emeritus et al., (2010), cows with mastitis illustrated reduced milk production owing to the physical damage of epithelial cells of infected mammary glands. This in turn results in decrease of secretory and synthetic capacity of the entire gland. Overall, mastitis is a common challenge for dairy cow farmers and requires increased attention to reduce its effects and costs. Causes of the Mastitis Mastitis is caused by bacteria infection in the mammary glands. Staphylococcus aureus is known to be the main cause of chronic mastitis in Australia (Dairy Australia, 2015). S. aureus bacteria reside in mammary glands, teat lesions, and teat canals of infected cows, which can be contagious to other animals (Emeritus et al., 2010). S. aureus causes mastitis by producing toxins that damage cell membranes with the capacity to directly destroy milk-producing cells or tissue (Emeritus et al., 2010. The toxins produced result in an inflammation in the mammary glands. To fight the inflammation or infection, the cow’s white blood cells are attracted or concentrated in the area of the inflammation in an attempt to fight the infection. Primarily, the bacteria destroy membranes and tissue linings in the gland and teats cisterns about a quarter that eventually leads to development of scar tissue (Emeritus et al., 2010. These bacteria then proceed to the duct system and create deep-seated pouches of infection in the alveoli or milk secreting glands. This translates to development of abscesses that block the bacteria to avoid spread, but let the bacteria evade detection by the immune system. The process of abscesses thus prevents treatment options such as antibiotics not to reach the bacteria, which is the main reason this treatment is not always effective (Emeritus et al., 2010. Moreover, bacteria can also fight off antibiotics or other drugs by concealing itself inside white blood cells as well as other host cells. This process of hiding enables some of the bacteria to become dominant, thus avoiding any contact with antibiotics. The white blood cells eventually die after two to three days releasing the bacteria to continue with the infection (Emeritus et al., 2010. During this time, damage to the milk secreting glands and tissue decreases milk production. It also leads to clogged milk ducts that lead to increased scar tissue and infection. This is the main reason that the udder has numerous lumps that are easily detectable. The other bacteria known to cause mastitis are Strep agalactiae, which is located in the gland duct. Unlike the S. aureus, the bacteria do not tend to dwell in areas where pockets of infection can be established. This means that they are not shielded from antibiotics. This makes it very effective to control mastitis caused by the bacteria. Moreover, mastitis can also be caused by Strep uberis that occurs mostly during milking time. Mastitis Lifecycle Mastitis is a highly infectious disease. Its lifecycle is based on the spread of the different bacteria that can cause the disease. Most animals have these bacteria on their udder glands and tracts. This means that they find their way to other animals from contamination of milking tools. This then lead to infection of uninfected cows. The result is mastitis and then the whole cycle repeats itself. As illustrated, the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria can become dormant under certain circumstances and then re-appear to continue with infection (Emeritus et al., 2010. Infection and Spread of Mastitis As indicated earlier, bacteria known to cause mastitis dwell in infected teat canals, udders, and teat lesions (Organicvet, 2015). However, signs of such bacteria have also been found on muzzles, teat skin, and nostrils. Any contact with these areas directly by an animal or indirectly through other environmental, climate, or human agents can lead to any uninfected animal to become infected. The host gets infected once the bacteria come into contact with the udder or teat canals. It finds its way up into the infected host and begins to release toxins. When they come into contact with un-infected animals they tend to multiply and colonize, thus leading to possible infection. Mastitis can be spread through numerous ways. Spreading of the disease predominantly occurs from contaminated milk. Mastitis can be spread through the milkers’ hands, teat cup liners, flies, and washcloths (Emeritus et al., 2010). This occurs mostly during milking time. Un-infected animals can also pick up bacteria from infected animals in the environment. Soil, bedding, water, calving pads, and manure act as hosts for most bacteria including those known to cause mastitis (Dairy Australia, 2015). This means that cows that are housed are at high risks of getting mastitis that grazed cows. Another major way that mastitis spreads is during calving when calves are offered colostrum that is from an infected dam. Overall, milk contamination is the main method that mastitis spreads. Short and Long Term Symptoms of Mastitis The most common type of mastitis is clinical mastitis that is caused by bacteria. However, mastitis can illustrate clinical signs based on the level or severity. Moreover, symptoms also vary based on numerous aspects such as nutrition of the cow, immune system, the pathogen responsible for infection, and environmental factors (hygiene and temperature) (Organicvet, 2015). The common symptoms of mastitis in the short term are inflammation in the udder that causes swelling or lumps. Moreover, the udder also becomes hard, high in temperature, and increased pain while milking (Organicvet, 2015). Another short term symptom is found in milk that illustrates a watery look with blood clots, pus or flakes. Long terms symptoms begin with reduction in milk production and increased body temperature. Infected animals also illustrate sunken eyes and a reduction in their appetite (Organicvet, 2015). Some cases may also include signs of dehydration and diarrhea. Severe cases may illustrate lack of mobility for infected animals. Managing an Infected Cow in the Herd The first step of handling an infected cow is isolating the cow from the rest of the herd. This should be achieved with increased precaution that requires use of gloves and proper protective gear. After isolation, all the materials used such as gloves or hands should be disinfected properly to avoid cross-infection. A farmer should also separate the rest of the herd in another quarter and install solid barriers to avoid contact with the infected cow. Effective treatment should be administered on the infected cow. Segregation or culling has illustrated increased effectiveness in reducing the spread of mastitis in most herds for decades (Emeritus et al., 2010). During milking, the cow should be milked last and separately from the others. This is done to ensure that no flies, human hands, cloths, or water can come into contact with the infected cow before all other un-infected cows are milked (Emeritus et al., 2010). It is also important to disinfect the bans or quarters infected cows are housed to ensure that no further spread occurs through environmental or biological means. After all this is achieved proper treatment protocols and procedures should be followed to ensure that the cow recovers in no time. Moreover, proper consultation should be done with relevant people such as veterinaries to ensure that the right steps are taken to avoid further infection. Outcome if Mastitis is Untreated The outcome of not treating mastitis ranges from the type of mastitis as well as the key pathogen responsible for the infection. Infection by the S. aureus bacteria can lead to fatal death if not treated (Organicvet, 2015). However, some mastitis infection can last with no devastating outcomes. Nonetheless, not treating mastitis leads to poor quality and poor production of milk. In other cases, increased depression, pain, and wounds may result in death or apparent deterioration of health that may cause death. Treatment Mastitis is a disease in dairy cattle that affects the under. It involves inflammation of the cow’s under or mammary glands, which caused by bacteria infection inside the teat canal that move to the udder. The changes that occur can also involve chemical and physical changes to mammary glands usually caused by pathological agents in the tissues. The treatment of mastitis also depends on the causes and level of severity. In this case, the common case of clinical mastitis is treated or managed through antibiotic therapy. Antibiotic treatment or therapy does not necessarily treat mastitis, but it puts it under control. However, it all depends with the level of severity and bacteria reasonable for the infection. According to Organicvet (2015), use of antibiotics of early identified cases can result in a high success rate of eliminating the mastitis causing bacteria. Nonetheless, use of antibiotics on the E. auseres bacteria does not yield any potential benefits since it is shielded away in pocket infections from antibiotics. However, other bacteria such as S. uberis cannot hide away and are effectively eliminated using antibiotics such as penicillin. Use of bacteria is highly encouraged in most cases because it results in reduced milk production as well as contamination of milk, thus cannot be used for consumption. The basic issues related to use of antibiotics means that farmers should seek veterinary advice while applying antibiotics. Another treatment method is the dry cow therapy that involves milking the cow out completely. This achieved by gently squeezing the milk out of the cow until it is dry (Lloyd, 2015). Again, teat end can be smeared or scrapped with alcohol to eliminate any pathogens that may be causing the disease. Other effective elements for smearing on the teat ends are ointments or udder creams those results in effective elimination of antibiotics. Dry cow therapy is effective in ensuring that all the milk is dried out and the udder has a significant amount of time to heal or repair the infected cells, tissues, and membranes (Lloyd, 2015). Conclusion In conclusion, this report has illustrated the common diseases found in dairy cattle in Australia. Moreover, the report has also comprehensively discussed two of these diseases including calf scours and mastitis. This report will be important for understanding the common diseases in Australia, their causes, symptoms, management, and treatment. Moreover, it will be able to illustrate that increased professional or expert is needed in controlling and treating some of these diseases. Overall, the report offers a comprehensive overview of managing calf scours and mastitis in dairy cattle. This report is important for experts and farmers to use in understanding how to effectively manage or understand the important issues related to these diseases. References Dairy Australia, (2015). What is mastitis. Retrieved from http://www.dairyaustralia.com.au/Animal-management/Mastitis/What-is-Mastitis.aspx Emeritus, Jones, G.M., Mullarky, I.K. & Wolfe, P., (2010). Staphylococcus aureus Mastitis: Cause, Detection, and Control. Retrieved from https://pubs.ext.vt.edu/404/404-229/404-229.html Hudson, D. & White, G., (1982). Calf Scours: Causes, Prevention and Treatment. Retrieved from http://livestocktopics.wsu.edu/Presentations/Beef%20Information%20Series/Scours%20Moore/NebGuide%20g269.pdf Lloyd, J., (2015). Mastitis and Udder Health in Australia. Retrieved from http://www.chinchillavet.com.au/ServicesInfo/Cattle/MastitisandUdderHealth/tabid/18862/Default.aspx Moran, J., (2002).Calf Rearing: A Practical Guide. Collingwood, Australia: Landlinks Press. Nason, J., (2015). Which diseases have the biggest impact on Australia’s beef cattle industry? Retrieved from http://www.beefcentral.com/production/which-diseases-have-the-biggest-impact-on-australias-beef-cattle-industry/ Organicvet, (2015). Mastitis. Retrieved from http://www.organicvet.co.uk/Cattleweb/disease/mast/mast1.htm Stoltenow, C.L. & Vincent, L.L., (2003). Calf Scours: Causes, Prevention and Treatment. Retrieved from https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/ansci/beef/as776.pdf Appendix: Types of Dairy Cattle Diseases and Example Disease Example 1 Example 2 Example 3 Example 4 Respiratory Bluetougue Fog fever TB BVD Reproduction Abortion Bovine anemia Brucellosis Cystic ovaries Metabolic Acetonemia Fatty liver Rumen acidosis Youngstock Calf diphtheria Calf scour Calf pneumonia Joint III OIE Reportable Anthrax IBR Rift Valley Fever Foot and Mouth Eyes Photosensitization Mange New forest eye pyrexia Skin and feet Digital dermatitis Foot rot Ring worm Rain scald Enteric Liver fluke Johnes Gut worms bloat Udder Mastitis Pseudo cowpox Summer mastitis Ulcerative mammillitis Neurological Acorn poisoning Nitrate poisoning Rabies Tetanus Zoonoses Salmonella Leptospirosis Listeriosis TB Read More