Colibacillosis and Colisepeticemia in Newborn Calves: Towards Pragmatic Treatment and Prevention

Abstract

Diarrhea is the most perturbing disease in dairy and beef industries worldwide, leading to significant rates of morbidity and mortality as well as economic losses. The objective of this review article was to delineate the pathophysiology and practical biology of colisepticemia in neonatal calves. Preventive and therapeutic protocols were also presented and discussed from a new integrative perspective. Notably, the situation can be the most deleterious in case diarrhea turns into septicemia. Under such circumstances, the mortality rate may be remarkably high and hard to control. Escherichia coli (E. coli) is an invasive and opportunistic bacteria causing severe diarrhea (colibacillosis) and colisepticemia in newborn calves. Colisepticemia is commonly prevalent in 2-5 days old calves, and colostral immunity is considered the first defensive line against E. coli infection. In addition to colostrum feeding quality and management, other management factors, such as dry cow nutrition and welfare, newborn calf welfare and nutrition, housing system, sanitation protocols, as well as early identification and treatment of sick calves, are important in preventing colisepticemia. In conclusion, understanding the mechanism of action and transmission routes of pathogenic E. coli will provide scientific and practical insight to plan preventive and therapeutic protocols decisively and successfully.