Look Out for Signs of Coccidiosis This Summer

Both sheep and cattle farmers are being warned of the risks of coccidiosis in young stock this summer. Coccidiosis can affect calves and lambs. Although the main risk period for lambs is over by June most are affected at 4-8 weeks of age the Vecoxan Coccidiosis Survey 2009 found that cases were reported as late as 12 weeks of age, just as the lambs are approaching finishing. This can be significant economically, with weight gain adversely affected, even in the absence of obvious signs of disease, although there is often visible evidence of scouring.

The disease is less seasonal in calves, and it is commonly accepted that calves also tend to be affected at 4-8 weeks of age, but the survey found that the disease more frequently tends to peak at 12 weeks of age. The respondents to the survey indicated that dairy calves were most at risk, with 22% first affected at 12 weeks of age, but beef calves can also be affected at this later stage. For producers of spring born calves this might be a significant consideration this summer.

Although coccidiosis tends to be a year round problem in calves, farmers should be on the look out for the disease 14-21 days after typical stressor events, such as castration, weaning and turn out on to pasture. The survey identified that a sudden bout of bad weather was the most common stressor.

Vecoxan can be given to calves and lambs at any age and does not interfere with the development of immunity. Nearly all animals will be exposed to the parasite but they suffer adverse effects if exposed to high parasite numbers or if they become more vulnerable due to lack of colostrum or other stress factors that impair immunity. Calves and lambs can be treated at an early age if there is a known pattern of disease on the farm or given timed treatment relating to risk factors most commonly 14 days after the risk to stop the 21-day parasite lifecycle in its tracks. Failure to treat early may provide some explanation for the late appearance of the disease in some cases.

Vecoxan contains diclazuril 0.25% w/v Legal Category POM-VPS

Further information about Vecoxan and coccidiosis is available from Janssen Animal Health, 50-100 Holmers Farm Way, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP12 4EG Tel 01494 567555 Fax 01494 567556 Email: ahealth@jacgb.jnj.com

Advice of the use of this or alternative medicines should be sought from the medicine prescriber.

For full contraindications and warnings please refer to the SPC