As we come to the end of spring calving and look back at the patterns of disease over the period, two things stick out. In cows, it is the still very high incidence of E coli mastitis; in calves, the high incidence of cryptosporidia scour.

E coli mastitis has nothing to do with cell count, rather it is an environmental problem. It generally strikes within two or three days before calving, or in the early post-calving period.

Early detection is essential; if missed by a day, then the cow could be lost due to toxaemia. It is characterised by general appearance of sickness, a swollen quarter and sometimes a scour. Immediate, appropriate treatment is required, including fluid therapy intravenously and/or orally. If got in time, the affected quarter might be saved.

Prevention is totally dependent on good hygiene in the pre-calving and calving areas; pens cannot be cleaned often enough.

As for cryptosporidia, it is caused by a tiny parasite that can be picked up in the environment and from older cattle. It can easily be carried on boots, clothing, etc.

A feature of cryptosporidium is its ability to multiply rapidly in the host, leading to a potentially rapid spread of infection through a farm. In our practice, all cases of calf scour are subjected to a quick test which indicates the cause of scour. This is essential in prescribing a treatment. However, all scours need oral electrolyte treatment, which should always be the first line. We find that cryptosporidia is involved either alone or in combination with another pathogen in about 80% of cases.

Again, hygiene at calving and in the early days of life is all important, including not mixing baby calves with older calves and the provision of clean, dry bedding of deep straw to keep the calves up off the ground.

If one has a confirmed outbreak of cryptosporisiosis, embark on a treatment programme of giving Halocur daily for the first seven days. It is not a total cure, but helps in stopping the explosive nature of infectiveness. However, it is time consuming and quite expensive.

Fintan Graham is principal in a three-vet practice in Mountrath, Co Laois.