Diarrhoea in newly born ruminants caused by Escherichia coli (E.coli) remains as one of the common conditions of newborns which sometimes leads to death.
E. coli, is a bacterium which naturally resides in the intestines of living organisms and aid in digestion. There are however some strains of E. coli (Enterotoxigenic E. coli and Enteropathogenic E. coli) that cause severe infection especially in the early lives (normally within the first week) of calves and lambs. The infection is sometimes complicated with other pathogens such as Clostridium perfringens and Rota virus.
Enterotoxigenic E. coli release enterotoxins which disrupts the osmotic balance of the gut cells, leading to excess fluid secretion into the lumen of the gut, resulting in diarrhoea.
Enteropathogenic E. coli affect the intestinal lining, leading to ulcers and erosions of the intestinal walls. Some of these strains of E. coli release toxins (verotoxin) which enhance the erosions of the intestinal mucosa leading to hemorrhages.
Clinical Signs
– Diarrhoea (very clear watery stool or bloody)
– Dehydration
– Death
– Lethargy
– Fever
Treatment and Prevention
– Practice good hygiene especially in delivery pens
– Ensure young animals get colostrum especially during the first week of life. Kids (baby goats) are however resistant to this infection.
Affected animals are usually given supportive therapy with antibiotics after sensitivity testing has been carried out.
