Neonatal Health in Calves - Comprehensive solutions for complex enteric disorders

Barcelona, Spain, 8-9 June 2009

Veterinary scientists and practitioners from across Europe converged on Barcelona this month [8/9 June 2009] to discuss the challenges presented by complex enteric disorders in calves and the latest knowledge on disease control.

A two-day technical symposium – chaired by Professor Etienne Thiry of the University of Liege Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Belgium and facilitated by Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health – gave more than a hundred delegates from 19 countries the opportunity to debate a variety of study reports and practical papers presented by many of the leading scientists working in the field of neonatal calf health.

The comprehensive programme covered pathogenesis of complex enteric calf disease, faeces sampling and clinical diagnosis, epidemiology, effective prevention – through sound hygiene practices, dam vaccination and good colostrum management – and the merits of various treatment regimes.

Dr Birgit Makoschey – global technical lead, ruminant biologicals with Intervet/Schering-Plough – said the company was delighted to be able to collaborate with Professor Thiry to bring so many leading experts together and put them alongside practitioners to bring focus to one of the most costly disease complexes affecting the European cattle industry. Commenting on the conclusions from the presentations and the lively panel discussions, she said:

“Enteric disorders in calves continue to cost European cattle producers millions of Euros, but gradually we are developing a much better understanding of the various pathogenic causes of the disease. And with improved diagnostic techniques now available and the development of effective vaccination and treatment regimes, clinicians are now much better placed to help calf rearers minimise the potential impact of calf diarrhoea on their units.”

Pointing out that early calf care was the key to unlocking lifetime gains from both beef and dairy cattle, Dr Makoschey stressed that Intervet/Schering-Plough remained committed to continued research into enteric calf disease.

“Giving practitioners the knowledge, diagnostic techniques and disease management tools to really make a difference to calf care on farm is a key priority for Intervet/Schering-Plough. The calf represents the entire output of a beef suckler cow and the future for the dairy farm and it is vital that these newborn animals get the best possible start in life,” she said.

Neonatal Health in Calves - Comprehensive solutions for complex enteric disorders

Click on above image for a full sized picture of the symposium participants