Molecular Detection and Genetic Characterization of Bovine Kobuvirus (BKV) in Diarrhoeic Calves in a Central Italy Herd

Bovine kobuvirus (BKV) is an infectious agent associated with neonatal calf diarrhoea (NCD), causing important economic losses to dairy and beef cattle herds worldwide. Here, we present the detection rate and characterize the genome of BKV isolated from diarrhoeic calves from a Central Italy herd. From January to December 2021, we collected blood samples and nasal and rectal swabs from 66 calves with severe NCD between 3 and 20 days of age. After virological (bovine coronavirus, bovine viral diarrhoea virus, and bovine rotavirus), bacteriological (Escherichia coli spp. and Salmonella spp.), and parasitological (Cryptosporidium spp., Eimeria spp., and Giardia duodenalis) investigations, we detected BKV using the metagenomic analysis. This result was confirmed using a specific polymerase chain reaction assay that revealed the number of BKV-positive nasal (24.2%) and rectal swabs (31.8%). The prevalence of BKV was higher than that of BCoV. Coinfection with BKV and BCoV was detected in 7.5% of the rectal swabs, highlighting the involvement of another infectious agent in NCD. Using next generation sequencing (NGS) approach, it was possible to obtain the complete sequence of the BKV genome from other two rectal swabs previously analysed by real-time PCR. This is the first report describing the whole genome sequence (WGS) of BKV from Italy. The Italian BKV genomes showed the highest nucleotide sequence identity with BKV KY407744.1, identified in Egypt in 2014. The sequence encoding VP1 best matched that of BKV KY024562, identified in Scotland in 2013. Considering the small number of BKV WGSs available in public databases, further studies are urgently required to assess the whole genome constellation of circulating BKV strains. Furthermore, pathogenicity studies should be conducted by inoculating calves with either only BKV or a combination with other enteric pathogens for understanding the probable role of BKV in NCD.

Bronchopneumonia with interstitial pneumonia in beef feedlot cattle: Characterization and laboratory investigation.

Bronchopneumonia with interstitial pneumonia (BIP) has been considered a variant of acute interstitial pneumonia (AIP) rather than a distinct disease. This study compared 18 BIP, 24 bronchopneumonia (BP), and 13 AIP cases in feedlot beef cattle. Grossly, BIP cases typically had cranioventral lung lesions of similar morphology and extent as BP cases, but the caudodorsal lung appeared overinflated, bulged on section, and had interlobular edema and emphysema. Gross diagnosis of BIP had 83% sensitivity and 73% specificity relative to histopathology. Histologic lesions of BIP in cranioventral areas were of chronic BP, while caudodorsal lesions included alveolar and bronchiolar damage and inflammation, interstitial hypercellularity, and multifocal hemorrhages. In BIP cases, cranioventral lung lesions were more chronic than caudodorsal lesions. Histologic scores and microbiology data were comparable in cranioventral lung of BIP versus BP cases and caudodorsal lung of BIP versus AIP cases, with differences reflecting a more chronic disease involving less virulent bacteria in BIP versus BP. Mycoplasma bovis infection was similarly frequent among groups, and a viral cause of BIP was not identified. Lesion morphology and similar blood cytokine concentrations among groups argued against sepsis as a cause of lung injury. Surfactant dysfunction was identified in BIP and BP, and was only partially the result of protein exudation. These and other findings establish BIP as a distinct condition in which chronic cranioventral BP precedes acute caudodorsal interstitial lung disease, supporting a role of chronic inflammation in heightened sensitivity to 3-methylindole or another lung toxicant.

Vaccination of calves at day of birth with attenuated vaccines against bovine respiratory syncytial virus, bovine parainfluenza type 3 virus and respiratory bovine coronavirus

/ Summary Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) is a major cause of calfhood mortality. Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus (BRSV), Bovine Parainfluenza 3 Virus (BPIV3), Bovine Herpes Virus-1 (BHV-1), and Bovine Corona Virus (BCV) are major pathogens in BRD outbreaks. The importance of early protection of newborn calves is undoubted. The BRD vaccines licensed in Europe can be applied from one or two weeks of age onwards. We have investigated the safety and immunity of a commercial intranasal live BRSV-BPIV3 combination vaccine and a live-attenuated BCV vaccine (in development) in calves at day of birth. In the safety study the calves were revaccinated two weeks after the first vaccination. In the efficacy studies, the calves were experimentally infected with field isolates six days (BRSV, study #2), seven days (BPIV3, study #3) and five days (BCV, study #4), post vaccination. Animals were monitored for any adverse effects of the vaccination and clinical disease following the challenge infection. Samples were collected and tested for RNA specific for the respective vaccine and challenge viruses. Fourteen days after the BRSV challenge infection, the animals in study #2 were euthanized and a necropsy was performed. The frequency and degree of symptoms of abnormal health observed in the safety study, were comparable to those observed in older animals after vaccination with the same vaccines. Mild to moderate signs of upper respiratory tract disease (URTD) were the predominant clinical signs after challenge infection. The average scores in the vaccinated groups were lower in the control groups, but the differences did not reach significance. Moreover, the virus load in nasal swabs was significantly lower in the vaccinated group as was the BCV virus load in rectal swab samples taken from the vaccinated animals. From the four studies it can be concluded that the vaccines used in these studies can be applied from the day of birth onwards.

Cluster analysis of bovine respiratory disease (BRD)-associated pathogens shows the existence of two epidemiological patterns in BRD outbreaks.

A hierarchical cluster analysis was used to classify outbreaks of bovine respiratory disease (BRD; n = 156) in natural groups according to the detection of nine pathogens (parainfluenza 3 virus (PI-3), bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), bovine coronavirus (BCV), bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), and bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV-1), Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, Histophilus somni, and Mycoplasma bovis. Pathogens were detected by individual q-PCRs. Two clusters were identified. Cluster 1 was characterized by a relatively high frequency (40-72%) of four BRD-associated viruses, supporting their primary involvement in BRD. Cluster 2 was characterized by frequencies of PI-3, BRSV, or BVDV below 10% each. P. multocida and M. haemolytica were detected with high frequencies in both clusters (P > 0.05), while M. bovis and H. somni showed a significantly higher frequency in cluster 1and 2, respectively. Outbreaks in cluster 1 were associated with preweaning calves younger than 5 months (OR 2.2; 95% CI 1.1-4.5) and with cold months, whereas cluster 2 was associated with fattening calves older than 5 months after arrival to feedlots and without any seasonality. Thus, in addition to the classic epidemiological BRD pattern characterized by the primary involvement of viruses occurring preferably during winter and affecting young calves, there is a second pattern in which viruses would be less relevant, affecting mainly calves older than 5 months at any time of the year. This study allows a better understanding of the BRD epidemiology, which can be useful when implementing management and prophylaxis measures for a better control of this disease.

Abundance of selected bacterial groups in healthy calves and calves developing diarrhea during the first week of life: Are there differences before the manifestation of clinical symptoms?

Background: Diarrhea is still the most common and economically most significant disease of newborn calves. Objective: Analysis of the development of selected bacterial groups in the feces of neonatal calves and its significance regarding diarrhea. Animals: A total of 150 newborn Simmental calves reared in 13 Bavarian farms were included in the study. Methods: Fecal samples of calves taken at 0/6/12/24/48/72/168 hours (h) since birth were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, such as Enterobacteriaceae, E. coli, enterococci, and lactobacilli, using cultural, biochemical, and molecular-biological methods. Concurrently, the health status of the animals was recorded. The bacterial levels of healthy and diarrheic animals were compared using statistical methods. In addition, feces samples from calves that developed diarrhea were examined by ELISA for the presence of rotaviruses, coronaviruses, E. coli F5, and Cryptosporidium (Cr.) parvum. Results: Fifty-seven out of 150 calves (37.3 %) that were examined developed diarrhea within the first week of life. In the feces of calves with diarrhea on day 1 of life, the levels of aerobes, Enterobacteriaceae, and E. coli were significantly increased (p < 0.05), while no significant differences in enterococci and lactobacilli were found. In animals with the onset of diarrhea on day 2 after birth, the load of lactobacilli was significantly reduced up to 24 h before the manifestation of clinical symptoms compared to healthy calves. For enterococci, this was only the case on the day of the onset of diarrhea. In addition, the ratios of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae or E. coli to lactobacilli, of calves with diarrhea starting on day 2 after birth are significantly higher than those of healthy calves. The detection frequency of specific pathogens in diarrheic calves increased over the first week of life. Conclusion: The results suggest that the incidence of neonatal diarrhea in calves is favored by low levels of lactobacilli in the feces. From this, the hypothesis can be derived that, in addition to an optimal supply of colostrum, the earliest possible administration of lactobacilli might reduce neonatal diarrhea in calves. However, this must be verified in a subsequent feeding experiment.

Pathogen-oriented approaches for neonatal calf diarrhea

Neonatal calf diarrhea (NCD) is the leading health concern in calves during the first weeks of their lives. In this narrative review, the potential for pathogen-oriented approaches for NCD is discussed. The literature on NCD clearly shows substantial differences in spread and characteristics between the major NCD pathogens, making pathogen-oriented approaches possible, justifying the use of etiological diagnostics. For enterotoxic Escherichia coli, colostrum delivery and dam vaccination, biosecurity around calving and antimicrobial therapy are key. Both for bovine coronavirus (BCV) and bovine rotavirus (BRV), biosecurity and disinfection, dam vaccination in combination with adequate and prolonged colostrum delivery are the essentials. However, a different focus concerning biosecurity is necessary given the airborne spread of BCV and higher environmental persistence of BRV. For an effective Cryptosporidium spp. control, the use of disinfectants that kill oocysts is crucial. Evidence supporting the prophylactic use of halofuginone lactate to reduce shedding and diarrhea, is available, but in terms of biosecurity, attention should be placed on the proper use of this product. In case of a Salmonella enterica outbreak, antimicrobial use remains important, and biosecurity wise, attention should be paid to shedding of periparturient cows in the calving pen and administration of infected colostrum. Both for S. enterica and cryptosporidiosis, farm staff should be informed on how to protect themselves against these zoonotic infections. Nutritional factors play an additional role within NCD. Improper nutrition management can induce diarrhea or can further enhance infectious NCD through osmosis or dysbiosis. In conclusion, the suggested pathogen-oriented approaches can aid to economize labor and financial investments, limit the environmental impact of NCD control and prevention and valorize tailor-made farm advisory work.

Investigation of hemogram, oxidative stress, and some inflammatory marker levels in neonatal calves with escherichia coli and coronavirus diarrhea.

Calf diarrhea is the most common disease affecting calves in the neonatal period resulting in economic losses. Although predisposing factors play a role in the etiology of the disease, in most cases, different pathogens are involved in the development of the infection. In this study, hemogram data, glutathione and malondialdehyde levels were examined to determine lipid peroxidation and glutathione levels in E. coli- and coronavirus-infected calves. Serum amyloid A and calprotectin levels were also analyzed to determine inflammatory status. The study included a total of 45 female Montofon calves aged 0-1 week, including the E. coli group (15 calves), the coronavirus group (15 calves), and the control group (15 calves). Analysis revealed that total leukocyte, neutrophil, lymphocyte, malondialdehyde, serum amyloid A, and calprotectin levels increased in the coronavirus-infected calves compared with the E. coli group and the control group. In contrast, the levels of glutathione, one of the antioxidant markers, decreased. In conclusion, the main findings related to the determination of inflammation and oxidative status were characterized by the presence of E. coli and coronavirus diarrhea, and it is suggested that future studies may be guided by the fact that inflammatory conditions are higher in viral disease than in bacterial infection.

Evaluation of immunochromatographic point-of-care tests for the detection of calf diarrhoea pathogens in faecal samples

We have evaluated the diagnostic performance of immunochromatographic point-of-care tests (POCT) for the detection of rotavirus, coronavirus, Escherichia (E.) coli F5, Cryptosporidium (C.) parvum, Clostridium (Cl.) perfringens and Giardia (G.) intestinalis in fresh and thawed faecal samples from calves aged up to six months with diarrhoea. We performed POCTs to detect rotavirus, coronavirus, E. coli F5, C. parvum, Cl. perfringens and G. intestinalis on fresh samples in a field study and re-evaluated the performance for C. parvum, Cl. perfringens and G. intestinalis using thawed samples. We calculated the performance based on the results of the reference methods, which were RT-qPCR for the detection of rota- and coronavirus and bacteriological culturing and PCR to detect E. coli F5 and Cl. perfringens a and ss2 toxins. C. parvum was detected by phase-contrast microscopy and G. intestinalis by immunofluorescence microscopy. We collected 177 faecal samples from diarrhoeic calves. We found good performance for the POCT targeting rotavirus (sensitivity (SE)=92.9%;specificity (SP)=95.6%) and C. parvum (SE=63.3%;SP=96.2%). For E. coli F5, the number of true positive samples (n=1) was too low to evaluate the performance. The POCT to detect coronavirus gave a poor performance (SE=3.3%;SP=96.6%) and the POCT to detect Cl. perfringens a moderate performance (SE=52.8%;SP=78.2%). G. intestinalis POCT showed a higher sensitivity to immunofluorescence microscopy in thawed than in fresh faecal samples (SE=43.9% versus SE=29.2%). There are substantial differences in diagnostic performance between the commercially available immunochromatographic POCTs. Still, POCT can make a valuable contribution to the diagnosis and prevention of calf diarrhoea.

Enteritis in calves: anamnestic, clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic evaluations with special attention to enteropathogenic rotavirus and bovine coronavirus

Introduction: Neonatal calf diarrhoea is a multifactorial disease that sometimes leads to high economic losses. It can be fatal due to dehydration and acidosis and has been one of the main causes of calf mortality. Material and methods: This retrospective study considered calves of a maximum of 35 days of age and with a diagnosed infection with rotavirus and/or bovine coronavirus. We examined the clinical records of 156 calves that were referred to the University Clinic for Ruminants in Vienna. Results Calves that had been treated with antibiotics before admission to the Clinic had a higher risk of staying longer, suggesting either that these calves had a more serious illness or that antibiotic treatment was not indicated and so therapeutic success was not achieved. Twenty-three calves died or were euthanized at the Clinic. At the time of admission, they were younger than the surviving calves and they had a lower inner body temperature and a lower base excess at the first examination. The four most common pathogens in faecal samples were rotavirus, bovine coronavirus, Cryptosporidium parvum and Escherichia coli, which were detected in 67.1%, 53.9%, 48.1% and 94.1% of the faecal samples examined. The most common co-infection was rotavirus with Cryptosporidium parvum (17 faecal samples). We inspected the four most common pathogens in more detail. There were significant correlations between bovine coronavirus and season, with the risk of suffering from bovine coronavirus 1.6 times higher in winter than in other seasons. There was also a correlation between Cryptosporidium parvum and general behaviour: the risk of being infected with Cryptosporidium parvum was 2.6 times higher in calves that were moderately to severely depressed at the first examination. There was a correlation between co-infections and mortality, with calves with a co-infection at three times higher risk of dying than calves with a mono-infection.

Efficacy of prepartum vaccination against neonatal calf diarrhea in Nelore dams as a prevention measure.

BACKGROUND: Neonatal calf diarrhea (NCD) is the leading cause of calf morbidity and mortality in beef cattle. Cow's vaccination in last stage of pregnancy is one of the most important measures to mitigate the risk of NCD outbreaks. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of prepartum single dose vaccination against NCD, especially Bovine Rotavirus type A (BoRVA) and Bovine Coronavirus (BCoV), in Nelore dams and offspring. A total of 117 pregnant cows (n = 81) and heifers (n = 36) were distributed in two groups, vaccinated (VAC: cows = 40; heifers = 19) and non-vaccinated (NVAC: cows = 41; heifers = 17). Vaccination occurred between 60 to 50 days before the expected calving date with a single dose of a water-in-oil (W/O) vaccine, and NVAC group received a dose of saline solution 0.9%. Blood samples were collected before vaccination and 30 days after to evaluate the antibody (Ab) response. Specific IgG1 Abs against BoRVA and BCoV were measured by using an Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (ELISA). Calves' births were monitored, and the transference of passive immunity was evaluated. Diarrhea was monitored in the first 30 days of age, and fecal samples were collected for identification of the etiological agent. RESULTS: Higher titers of IgG1 Ab against BoRVA and BCoV was observed in the VAC group than NVAC group in the cow (P < 0.0001) and total dams categories (P < 0.0001). The titer of specific IgG1 Abs in the calves' serum reflected the dams response, observing higher IgG1 Ab titers for BoRVA (P < 0.0016) and BCoV (P < 0.0095) in the offspring born to VAC cows and higher IgG1 Ab titers for BoRVA(P < 0.0171) and BCoV (P < 0.0200) in the offspring born to VAC total dams. The general incidence of diarrhea observed was 18.6% (11/59) and 29.3% (17/58) in the calves born to the VAC and NVAC group, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Prepartum vaccination with a single dose of the vaccine tested increased the titers of IgG1 Ab against BCoV and BoRVA, and it could be used as a preventive strategy to decrease the NCD occurrence in Nelore calves.

SwissHerdbook statistics 2020: more lactations in the COVID year

This article discusses the strategies done by the dairy sector in Switzerland to maintain and even have surplus milk supply during the Covid-19 pandemic. Some of the strategies implemented during the pandemic are milk production tests, inspection of the origin of milk, registration of calves, and insemination using top performing dairy bulls.

Epidemiological and Molecular Study of Cryptosporidium in Preweaned Calves in Kuwait.

Cryptosporidium is a worldwide enteric protozoan parasite that causes gastrointestinal infection in animals, including humans. The most notable species is Cryptosporidium parvum because of its zoonotic importance; it is also the leading cause of cryptosporidiosis in preweaned calves. A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection, investigate the potential risk factors, and use molecular diagnosis to identify the predominant Cryptosporidium spp. in preweaned calves in Kuwait. Of 175 preweaned calves, Cryptosporidium antigens were detected in 58 (33.1%) using rapid lateral immunochromatography assay (IC). Calves less than one month of age (OR = 4.32, p = 0.0001) and poor hygiene (OR = 2.85, p = 0.0075) were identified as significant risk factors associated with Cryptosporidium infection. Molecular identification revealed that C. parvum (62.8%) was the dominant species infecting preweaned calves in Kuwait. In contrast, C. bovis and C. andersoni were recorded at 5.7% and 2.9%, respectively. All C. parvum gp60 nucleotide sequences were subtype IIaA15G2R1. Calves could be a source of C. parvum infection due to the similarity of the subtypes recorded previously in Kuwaiti children and preweaned calves in this study. Therefore, more research is needed to understand the Cryptosporidium transmission cycle in Kuwait.

Investigation of the presence of coronavirus by ELISA method in diarrheic calves in Sanliurfa province

Bovine coronavirus (BCoV) infections are widespread in newborn calf diarrhea, which is one of the critical problems in cattle breeding. This study aims to investigate BCoV infection in calves with diarrhea in Sanliurfa province. In this study, 94 calves with diarrhea (3 months) following clinical examination were sampled. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the presence of BCoV antigen. A total of 5 stool samples were found to be BCoV positive (5.32%). This result showed that BCoV was low in calves with diarrhea in Sanliurfa province. However, considering the rapid spread of the infection in cattle populations, it is thought that it may cause significant economic losses due to treatment costs and calf deaths.

Sustainable indigenous cattle production in Brebes Regency, Indonesia: opportunities and threats during pandemic

This study assesses the sustainability of indigenous cattle production (Jabres Cattle) during the COVID 19 pandemic in Brebes Regency, Indonesia. The sustainability of Jabres cattle production is considered from the aspects of production, socio-economic, and environmental aspects. The study was conducted on 64 Jabres farmers in 5 sub-districts (Ketanggungan, Bantarkawung, Banjarharjo, Larangan, and Salem). Respondents were taken using a simple random sampling method and data was taken using online questionnaires. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The indigenous cattle farmers in Brebes Regency have a long experience as beef cattle farmers (10.7 years on average) with an average ownership scale of 7 heads. During the pandemic, there was an increase of 54.7 percent of farmers who felt it was difficult to get cattle breeds compared to before the pandemic. The number of farmers who found it difficult to get forage also showed an increase of 36 percent compared to before the pandemic. Likewise, an increase in the number of farmers (75 percent) felt that it was increasingly difficult to sell beef cattle, which resulted in not making it easy for profits. However, the COVID 19 pandemic can encourage all farmers to pay more attention to the cleanliness of cowshed and the cage environment. Most of the indigenous cattle farmers (89 percent) remain committed to continuing their business despite difficulties in obtaining calves, feed, and selling cattle. Farmers still have confidence that the difficult situation will pass, and demand slaughter cattle will recover.

Anti diarrheal effect of a commercialized mixed herbal medicine and in conjunction with probiotics in diarrheic water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) calves

The study assessed the efficacy of a commercialized mixed herbal medicine in alleviating diarrhea in water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) calves. The study involved 15 diarrheic water buffalo calves regardless of sex and with less than a year old from one farm divided into three treatments using randomized block design. Treatment 1 was served as control given with antibiotics and intestinal protectants.;Treatment 2 was mixed herbal medicine and probiotics and lastly, Treatment 3 was mixed herbal medicine only. The calves were treated three times a day for seven days for Treatments 2 and 3 while Treatment 1 (control) were treated once a day for 7 days. The animals were ob served and scoring of diarrhea were done and recorded daily for the next 7 days. Results of the study showed significant decrease in diarrhea scores on Day 6 and 7 post-treatment in Treatments 1 and 2 compared to the control. At Day 8 post-treatment, all calves showed soft to apparently normal stool. Genetic analysis of the possible causative agent of diarrhea revealed infection caused by rotavirus A, bovine coronavirus, BVDV, and ETEC. Results revealed that diarrhea caused by these pathogens can be alleviated by the herbal medicine and herbal medicine in addition of probiotics parallel to antibiotic treatment.

Rapid etiological diagnosis of neonatal calf diarrhea with immunochromatographic test kits in Esme district of Usak

This study was carried out for rapid etiological diagnosis of neonatal calf diarrhea by using immunochromatographic test kits in the Esme district of Usak. The animal material of the study consisted of 100 1-28 days old neonatal calves of different breeds and genders in the Esme district of Usak. Stool samples were taken from calves with diarrhea as a result of clinical examination. When stool samples were examined by a rapid diagnostic test, none of the disease factors sought in the study were found in 10 (10%) of 100 calves, while one or more disease factors were detected in 90 (90%) of calves. Rotavirus was detected in 27 (27%) calves, Escherichia coli 14 (14%) calves, Coronavirus in 8 (8%) calves, Clostridium perfringens in 19 (19%) calves, Cryptosporidium spp. in 17 (17%) calves, Rotavirus + Coronavirus in 2 (2%) calves, Rotavirus + Clostridium perfringens in 1 (1%) calf, Rotavirus + Cryptosporidium spp. in 1 (1%) calf, and Escherichia coli - Clostridium perfringens in 1 (1%) calf. As a result, data on the presence and distribution of enterogenous pathogens that cause diarrhea in neonatal calves in the Esme district of Usak were presented, and it was concluded that it would shed light on future studies on diarrheal calves in the Esme.

The effect of the vaccine against viral pneumoenteritis left-pointing-double-angle Bolshevak right-pointing-double-angle on the metabolism of cows

The problem of viral pneumoenteritis of young farm animals is relevant for agriculture of the Republic of Belarus. Today, the most effective method of preventing viral pneumoenteritis of calves is vaccination of pregnant cows. In case of mixed infections, the most effective means of preventing such diseases are polyvalent vaccines. But biological preparations should have not only high preventive effectiveness, but also not affect the quality of the final product. The author of the article studied the effect of a polyvalent inactivated culture vaccine against infectious rhinotracheitis, viral diarrhea, parainfluenza-3, respiratory syncytial, rotavirus and coronavirus infection of cattle left-pointing-double-angle BolsheVak right-pointing-double-angle on the state of metabolism of pregnant cows. For this purpose, 3 groups of pregnant cows of the Belarusian black-and-white Holstein breed were formed in the conditions of the Agricultural Republican subsidiary of the Ulishitsy Agro enterprise of the Gorodok district on the principle of pairs of analogues with10 animals in each group for 1.5-2 months before calving. The cows of the first experimental group were immunized with the vaccine against viral pneumoenteritis "Bolshevak" with the adjuvant ISA-15 intramuscularly into the croup area in compliance with the rules of asepsis and antiseptics in the volume of 5.0 cm3. Cows of the second experimental group were immunized with the vaccine against viral pneumoenteritis "Bolshevak" with the adjuvant ISA-25 - in the volume of 3.0 cm3. The cows of the control group were injected with isotonic sodium chloride solution according to a similar scheme. The animals were immunized twice with an interval of 21 days. The sampling was carried out before the start of the studies, on the 14th, 21st days after the first vaccination and on the 45th day after the revaccination. The clinical condition of the animals was monitored for 70 days. As a result of the research, it was found that the studied vaccine against viral pneumoenteritis does not have a negative effect on the general condition of the animal, does not cause allergic reactions, abortions, does not inhibit the synthesis of the studied biochemical parameters of the serum.

Etiological and Predisposing Factors in Calves with Neonatal Diarrhea: A Clinical Study in 270 Case Series

This study was carried out to find out the etiology and predisposing factors of calves having diarrhea from Kayseri province and its neighboring cities between January 2016 and September 2019. A total of 270 neonatal diarrheic calves were included to this study. Comprehensive information was obtained by face-to-face interviews with the animal owners about administrative practices such as the vaccination status of the dams, farm type, colostrum intake status. The etiological agents were determined using the lateral flow immunochromatographic test kits. As a result of this investigation, out of 270 diarrheic cases;21.9% (59) Cryptosporidium spp., 15.6% (42) E. coli K99+, 14.1% (38) bovine coronavirus (BCoV), 10.4% (28) bovine rotavirus (BRV), 9.3% (25) Cryptosporidium spp.+BRV, 8.5% (23) BRV+BCoV were found. Interms of shelter type;85.2% (230) were traditional and 14.8% (40) were modern type. Regarding the colostrum intake situation;7.4% (20) received no colostrum, 11.1% (30) received insufficient colostrum and 81.5% (220) received colostrum adequately and on time. Additionally, 36.7% (99) calf mothers were vaccinated and 63.3% (171) were unvaccinated. Compared to those born in autumn, calves born in winter;6.5-fold, in the spring season;3.6-fold and in summer;5.2-fold more likely to develop diarrhea caused by E. coli K99+. These findings may generate valuable information not only for the clinicians and researchers but also animal health experts, policy makers, farmer etc.

Prevalence of Rotavirus and Coronavirus in feces of newborn calves with diarrhea

A 1:1 matched case-control study of calves under 1 month of age was carried out by weekly visits to 7 dairy farms in Mashhad, Iran. Fecal samples were collected from 112 calves with diarrhea and 112 controls matched assessed by scoring. Rotavirus and Coronavirus were isolated by antigen capture ELISA test. We found Rotavirus antigen in 29.5% in diarrheic and 17% in normal calves. We detected Coronavirus antigen in 2.7% and 1.8%, respectively. In diarrheic calves Rotavirus was most prevalent at 3rd week age whereas Coronavirus was found in very few cases by 2nd week. Excretion of Rotavirus in feces of scouring calves was greater (P < 0.03) than controls with odds ratio of 1.9 (1.05 - 3.76). We found no relationship between shedding Coronavirus in feces and diarrhea (P value =0.66) with odds ratio equals to 1.4 (0.24 -9.05). We find that Rotavirus is associated with newborn calf diarrhea in industrial dairy farms in Iran.