The Rural Voice, 1992-10, Page 16p p00R FACT0Ay
Ng(,P' For w.
Q Fiberglass/Aluminum Doors t<
4 Manufacturing, Installation, r17
O Sales & Service —1
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FAX: (519) 349-2144
TEL: (519) 349-2355
STRATFORD: (519) 273-7200
rl 1-111
• Insulated steel doors
• Fibreglass aluminum doors
• Service station doors
• Commercial wood doors
• All residential garage doors
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SERIES 1200
AGRICULTURAL
UNVENTED UNIT HEATER
Sizes from 10,000 BTUs to 175,000 BTUs
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Vases Farm Systems
(1992) Ltd.
R.R. 3, Mitchell, Ont.
Hwy. 8, 3 mi. East of Mitchell
519-348-8483
"When you buy from Moose'22,
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12 THE RURAL VOICE
Diagnostics
Cryptosporidiosis
by Dr. A. J. Rehmtulla
Veterinary Laboratory Services
Perhaps, second only to E. coli
bacteria, Cryptosporidiosis, an intes-
tinal infection with protozoan organ-
isms called Cryptosporidium par-
vum, is a major cause of infectious
diarrhoea in young calves. Infection
with this minute coccidia -like
organism occurs world-wide, in all
seasons and is also capable
of causing intestinal
disease in sheep, goats,
pigs, as well as human
beings, particularly in
individuals with deficient
immune status.
Older calves and cows,
where good immune
response is already
established, may have
inapparent infection —
that is, they could harbour these
organisms in their digestive tracts but
show no clinical signs. They can,
however, shed in their feces these
organisms which are immediately
infective to other individuals.
Once young susceptible calves
become exposed, disease ensues and
thereafter calf to calf or calf to hu-
man infection by fecal -oral route can
occur immediately. Immune status
of calves less than one month of age
is not fully developed yet, hence they
can be quickly overwhelmed by
Cryptosporidial infection.
Typically, Cryptosporidia invade
the surface of cells which line the
inside lining of the small intestine
where they undergo extremely
prolific multiplication. Infective
oocysts, literally in hundreds of
millions, are passed out in feces daily
for several weeks and these are
immediately infective to susceptible
individuals.
The acutely affected calves exhi-
bit profuse pale yellow watery diarr-
hoea without evidence of blood,
rough haircoat and slight fever, but
still have a good appetite. Continu-
ous loss of fluid and electrolytes
quickly results in calves becoming
severely dehydrated and depressed,
and death soon follows.
Diagnosis of Cryptosporidiosis is
made at post-mortem examination by
demonstrating Cryptosporidia in
stained smears of intestine lining and
in feces by the floatation technique.
So far, no drugs have been com-
pletely effective in treating Crypto-
sporidiosis, nor is there any vaccine
available for prevention. Manage-
ment of sick calves requires support-
ive therapy to replace lost fluids and
electrolytes and good nursing care,
while allowing time for the
calf's immune system to
develop.
Hence, prevention is the
major defence against
Cryptosporidiosis and
requires thorough under-
standing of how these
organisms perpetuate.
Scouring results in wide-
spread dispersal of oocysts
to the bedding, haircoat,
skin, feed, water and all solid objects
in the calf's immediate environment.
Oocysts survive for months in moist
cool settings, and they are also re-
sistant to routinely used disinfectants
and general water -chlorination.
Hence, the key to prevention neces-
sitates maintenance of a scrupulously
clean, warm, dry and hygienic
environment. Also people coming
into contact with calves and their
environs must exercise utmost care in
sanitary handling and use of clean
protective clothing (gloves, etc.),
particularly if they are immunocom-
promised.
As is true with control of other
infectious diseases, good calf
management techniques, particularly
avoiding mixing of calves purchased
from different sources and mixing
very young calves with older ani-
mals, when practised with thorough
cleanliness of the calves' environ-
ment, will go a long way in prevent-
ing financial losses from Cryptospor-
idiosis.0
We have tried w keep our topics
timely and informative. However, we
would welcome any suggestions from
readers for future topics. We would
also invite interested persons to tour
the facilities at the Diagnostics Labo-
ratory at Huron Park. We would ask
that you make prior arrangements by
phoning 228-6691, Ext. 276.
Young
Calves
are
most
vulnerable