Reducing coccidiosis and cryptosporidium in calves
7th February 2022
Having an effective cleaning and disinfection programme is essential in modern calf house management, to reduce the risk of disease. Evans Vanodine provides advice on a controlled disinfection programme.
As a thoroughly cleaned and disinfected pen aids the health of calves, it is therefore important that housing management systems are optimised in order to prevent stress and limit the calf’s susceptibility to disease.
Attention to detail and an effective cleaning and disinfection programme are essential in order to maintain high standards and reduced mortality rates, however, inevitably calves will be exposed to viruses, bacteria and parasites in their environment, which are capable of causing scours, respiratory problems or other diseases.
Through the use of a controlled disinfection programme, the number of infections and organisms to which the calf is exposed are reduced. The health of calves should be a priority, as how they are looked after in early life determines their outcome, which can essentially save both time and money.
Coccidiosis and cryptosporidium – both diarrhoea-causing infections that are common in young calves, which can be fatal – are hard to treat. However, prevention through a good cleaning and disinfection programme is key to reduction.
Evans Vanodine has tested and found the following system to be effective in destroying the oocysts that enable the infections to spread.
After all animals and portable equipment have been removed from the pen:
- Remove any organic material
- Apply Target Powergel at 1:14 through a foam cleaner or low pressure washer (less than 70 bar). Allow a one-hour contact time before rinsing off thoroughly with clean water and allow to air dry.
- Spray all areas thoroughly with a solution of GPC8 at 1:35, at a rate of 300ml per square metre. For best results apply as a foam
- Refit portable equipment and allow to air dry.
Protective clothing and equipment (PPE) must be available for all personnel. It is essential that the correct clothing and equipment is utilised when using chemicals to clean and/or disinfect.
Evans Vanodine is an independent British family business that has been sharing expertise since 1919 and operating within the agricultural industry since 1962. The business believes in manufacturing consistent, efficient, and cost-effective products whilst maintaining optimum quality across all divisions.
It is a BSI registered company which operates to ISO 9001 for quality compliance and ISO 14001 for environmental compliance. The company produces an extensive range of cleaning and disinfection products for multiple applications within the dairy and wider animal health sectors.
On-site in Preston, it houses three laboratories which ensure its products are of the highest quality, comply with industry regulations and meet any claims made.
The extensive product range is complemented by the hands-on approach offered, from technical support and farm visits, comprehensive literature, support materials and micro profiles, to in-house testing facilities. This provides farmers with the tools and expertise to implement a successful and effective hygiene programme.
To find the full range of Evans Vanodine products visit the website: www.evansvanodine.co.uk
To find your local Evans Vanodine distributor, contact sales@evansvanodine.co.uk
