A vaccine to protect cattle against the highly infectious parasite that causes cryptosporidiosis has been launched by MSD Animal Health.

Cryptosporidium which is a major cause of diarrhoea outbreaks worldwide affects humans and animals. It is also widespread on UK dairy and suckler cattle units and is prevalent throughout the year, according to Dr Kat Baxter-Smith, veterinary adviser with MSD.

“The disease is mostly seen in calves seven to 14 days of age, but can strike at anytime,” she said.

“Infection with the parasite causes blunting of the intestinal villi, reducing capacity for nutrient and water absorption and has a significant impact on a calf’s future productivity.”

“The protection of calves depends on adequate ingestion of colostrum and transition milk from vaccinated cows. It is recommended that all calves are fed colostrum and transition milk during the first five days of life. At least three litres of colostrum should be fed within the first six hours after birth,” she added.

In a recent UK study, cryptosporidiosis in the first 16 days of life significantly reduced weight gain over a six-month period, with severe disease calves weighing 34kg less on average than low disease calves. This equated to a £161 reduction in the calf sale price.”

Katie DenholmKatie Denholm (Image: web)

Katie Denholm, senior clinician at the University of Glasgow, said: “Crypto is a big problem UK wide, it often comes in conjunction with other scour pathogens like viruses and bacteria. Once you have Crypto, it becomes very difficult to get rid of in the herd.

“If a farmer has ever had crypto, they will know how soul destroying it is going out on farm to another sick calf and the mortality involved,” she added pointing out that it can be due to bad hygiene on farm.

“The new vaccine is exciting news to help control the virus. However, it won’t provide a silver bullet as farmers should look to improve hygiene first and foremost.

"The vaccine needs to be used alongside excellent colostrum management in dairy calves which is paramount to future health and productivity. Feeding colostrum in an extended manner is an emerging research area of interest which could provide health benefits to growing calves,” she added.

Tim Geraghty, large animal vet at the Glenythan practice in Aberdeenshire said the vaccine should only be used where there is a continuous problem.

“It is always great to see the launch of a new vaccine launched to help control what can be a difficult problem in some situations. However, as with all causes of calf scour, most suckler herds can achieve really good control without the need for specific vaccines or treatments.

“Groups of calves that are born without assistance, take in plenty of quality colostrum and are in a good environment will only rarely have problems with scour.

“These calves still get exposed to crypto, but can fight off the infection themselves and continue to thrive.

"So, I wouldn’t see this new vaccine as something that should be used as routine in all suckler systems, but in herds where there are recurrent crypto issues it is helpful to have a new vaccine available,” said Mr Geraghty.

Philippe Houffschmitt, associate vice president of the global ruminant business at MSD Animal Health said the new vaccine offers preventive neonatal protection, which can help preserve cattle well-being from the earliest days of life, as well as help contribute to global food production and safety.

Bovilis Cryptium is indicated for the active immunisation of pregnant heifers and cows to raise antibodies in colostrum against Gp40 of Cryptosporidium parvum.

Vaccinating pregnant heifers and cows with Bovilis cryptium can provide protection for calves from birth at the start of colostrum feeding – when they are most vulnerable.

Active immunisation raises antibodies in colostrum against C. parvum, which will help to reduce clinical signs (i.e. diarrhoea) when calves are fed this fortified colostrum.