The pathogens associated with infectious neonatal calf scours in New Zealand include Rotavirus, E.coli, cryptosporidia, coccidia, salmonella and coronavirus. Rotavirus is recognised as the most clinically significant pathogen while coronavirus is of minor importance in New Zealand.

The difference between these two Rotavirus serotypes is the type of glycoprotein on the outer surface of the virus, which is critical for the development of protective immunity. Therefore, cross protection between these different G types may be weak or absent.

It is estimated from clinical studies that at least 10% of Rotavirus scours in New Zealand are caused by G10 Rotavirus.

There are a number of factors involved in preventing calf scours. Best practice cow and calf management, calf husbandry, and housing and colostrum management are all essential in preventing calf scours. Effective vaccination of the dams prior to calving can further aid in the prevention of calf scours. For further information on calf and colostrum management click here.

Vaccination induces high antibody responses against target calf scours pathogens; ensuring high levels of protective antibodies are present in the colostrum. Colostrum from unvaccinated cows may not be protective against calf scours.

Calves are born without antibodies; therefore they have no or little immunity against infection. Calves are totally reliant on the absorption of antibodies from colostrum to protect against disease. The first 6 hours of life is the most efficient time to absorb antibodies and absorption efficiency is decreased when colostrum intake is delayed. After the first 24 hours of life the ability to absorb colostrum antibody ceases due to gut closure.

The aim is for 2 Litres within 6 hours of birth and a total of 4 Litres (or approximately 10% of bodyweight) within 12 hours of birth. Continued daily feeding of colostrum is recommended for the first 4 days and beyond. This provides localised immunity in the gut lumen, which gives continued protection to the calf. For further information on calf rearing and feeding click here.

ScourGuard 4(K) is the only neonatal calf scours vaccine in New Zealand containing both Rotavirus serotypes G6 and G10 for truly broad spectrum Rotavirus protection. ScourGuard 4(K) also contains E.coli and coronavirus.

ScourGuard 4(K) has also been shown to provide superior antibody responses against the main target pathogens (Rotavirus G6 and G10 and E.coli) compared to Rotavec Corona, both in terms of the total amount of antibody produced and the timing of the peak antibody response – ScourGuard 4(K) induces a rapid peak in antibody levels ensuring maximum antibodies are available for calves born in the first months of calving, including your valuable replacement calves.

ScourGuard 4(K) is also a tissue friendly vaccine which is gentle on cows but tough on scours.

ScourGuard 4(K) is not an oil adjuvant vaccine; therefore there are no specific occupational safety and health precautions for users of the vaccine, however normal precautions should be taken to avoid self injection as for all standard vaccines.

A 2mL dose of ScourGuard 4(K) should be administered intramuscularly in the neck.

Previously unvaccinated heifers or cows should receive two doses at least 3 weeks apart, with the second dose given 2-12 weeks prior to calving.

Annual Booster re-vaccination is with a single dose 2-12 weeks prior to each subsequent calving.

In seasonal calving dairy herds it is recommended that the single annual booster injection is given 2-4 weeks before the planned start of calving date, to cover all calves born in the first 8-10 weeks of calving.

The two primary injections should be given at least 3 weeks apart. Do not vaccinate less than 3 weeks apart. Studies show that an interval of 9 weeks is equivalent to an interval of 3 or 4 weeks.

ScourGuard 4(K) can be given as an annual booster vaccination to animals vaccinated with Rotavec Corona in the previous year.

ScourGuard 4(K) is a restricted veterinary medicine and is only available from your veterinarian. For more information contact your veterinarian.