Coccidiosis is caused by a microscopic protozoan parasite. The parasite invades intestinal cells and destroys the cells while multiplying, causing diarrhea in the process. Coccidiosis in cattle is characterized by straining and bloody diarrhea. The organism is widespread - almost all cattle become infected at some time in their lives, although many never show signs of illness. Illness is more common in concentrated livestock operations because there is more opportunity for the environment to become contaminated in large numbers, and for calves to be exposed to large doses of the parasite.
The disease spreads by fecal-oral transmission. Older animals serve as carriers of the organism and contaminate pastures and pens with infective oocysts shed in their manure. Oocyst can persist in damp surroundings for a couple of years. New infections occur when calves ingest the oocysts. Calves are very susceptible to infection and then shed large numbers of oocysts into the environment. The larger the dose-load of oocysts the more likely the calf is to develop illness. Calves are more susceptible to illness if the immune system is compromised by poor nutrition, or stressors such as crowding or severe weather.
Often, outbreaks of the disease follow severe weather.
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Categories: Nebraska, Livestock