Efforts to combat cryptosporidium, a highly contagious parasitic disease in young calves, have taken a leap forward with the launch of a groundbreaking vaccine, Bovilis Cryptium. Despite its promise, veterinary experts caution that the vaccine is only one part of a multifaceted approach to safeguarding calf health, emphasizing the continued importance of meticulous hygiene and high-quality colostrum.
Cryptosporidium, commonly referred to as crypto, poses a significant threat to young calves, typically striking within their first three weeks of life. Known for its extreme resilience, the parasite thrives in harsh conditions, resisting most disinfectants and even surviving freezing temperatures. It spreads with remarkable ease, infecting a calf with just a few oocysts, while an infected calf can shed billions in a single bowel movement.
Veterinarian Eamon O’Connell shared an illustrative example to highlight the parasite’s pervasive nature. “A forward-thinking vet once used glitter to show a farmer how crypto spreads. Days later, the farmer found glitter on his thumb while eating breakfast. Crypto spreads just as easily, getting into every corner of the farm and even the house.”
Hygiene: The First Line of Defense
The cornerstone of controlling crypto lies in maintaining stringent hygiene standards. Regular and thorough cleaning of feeding utensils, stomach tubes, and calf jackets is critical. “Start with detergent to remove the fatty biofilm, then follow up with disinfectant to kill the bugs,” O’Connell advised.
A clean and disinfected calf shed, along with hygienic feeding practices, not only creates a better working environment but also significantly reduces infection pressure.
Colostrum: The Foundation of Immunity
High-quality colostrum remains an essential weapon in increasing calf immunity. Veterinarians recommend feeding colostrum within the first three hours of life, ensuring it is fresh, abundant, and tested for quality using a refractometer. Transition milk, rich in antibodies, should also be fed during the calf’s first two weeks of life to bolster gut immunity.
“A calf on a deep bed of straw, after receiving 4 liters of quality colostrum in a clean, disinfected pen, is already well-prepared to fight crypto,” O’Connell explained.
The Role of the New Vaccine
Bovilis Cryptium is the world’s first vaccine targeting crypto. Administered to pregnant cows, it transfers immunity to calves via colostrum and transition milk. The initial vaccination year requires two doses, four weeks apart, with subsequent years needing just a single dose.
Cost concerns, at approximately €10 per shot, may deter some farmers initially. However, O’Connell emphasized the vaccine’s value, noting that the expense pales in comparison to the losses and stress of a crypto outbreak.
A Comprehensive Approach
Despite its potential, the vaccine is only part of the solution. “The vaccine supports immunity, but every element of calf management must work in harmony,” O’Connell said. Hygiene, colostrum, and other preventive measures must remain priorities to tip the balance in favor of immunity over infection pressure.
As farmers navigate the complexities of disease prevention, the combination of science, practical management, and veterinary guidance offers a promising path forward in the fight against cryptosporidium.
