Bovine diarrhea can be caused by a range of pathogens and is commonly considered to be multifactorial. Infectious etiologies include viruses, bacteria, and protozoa. Age of onset helps determine which pathogens to look for in cattle. Tests panels provide a convenient way to detect the common causes of bovine diarrhea.
Available age-based panels
For calves less than 7 days old, primary pathogens include enterotoxigenic E. coli, Salmonella, bovine coronavirus (BCV), bovine rotavirus (BRV), and Cryptosporidium parvum. The Bovine Calf Diarrhea panel (≤ 7 days) includes an enteric aerobic culture for isolation of Salmonella and E. coli and PCR tests for the detection of BCV, BRV, and Cryptosporidium parvum. E. coli virulence genotyping PCR is included in this panel to identify enterotoxigenic strains.
Calves older than 7 days are less susceptible to enterotoxigenic E. coli infections and testing for E. coli is not recommended. For calves 1-2 weeks old the Bovine Calf Diarrhea panel (1-2 weeks) includes an enteric aerobic culture for isolation of Salmonella and PCR tests for the detection of BCV, BRV, and Cryptosporidium parvum.
In calves older than 3 weeks, additional parasites, like coccidia, become a concern. For calves 3 weeks to 3 months of age, the Bovine Calf Diarrhea Panel (3 weeks-3 months) incorporates a fecal float to identify common gastrointestinal parasites. Enteric aerobic culture for the detection of Salmonella, and PCR tests for BCV, BRV and Cryptosporidium parvum are also included.
For calves aged 4 to 18 months, the significance of viral diarrhea is reduced and testing for BCV and BRV is not recommended. The Bovine Calf Diarrhea Panel (4-18 months) includes an enteric aerobic culture for the detection of Salmonella, as well as a fecal float for gastrointestinal parasites.
In cattle over 18 months of age, the causative agent of Johne’s disease is more likely detected due its long incubation period. BCV, the cause of winter dysentery, is also a concern. The Bovine Adult Diarrhea Panel (>18 months) includes an enteric aerobic culture for the detection of Salmonella, a fecal float for gastrointestinal parasites, and PCR tests for the detection of Johne’s and BCV.
| TESTING REQUIRED | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age Range | Pathogens | Enteric Aerobic Culture | E. coli Virulence Genotyping PCR | Corona-Rota-Crypto PCR | Johne's PCR | Fecal Float |
| Less than 7 days | E. coli, Salmonella, BCV, BRV, C. parvum | x | x | x | ||
| 1 to 3 weeks | Salmonella, BCV, BRV, C. parvum | x | x | |||
| 3 weeks to 3 months | Salmonella, BCV, BRV, C. parvum, coccidia | x | x | x | ||
| 4 to 18 months | Salmonella, parasites | x | x | |||
| More than 18 months | Salmonella, BCV, Johne's disease, parasites | x | x | x | x | |
What kind of sample(s) should be submitted?
We recommend submitting at least 5-10 grams of feces in a sealed, leak-proof plastic bag or container. All samples should be labeled appropriately with unique identification including the animal name/ID and owner name. We advise clients to store samples at refrigeration temperature and to ship overnight on cold packs in an insulated container. WADDL offers discounted shipping rates through UPS and shippers with supplies to ensure safe sample delivery. For more information, please visit our sample submission webpages.
Additional pathogens to consider for testing not included in the bovine diarrhea panels
Clostridium perfringens
In cases of hemorrhagic diarrhea, culture for C. perfringens and C. perfringens toxin genotyping PCR are recommended. Both tests must be performed for appropriate interpretation.
Bovine diarrhea virus (BVDV)
BVDV-PI ELISA. Detection of BVDV from individual bovine samples using an antigen ELISA. Aids in detecting persistently infected animals.
BVDV PCR. Detection of BVDV by real-time PCR.
As underlying factors predispose to the development of diarrhea in calves, assessing the Trace Elements and Selenium status may also be helpful.
For additional information or questions contact WADDL at 509-335-9696.
When should I expect results?
Despite being ordered as a single panel, test results for each component of the panel may release at different times. Turnaround times for each test are as follows:
- Enteric Aerobic Culture: 2-7 days
- Enterotoxigenic E. coli PCR: 2-12 days after isolation of the organism via culture
- Johne’s Disease PCR: 1-10 days
- Fecal Flotation: 1-2 days
Note: Turnaround times may be impacted by weekends and federal holidays.