Most Calf scours are caused by viruses not Bacteria and don't need antibiotics. What they die from is dehydration and what they need more than anything is electrolytes.

A calf that is bright but won't drink has often gorged themselves and will self remove themselves from feeding and come right on their own. This is called nutritional scours and is usually white/ grey in colour.

Mark and record these calves and if they don't feed at the next opportunity they will need electrolytes.

The next stage of progression usually always involves virues. These calves are always dehydrated and need to go on a rehydration program with electrolytes. This involves feeding electrolytes morning and night for 2 days and treating with meloxicam in some form ( the oral product meloxi care is best ).

They also need a 1L feed of milk in the middle of the day as there is no energy in electrolytes and their body reserves deplete quickly. They can return to normal feeding on day 3.

If the calf is running a temperature or you have diagnosed bacterial involvement antibiotic will be required. I will usually use a trimethaprim sulphur and tetracycline in combination.

If the calf is too weak to drink you will need to run the above protocol with a tube feeder until it can drink.

Isolate all sick calves and feed last!

Maintain your own personal hygiene to prevent yourself getting sick.