Investigation of Etiological Prevalence of Neonatal Calves with Acute Diarrhea in Şanlıurfa Province with Immunochromatographic Test

Abstract

Neonatal calf diarrhea is a significant global concern, frequently causing morbidity and mortality and resulting in substantial economic losses. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of E. coli F5, Clostridium perfringens, Cryptosporidium spp., Rotavirus, Coronavirus, and Giardia spp. as contributors to diarrhea in neonatal calves in Şanlıurfa province. We also evaluated the clinical severity associated with these etiological agents. The study involved 123 neonatal calves (62 males, 61 females) aged 1-28 days from Şanlıurfa province with acute diarrhea. Calf Health Scores (CHS) were assigned based on clinical examination data. Rapid diagnostic tests were conducted on stool samples to identify E. coli F5, Clostridium perfringens, Cryptosporidium spp., Rotavirus, Coronavirus, and Giardia spp. regardless of mono or co-infection status, the rapid test results showed a prevalence of 9.76% for E. coli F5, 41.46% for C. perfringens, 30.89% for Cryptosporidium spp., 16.26% for Rotavirus, 13% for Coronavirus, and 27.64% for Giardia spp. CHS varied, with the highest score observed in E. coli F5 + Giardia spp. co-infection (CHS: 7) and the lowest in Coronavirus + Rotavirus co-infection (CHS: 4). In Şanlıurfa province, C. perfringens and Cryptosporidium spp. were identified as the most common agents. It has been determined that as the etiological factor diversity increases CHS may increase but there may be different variables that change CHS. These results are significant for developing effective diagnosis and control strategies for the prominent etiologies of diarrhea in calves.