“Commonly, we associate clinical symptoms such as manure with specks of blood or scours to coccidia infections says Dr. Alley. “But, over 95% of cases in cattle demonstrate signs you can’t see such as reduced weight gain, rough hair or suppressed feed intakes.”  

In a study conducted with Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, fecal samples were obtained in beef cattle of various age groups in the central Appalachian region. No signs of clinical coccidiosis were noted in any age during the study period. The findings of this study revealed that calves less than 1 year of age have a high prevalence of infection and shed the highest number of oocysts (eggs) compared to other age groups of cattle. Additionally, fecal oocyst counts peaked in July/August when the calves were 5-6 months of age. Interestingly, 100% of calves were shedding oocysts just prior to weaning.

One of the simplest ways to prepare for — and treat — coccidiosis is to include an in-feed, medication. Preventing coccidiosis also can help maintain immune system function. Without the suppressive effects of coccidia on an animal’s immune system, calves can respond better to secondary disease challenges. Dr. Alley states, “In an animal that has internal parasites (including coccidia) and exposed to a wild virus or virus within a vaccine, the calf’s immune system may be redirected preferentially to the parasite. The result is a reduced immune response to the vaccine or poorer response to therapy.  No health program is complete without considering coccidia and other internal parasite control.”