ABSTRACT
Small one-celled organisms in the intestinal tract of calves and younger animals can cause severe diarrhea. This disease, called coccidiosis, has become more prevalent as cattle are concentrated and kept in small enclosures, although it also occurs in animals on pastures. An increased number of cases of coccidiosis have been observed when calves are weaned and moved from pasture to confinement-particularly in yards that are filthy and crowded. In the fall, during the rainy season or during the first snowfall, the incidence of coccidiosis increases. Coccidia exist in all mammals and if the infective forms of the organism are ingested in great numbers, they will irritate the lining of the intestine and produce a severe diarrhea. The irritation may be so severe that the animal feces will be blood-tinged or mixed with quantities of free blood. Animals are more susceptible to coccidia when started on feed or whenever the pH of the rumen is on the acid side.
