Cryptosporidiosis (commonly known as “crypto”) is one of the leading causes of severe calf scours in New Zealand, particularly affecting calves under one month of age. During calving season, crypto can place significant pressure on farmers, staff and animals, impacting both animal welfare and farm productivity.
Infected calves often develop diarrhoea, dullness and reduced growth rates, creating hidden on‑farm costs through poorer performance, increased treatment demands and added labour. Managing cryptosporidiosis effectively requires prevention-focused calf health planning, as once the parasite is established, it can be extremely difficult to control.
Cryptosporidium spreads easily between calves and survives for extended periods in the environment. The parasite is also resistant to many commonly used disinfectants, meaning even farms with good hygiene and management practices can still see early exposure in calves.
Because calves may become infected very shortly after birth, prevention and early protection are critical, particularly during high-risk calving periods when infection pressure is greatest.
Calves are most vulnerable to Cryptosporidium from birth, before their immune system is fully developed. Infection during this early window can lead to:
- Severe diarrhoea
- Slower growth and development
- Long-term production impacts, with some calves failing to reach their full potential
Treatment options for cryptosporidiosis are limited, so reducing disease severity and supporting early immunity is a key goal of modern calf health programmes.
Bovilis Cryptium® is a maternal vaccine administered to pregnant cows and heifers in the last trimester of pregnancy. The vaccine stimulates the cow to produce antibodies, which are then passed to the calf through colostrum and transition milk in the first days of life.
These antibodies help reduce diarrhoea caused by Cryptosporidium parvum, providing valuable support during the calf’s most vulnerable period and helping farmers better manage calf health during calving.
For best results, Bovilis Cryptium® should be used as part of a holistic calving and calf-rearing strategy, including:
- Correct vaccination timing during late pregnancy
- Prompt intake of good-quality colostrum and transition milk
- Ongoing hygiene and calf management practices
When combined, these measures can help reduce the severity of calf scours, lower treatment requirements, and ease labour pressures during busy calving periods.
Every farm is different. If you would like to discuss whether Bovilis Cryptium® is suitable for your herd this season, please speak with our veterinary team. We can help tailor a calf health plan that supports your animals, your staff and your production goals.
For additional guidance on calf health and cryptosporidiosis, the following resources may be useful:
BOVILIS CRYPTIUM® | Vaccine to Reduce Crypto in Calves
https://www.topfarmers.co.nz/know-how/calf-health/
Calf Health Checklist | Create a Rearing Action Plan | Bovilis
AVAILABLE ONLY UNDER VETERINARY AUTHORISATION
ACVM No: 012159
Schering‑Plough Animal Health Ltd
Phone: 0800 800 543
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