Bayer launches new treatment for coccidiosis in calves
New Zealand cattle farmers are among the first in the world to have access to a new coccidiosis treatment, with the national launch of Baycox® C by Bayer HealthCare’s Animal Health Division.
Baycox formulations for chickens and pigs are already registered in New Zealand, but this is the first time such treatment has become available for use in calves.
The coccidian parasite, which causes coccidiosis, is widespread throughout New Zealand and can cause severe diarrhoea.
“Baycox C is great news for farmers and vets having to deal with coccidiosis in calves this season,” says Bayer New Zealand Animal Health veterinarian Dr Sarah Weston.
“Young animals are particularly susceptible because it takes time for them to develop immunity.”
Dr Weston says that cattle become infected by ingesting coccidian oocysts from a contaminated environment. The parasite then reproduces in cells lining the large intestine, resulting in bloody diarrhoea, reduction in weight gain and occasionally death in severe cases.
“The great thing about Baycox C is that it treats an outbreak of coccidiosis with a single dose. Furthermore, using Baycox C as a preventative treatment on properties where coccidiosis occurs often, or is associated with weaning, will give the best results.”
For more information on Baycox C, contact your local livestock veterinarian or phone the Bayer Animal Health customer services desk on 0800 652 488.
Baycox® C is registered pursuant to the ACVM Act 1997 No.A9583. See www.nzfsa.govt.nz/acvm for registration conditions.
About coccidiosis
Coccidiosis in cattle is caused by infection with the pathogenic coccidian of the genus Eimeria. Many different species of Eimeria are known to infect cattle.
The most important species related to the clinical presentation of coccidiosis are Emeria bovis and Emeria zuernii; they affect mainly young calves from one to nine months of age. Infected animals may show clinical signs such as watery to haemorrhagic diarrhoea, anorexia, tenesmus and mortality. In some cases, clinical signs are not present but the animals perform poorly compared with unaffected animals.
Coccidiosis can be controlled with a single oral treatment of Baycox® C.
About Bayer HealthCare
Bayer HealthCare, a subsidiary of Bayer AG, is one of the world’s leading, innovative companies in the health care and medical products industry. The company combines the global activities of the divisions Animal Health, Consumer Care, Diabetes Care, Diagnostics and Pharmaceuticals. Since January 1, 2006, the new Pharmaceutical Division consists of the former Biological Products and Pharmaceutical Divisions and now comprises three business units: Haematology/Cardiology; Oncology and Primary Care. Bayer HealthCare employed 33,800 people worldwide in 2005. Bayer HealthCare’s aim is to discover and manufacture innovative products that will improve human and animal health worldwide. The products enhance well-being and quality of life by diagnosing, preventing and treating disease.
In New Zealand, Bayer aims to make a positive contribution to the community, not only by providing innovative health care solutions, but also through our educational partnerships. For example, Bayer HealthCare supports ongoing clinical research and educational initiatives in the treatment of haemophilia. On a broader scale, we believe social commitment also extends to the environment. We support initiatives to preserve and protect New Zealand’s native flora and fauna, such as the Bayer Kiwi Incubation Unit in Whangarei; and sponsorship of the BAYERBoost Environmental Scholarship Scheme for students.
For more information visit: www.bayer.co.nz
Media contacts
Sarah Weston
Technical Development Manager
Bayer New Zealand Ltd
Ph (+64) 9-441 8638
William Malpass
Bayer New Zealand Ltd
Corporate Communications Manager
Ph (+64) 9-441 8591, mob (+64) 21 935 217