Cool lab on wheels helps famers keep animals healthy

Does your cow have coccidiosis? Bayer’s new “lab on wheels” helps farmers around the world keep their cows healthy.

Coccidiosis is an infection caused by a one-celled parasite (coccidian of the genus Eimeria) that can spread from one animal to the entire herd. This infection is pretty common. It can be found in the majority of cattle herds worldwide. 

Bayer’s ‘Lab on Wheels’ in Chile

   

One of the problems with coccidiosis is that symptoms are not noticeable until the disease is advanced. Dr Chandra Bhushan with Global Veterinary Services, Farm Animal Products at Bayer HealthCare Animal Health says that “often, clinical signs are not present but the animals perform poorly compared with uninfected animals. But managing and controlling cattle coccidiosis is easy if you understand the epidemiology and history of the farm.” 

Coccidiosis is most often found in young cattle, those under six months old. However, older cows can also be infected through contaminated barns and feedlots. Usually the symptoms of coccidiosis include diarrhea, rough coat, and a loss of appetite and weight. In more severe cases, the calves may expel blood and mucus in their manure. 

Bayer’s ‘Lab on Wheels’  in the Philippines

To make it easier for farmers to identify coccidiosis, Bayer HealthCare Animal Health created a mobile diagnostic laboratory called ‘Lab on Wheels’ that is taken directly into farms. This innovative ‘Lab on Wheels’ is now present in over 30 countries, helping more veterinarians and farmers conveniently diagnose and quickly treat coccidiosis, also enabling them to take the necessary steps to ensure the health and well-being of their cattle herd.