Septicemic colibacillosis and failure of passive transfer of colostral immunoglobulin in calves.

Septicemic colibacillosis is a highly fatal disease that occurs in calves less than 2 weeks of age. The disease occurs when a calf that fails to absorb protective levels of immunoglobulin from colostrum is exposed to an invasive serotype of E. coli. Management to ensure good passive transfer of colostral immunoglobulin will prevent this disease and reduce calf mortality caused by other infectious diseases as well.