What is rota?
Rota or rotavirus is a very contagious virus that can infect chicken, pigs, cattles, and humans. The name comes from the round shape that can obviously only be seen under a microscope. Similar to norovirus, symptoms develop in the abdomen. The stomach and intestines become inflamed. The most common symptoms of rotavirus are diarrhea and vomiting. Mostly, young farm animals such as piglets, calves, etc. are infected, however even adult ones might experience this virus.
Cause and symptoms rotavirus
Rota is a virus found in feces and causes severe losses to the livestock sector for example in cattle the virus is responsible for 30-44% of deaths worldwide. The infection can be transmitted via fecal/oral route or through direct contact with the environment. However, the virus can also be passed from animal to animal.
The most frequent sign of the Rotavirus infection is (water-thin) diarrhea and vomiting, though fevers can also occur. The salient signs of the rotavirus diarrhea are white, yellow and, in severe cases, blood-tinted or fran haemorrhagic diarrhoeic feces. Over time the infected animal can become reluctant to drink and therefore become dehydrated.
Treatment of Rotavirus
Treatment of the Rotavirus can be done in two ways but always remember that the hydration is key. The fluids should contain electrolytes and ideally are ingested orally. In severe cases a stomach tube can be connected to rumen, although this method might delay the absorption time. Furthermore, antibiotics might be used, however it does not kill the virus but rather reduce secondary bacterial infection. For that reason antibiotics should be used only if the animal does not respond well to the fluid intake.
As there is no real treatment of rotavirus, it’s highly crucial that the drinking water is clean and germ-free. Specifically for calves, since they cannot drink pure water when born, this means that the colostrum formula should be mixed with germ-free drinking water. The animal body needs to get rid of the virus infected cells, so the immune system is weakened and any additional pathogens from the water will complicate the infection. Thus, clean drinking water on your farm is important not just to help your animals combat the virus but also to avoid the outbreaks in the first place.
Disinfection As A Service (DAAS)
Healthcare- or VVT institution?
Germ-free drinking water and disinfection with Watter
The two main infection routes of rota in livestock are directly through feces and through drinking water. Livestock farmers have difficulty in dealing with the infection routes of the virus in a safe and effective way. Chlorine is the best known chemical disinfectant that works against rota. But it is expensive, unhealthy for animals and difficult to dose. Underdosing is a waste of effort, overdosing costs too much money and harms animals.
The Watter system enables livestock farmers to produce their own disinfectant that works against rotavirus, as well as all other microorganisms. Using salt, water and electricity, the machine produces a disinfectant with HOCl as the most active substance that is effective against all kinds of germs such as bacteria, fungi, yeasts and viruses. This allows the dosage to be very low, making it economical and safe to use in an environment with animals. It is even safe for drinking water. Furthermore, it is ideal for disinfecting stables, surfaces, machinery and more. Biofilm disappears from drinking water pipes, complete with all pathogenic viruses and bacteria.
The advantages of Watter in your livestock farm:
- Your animals drink 100% germ-free drinking water
- Increased resistance and production
- Suitable for disinfection of stables, rooms, surfaces and more
- Environmentally friendly and sustainable
- 100% effective, no under- or over-dosing
- More cost-effective than chemicals: the Watter device pays for itself
Watter has been successfully tested on viruses and other germs
Tests by TNO and others showed that Watter is effective against viruses such as rotavirus, polio, noro, and influenza H5N2. Its efficacy with respect to other pathogens or germs such as bacteria, yeasts and fungi has also been demonstrated. As an active ingredient, it has an official registration on the Article 95 list. That means it complies with the European Biocide Legislation.
Are you looking for a solution to harmful diseases within your livestock such as rotavirus? Contact us, and we will be happy to tell you more about the advantages.