an acute infectious disease of newborn farm and fur-bearing animals, caused by pathogenic serotypes of colibacillus (Escherichia coli). In most cases the disease is accompanied by profuse diarrhea. Sick animals and latent carriers of the bacteria are the sources of the causative agent. Diagnosis of the disease is based on clinical, pathologico-anatomic, and epizootologic data and on positive results of bacteriological examination. Treatment includes the use of specific agents, antibiotics, sulfanilamides, and nitrofurans. Preventative measures include proper feeding and care of newborn animals and their mothers; prompt isolation of sick animals; and disinfection of cages, implements, carcasses, bedding, and manure. Prophylactic measures include immunization of the newborns with a specific serum and of pregnant animals with colivaccines made from local strains of the causative agent.