Disease Prevention

Pathogenic organisms, which are those organisms that are harmful to the animal and that cause infection, may enter the body directly or indirectly by an intermediate host.

Bacteria and viruses gain entry to the body through several routes e.g. the intestinal tract, air passages, sex organs, and wounds in the skin. The organisms then enter the bloodstream, which transport them through the body and to target organs. The changes that these organisms cause, produce the condition known as disease. If any changes in the physiology of the organ take place the whole body is affected. The animal starts to display abnormal behaviour e.g. it stops eating, start coughing, lie down or develop diarrhoea that may all be linked with fever. Ticks, mosquitoes, midges, etc. act as intermediate hosts for some bacteria.

Prevention is better than cure. Prevention seldom causes interruption in production, while treatment of disease can only start after production has already been affected.

Prevention of Diseases

• Prevent contact between the animal and the pathogen through good hygiene and management.
• Dip animals frequently to prevent external parasites.
• Dose/ deworming animals.
• Vaccinate.
• Provide good balanced feeding.
• Use quarantine camps.

Definition: Pathogen - a specific causative agent (as a bacterium or virus) of disease

You can control external parasites by the application of chemical which are toxic for the ticks etc. but harmless to the animal. There are various methods that you can use to apply these chemicals.

Internal parasites can be control by the regular application of dosing remedies to all animals. It is impossible to prevent exposure to some organisms and in these cases vaccines are used exclusively.

Diseases like contagious abortion can be diagnosed in apparently healthy animals. During clinical examination symptoms can be identified but laboratory test is also necessary to confirm diagnoses. These tests can identify infected animals, which do not show any clinical symptoms.

Good feeding provides natural resistance to all diseases or parasites. Deficiencies of nutrients like minerals can cause diseases, which can be rectified by means of nutritional supplements.

Definition: Supplements - feed that are given as an addition to complement/complete the dietary balance

It is important that animals undergo a period of quarantine when entering a specific area of production. During this period the animal can be observed for any disease symptoms. Treatment against parasites and the necessary vaccine are administrated.