Common Cattle Diseases: An Overview

How Does calf scour Manifest? Calf scour, or neonatal diarrhoea, is a common and possibly lethal condition affecting calves , typically within the first three weeks of their life. The primary causes of calf scour include infections by pathogens such as rotavirus, coronavirus, cryptosporidium, and enterotoxigenic E. coli. Parasites can also infect cattle with calf scour. Non-infectious calf scour can be caused by poor nutrition . Transmission is facilitated through contact with contaminated faeces, bedding or feeding equipment. Humans are susceptible to infection by handling infected animals or drinking contaminated water.

Symptoms of calf scour include watery diarrhoea that can be yellow or green in colour, dehydration, sunken eyes , lethargy, and a reluctance to stand or suckle. If not promptly treated, the rapid loss of fluids and electrolytes can lead to severe dehydration, metabolic acidosis , and death.

Effective treatment focuses on rehydration and electrolyte replacement. Oral electrolytes should be administer ed frequently, with severe cases requiring intravenous fluids administered by a veterinarian.

Preventing calf scour involves ensuring that calves receive adequate colostrum within the first few hours from birth to boost their immune system. Maintaining clean, dry bedding and practicing good biosecurity measures, such as isolating sick calves and ensuring proper sanitation, are also essential. Vaccination of pregnant cows can help reduce the incidence of rotavirus and coronavirus infections.

Is Bovine Respiratory Disease Complex dangerous? Bovine Respiratory Disease Complex (BRDC), also known as bovine respiratory disease (BRD) or bovine flu , is the second most dangerous disease among calves. It can be caused by a combination of viral and bacterial pathogens, environmental factors, and stressors that weaken the cow‘s immune system. Key pathogens include Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, Histophilus somni, and Mycoplasma bovis.

Clinical symptoms of BRDC can vary but typically include fever, cough ing, nasal discharge, increased respiratory rate, and depression. Early detection is critical as it allows for timely intervention, which can significantly reduce morbidity and mortality rates. Treatment often involves the use of antibiotics to combat bacterial infections and supportive care to reduce fever and inflammation . Preventative measures, including vaccination and minimizing stress through good conditions, are essential to control the spread of BRDC.

What is mastitis ? Mastitis is an inflammation of the udder tissue , usually due to bacterial infection. The condition is predominantly caused by pathogens such as Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp., or Escherichia coli. Stress, injury , and unsanitary conditions may be reasons for the outbreak of a mastitis. Poor milking procedures can increase the risk of mastitis.

Symptoms of mastitis include swelling, heat, redness, pain in the udder, and abnormal milk secretions. Treatment involves the use of intramammary antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, and oxytocin to aid milk removal. Preventative measures include proper milking hygiene, teat dip s, dry cow therapy, and maintaining clean, dry housing areas. Culling chronically infected cows can also help control the spread of the disease.

What are the symptoms of foot rot ? Foot rot is a contagious bacterial disease that causes lameness in cattle. The primary bacteria responsible for foot rot are Fusobacterium necrophorum and Dichelobacter nodosus. The disease typically occurs under wet conditions that damage the tissue between the toes, allowing bacteria to invade .

Symptoms include swelling, oozing lesions, and a foul odour emanating from between the toes. If untreated, severe detachment of the hoof wall can occur. Treatment involves the application of topical antibiotics like tetracycline, often administered through foot baths or sprays. Preventing foot rot requires keeping pens and walkways clean and dry, and promptly treating any injuries or infections.

How do you treat pink eye disease? Pink eye, or infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis, is a bacterial infection that causes eye irritation in cattle of all ages. The disease is highly contagious and can spread rapidly through the herd .

Symptoms include squinting , tearing, and cloudiness of the eye. Treatment includes over-the-counter medications, injectable antibiotics like oxytetracycline, and the use of topical sprays and eye patches to aid healing. Preventive measures include managing flies, providing shade, and maintaining good hygiene conditions in the stable .

How can you prevent and manage cattle diseases? To prevent cattle diseases, healthy animal husbandry is crucial. Effective cattle disease management involves vaccination, nutrition, biosecurity, and regular health checks. Tailored vaccination programs include core vaccines like IBR, BVD, BRSV, PI3, and clostridial diseases. Nutrition is critical, requiring balanced diets and adequate colostrum intake. Biosecurity measures, such as quarantining new arrivals, visitor control, and equipment sanitation, prevent disease spread. Regular health checks for early disease detection and collaboration with veterinarians ensure comprehensive herd-health management.

EXERCISE:

1. Bovine flu and calf scour are the most dangerous diseases among calves. A) True B) False

2. We can prevent calf scour by … A) adequate colostrum within the first few hours of birth. B) isolating sick calves. C) vaccination. D) using clean, dry bedding. E) applying good biosecurity measures.

3. Pink eye disease is a virus infection and is not contagious. A) True B) False

You’ll find the answer below.

BIBLIOGRAPHY 1. www.agrarheute.com 2. www.dict.cc 3. www.fao.org 4. www.msd-tiergesundheit.de 5. www.rindermedizin.de 6. www.veterinariadigital.com 7. www.webster-dictionary.org

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Lösung für Exercise:

1. A

2. A–E

3. B

Common Cattle Diseases: An Overview

How Does calf scour Manifest?

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Common Cattle Diseases: An Overview

How Does calf scour Manifest?

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