Diseases Of Farm Animals - SS1 Biology Lesson Note

Farm animals can be susceptible to various diseases that can affect their health, well-being, and productivity. Here are some common diseases that can occur in farm animals:

1.     Bovine Diseases:

A.    Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD): A complex respiratory disease in cattle, often caused by a combination of viral and bacterial infections, leading to pneumonia.

B.     Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD): A highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals like cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats. It causes fever, blisters on the mouth and feet, and reduced milk production.

C.     Bovine Tuberculosis (TB): A bacterial disease caused by Mycobacterium bovis, primarily affecting cattle but can also impact other animals and humans.

D.    Johne's Disease: A chronic bacterial infection that primarily affects cattle, causing diarrhea, weight loss, and reduced milk production.

2.     Porcine Diseases:

A.    Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS): A viral disease in pigs characterized by reproductive failure in sows and respiratory illness in piglets.

B.     African Swine Fever (ASF): A highly contagious viral disease affecting domestic and wild pigs, causing high fever, hemorrhages, and high mortality rates.

C.     Porcine Circovirus Associated Diseases (PCVAD): Diseases associated with porcine circovirus, including porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2), leading to conditions like porcine dermatitis and nephropathy syndrome (PDNS) and postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS).

3.     Poultry Diseases:

A.    Avian Influenza (Bird Flu): A viral disease affecting various bird species, including chickens, ducks, and turkeys, causing respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms, high mortality, and potential human health risks.

B.     Newcastle Disease: A highly contagious viral disease affecting poultry, leading to respiratory, nervous system, and gastrointestinal symptoms.

C.     Infectious Bursal Disease (Gumboro Disease): A viral disease affecting young chickens, causing immunosuppression and increased susceptibility to other infections.

D.    Coccidiosis: A parasitic disease caused by protozoan parasites (Eimeria spp.) that affects the intestinal tract of poultry, leading to diarrhea and reduced growth.

4.     Small Ruminant Diseases:

A.    Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis (CAE): A viral disease affecting goats, characterized by arthritis, mastitis, and encephalitis.

B.     Caseous Lymphadenitis (CL): A bacterial disease caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, primarily affecting sheep and goats, leading to abscess formation in lymph nodes.

C.     Scrapie: A fatal neurodegenerative disease affecting sheep and goats, characterized by pruritus, behavioral changes, and weight loss.

These are just a few examples of diseases that can affect farm animals. It is important for farmers to implement proper biosecurity measures, vaccination programs, and regular veterinary care to prevent and control diseases, ensuring the health and productivity of their livestock.