AGR 001

Basic Terminologies in Animal Disease Prevention and Control

1. Pathogen – A microorganism (bacteria, virus, parasite, or fungus) that causes disease.

2. Host – An animal that harbors a pathogen and may or may not show disease symptoms.

3. Vector – An organism (such as mosquitoes or ticks) that transmits disease from one host
to another.

4. Zoonosis – A disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans (e.g., rabies, avian
flu).

5. Epidemiology – The study of disease occurrence,distribution, and control in animal

populations.

6. Endemic Disease – A disease constantly present in a particular geographic area.

7. Epidemic – A sudden increase in the number of disease cases in a population.

8. Pandemic – A worldwide outbreak of a disease affecting multiple regions.

 9. Carrier – An animal that carries and spreads disease without showing symptoms.

10. Incubation Period – The time between pathogen exposure and symptom onset.

11. Immunity – The ability of an animal to resist infection, either naturally or through
vaccination.

12. Biosecurity – Measures taken to prevent the introduction and spread of disease in animal
populations.

Control of Animal Diseases

Disease control focuses on reducing disease spread and severity. Methods include:

1. Vaccination – Using vaccines to build immunity against specific diseases.

2. Quarantine – Isolating sick or exposed animals to prevent disease spread.

 3. Surveillance – Monitoring and testing for early disease detection.

4. Sanitation & Hygiene – Cleaning animal housing, equipment, and water sources.

5. Vector Control – Reducing populations of insects or animals that spread disease.

6. Antibiotics & Antivirals – Medications used to treat bacterial and viral infections,
respectively.

7. Culling – Removing and disposing of infected or high-risk animals.

8. Education & Training – Teaching farmers and animal handlers about disease prevention.

Eradication of Animal Diseases

Complete elimination of a disease requires:

1. Mass Vaccination – Immunizing all susceptible animals.

2. Strict Quarantine Measures – Stopping movement of animals in and out of affected areas.

3. Early Detection and Rapid Response – Identifying and controlling outbreaks before they
spread.

4. Culling of Infected and Exposed Animals – Preventing further transmission.

5. Improved Biosecurity Practices – Strengthening farm and facility hygiene.

6. Legislation and Regulation – Enforcing disease control policies at national and

international levels.

7. Public Awareness Campaigns – Educating farmers, veterinarians, and the public about
disease risks and prevention.
Transmission of Diseases in Animals

Diseases in animals can spread through various pathways. Understanding these transmission
methods helps in controlling and preventing outbreaks.
1. Direct Transmission

Occurs when the disease spreads from one animal to another through direct contact.

Physical Contact – Touching an infected animal (e.g., skin infections, mange).

Bodily Fluids – Transmission through saliva, urine, blood, or feces (e.g., rabies,
leptospirosis).

Aerosol/Droplet Spread – Inhalation of infected respiratory droplets (e.g., influenza,

tuberculosis).

2. Indirect Transmission

The disease spreads through contaminated objects, surfaces, or other organisms.

Fomites – Inanimate objects (feed, water, bedding, tools, clothing) carrying pathogens (e.g.,
foot-and-mouth disease).

Vector-borne Transmission – Disease spread by insects, ticks, or other animals (e.g., malaria
via mosquitoes, Lyme disease via ticks).

Waterborne Transmission – Drinking or contact with contaminated water (e.g., giardiasis,

leptospirosis).
Foodborne Transmission – Eating contaminated feed or raw meat (e.g., salmonellosis, mad
cow disease).

3. Vertical Transmission

Disease is passed from parent to offspring.

In Utero (Before Birth) – Through the placenta (e.g., Brucellosis in cattle).

During Birth – Contact with infected birth fluids or tissues (e.g., Herpesvirus in horses).

Via Milk – Infected milk can spread diseases to newborns (e.g., Johne’s disease in cattle).

4. Environmental Transmission

Animals get infected from their surroundings.

Soil-borne Diseases – Pathogens persist in soil and infect animals through wounds or
ingestion (e.g., Anthrax, Tetanus).

Airborne Transmission – Pathogens travel through dust or air over long distances (e.g., Avian
Influenza, Foot-and-Mouth Disease).
5. Zoonotic Transmission (Animal to Human)

Some diseases can spread from animals to humans.

Direct Contact – Handling infected animals (e.g., Rabies, Ringworm).

Consumption of Animal Products – Eating contaminated meat or dairy (e.g., Brucellosis,

Tuberculosis).

Vector-borne – Infections from bites of insects carrying pathogens from animals (e.g., Plague
from fleas).

Disease Prevention and Control Strategies in Animals

Preventing and controlling diseases in animals is essential for maintaining animal health,
ensuring food safety, and protecting public health. Strategies focus on minimizing disease
introduction, transmission, and impact.

1. Disease Prevention Strategies

Prevention is the most effective way to reduce the risk of disease outbreaks.
 A. Biosecurity Measures

Farm Biosecurity – Restricting movement of people, animals, and equipment to prevent

disease introduction.

Quarantine and Isolation – Isolating new or sick animals before introducing them to a healthy
population.

Disinfection and Sanitation – Regular cleaning of housing, equipment, and feeding areas.

Protective Clothing – Use of gloves, boots, and coveralls by workers to prevent pathogen
spread.

B. Vaccination Programs

Routine Vaccination – Immunizing animals against common infectious diseases (e.g., rabies,
foot-and-mouth disease, anthrax).

Herd Immunity – Protecting an entire population by ensuring a high percentage of animals

are vaccinated.

C. Proper Nutrition and Animal Welfare

Balanced Diet – Providing essential nutrients to strengthen immunity.

Clean Water Supply – Preventing waterborne diseases like leptospirosis.

Reducing Stress – Minimizing overcrowding and rough handling to prevent immune
suppression.

D. Vector and Wildlife Control

Insect and Rodent Control – Managing populations of disease-carrying vectors (e.g.,

mosquitoes, ticks, and rats).

Wildlife Management – Preventing contact with wild animals that may carry diseases (e.g.,
avian influenza from wild birds).

2. Disease Control Strategies

When a disease outbreak occurs, quick action is needed to limit its spread and impact.

A. Early Detection and Surveillance

Regular Health Monitoring – Checking animals for signs of disease.

Diagnostic Testing – Laboratory tests to confirm infections.

Reporting Systems – Notifying authorities about outbreaks to take action.

 B. Isolation and Quarantine

Sick Animal Isolation – Separating infected animals to prevent transmission.

Movement Restrictions – Preventing the transport of infected animals or contaminated

materials.

C. Treatment and Medication

Antibiotics and Antivirals – Used to treat bacterial and viral infections, respectively.

Deworming Programs – Controlling internal parasites that can weaken animal health.

Supportive Care – Providing fluids, vitamins, and care to help recovery.

D. Culling and Depopulation

Culling Infected Animals – Removing and safely disposing of infected or exposed animals to
stop disease spread.

Humane Depopulation – In extreme cases, large-scale culling may be necessary for highly
contagious diseases (e.g., Avian Influenza).

E. Public Awareness and Education

Training Farmers and Veterinarians – Teaching disease prevention methods.

Community Engagement – Encouraging responsible animal handling and reporting of disease

cases.

F. Government and Policy Measures

Legislation and Regulations – Enforcing laws on disease control and animal movement.

International Collaboration – Working with organizations like the World Organisation for
Animal Health (WOAH) to prevent global disease spread

Common Ruminant Diseases: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment

Ruminants (cattle, sheep, goats, and buffalo) are susceptible to various infectious and non-
infectious diseases. Proper management and disease control are essential for maintaining
animal health and productivity.

1. Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD)

Cause: Viral (Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus, FMDV)

Transmission: Direct contact, airborne, contaminated feed and water

Symptoms: Fever, blisters on mouth and hooves, lameness, drooling, weight loss
Prevention:

Regular vaccination

Quarantine infected animals

Disinfection of farm equipment and facilities

Treatment: No specific cure; supportive care includes pain relief, wound care, and hydration

2. Brucellosis (“Bang’s Disease”)

Cause: Bacterial (Brucella species)

Transmission: Contact with infected animals, ingestion of contaminated milk or placenta

Symptoms: Abortion, stillbirths, retained placenta, swollen joints

Prevention:

Vaccination (Brucella abortus vaccine)

Proper disposal of infected materials

Pasteurization of milk

Treatment: No effective treatment; infected animals are usually culled

3. Blackleg

Cause: Bacterial (Clostridium chauvoei)

Transmission: Ingestion of spores from contaminated soil

Symptoms: Sudden death, swollen muscles, lameness, high fever

Prevention:

Vaccination (Clostridial vaccine)

Proper disposal of dead animals

Treatment: High doses of antibiotics (penicillin) if caught early

4. Bovine Tuberculosis (TB)

Cause: Bacterial (Mycobacterium bovis)

Transmission: Airborne, ingestion of contaminated feed/water

Symptoms: Chronic coughing, weight loss, swollen lymph nodes

Prevention:

Test and cull infected animals

Maintain hygiene and proper ventilation

Treatment: No effective treatment in animals; culling is recommended

5. Johne’s Disease (Paratuberculosis)

Cause: Bacterial (Mycobacterium avium subsp. Paratuberculosis)

Transmission: Fecal-oral route, contaminated milk

Symptoms: Chronic diarrhea, weight loss, reduced milk production

Prevention:

Testing and culling infected animals

Preventing contamination of feed and water

Treatment: No cure; management focuses on prevention

6. Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia (CCPP) [in Goats]

Cause: Bacterial (Mycoplasma capricolum)

Transmission: Airborne droplets, direct contact

Symptoms: Coughing, nasal discharge, high fever, difficulty breathing

Prevention:

Vaccination
Isolation of sick animals

Proper ventilation

Treatment: Antibiotics (tetracyclines or macrolides)

7. Mastitis

Cause: Bacterial (Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, E. Coli)

Transmission: Poor milking hygiene, contaminated equipment

Symptoms: Swollen, painful udder, reduced milk production, abnormal milk

Prevention:

Proper milking hygiene

Clean and dry bedding

Regular udder health checks

Treatment: Antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, proper milking techniques

8. Rift Valley Fever (RVF)

Cause: Viral (Rift Valley Fever Virus)

Transmission: Mosquito bites, contact with infected tissues

Symptoms: Fever, abortion storms, liver damage, sudden death in young animals

Prevention:

Vaccination

Mosquito control

Treatment: No specific treatment; supportive care and isolation

9. Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD)

Cause: Viral (Lumpy Skin Disease Virus)

Transmission: Insect bites, direct contact

Symptoms: Nodules on the skin, fever, reduced milk production

Prevention:

Vaccination

Vector control (insecticides, fly traps)

Treatment: Supportive care, antibiotics for secondary infections

10. Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) [Goat Plague]

Cause: Viral (PPR Virus)

Transmission: Direct contact, respiratory secretions

Symptoms: Fever, nasal discharge, oral sores, diarrhea, pneumonia

Prevention:

Vaccination

Quarantine and biosecurity measures

Treatment: Supportive care, antibiotics for secondary infections

Pest Control in Farm Animals and Stored Animal Products

Pests pose a serious threat to farm animals and stored animal products by spreading diseases,
causing stress, and reducing productivity. Effective pest management involves preventive
measures, biological controls, and chemical treatments.

1. Pest Control in Farm Animals

Pests such as insects, rodents, and parasites can harm farm animals by causing irritation,
spreading infections, and affecting growth and production.

Common Pests Affecting Farm Animals and Their Impact

Flies, such as houseflies and stable flies, are a major nuisance for livestock, spreading
diseases like mastitis, pinkeye, and anthrax. Ticks and mites cause skin irritation, anemia, and
serious conditions like tick fever and mange. Mosquitoes transmit deadly viruses such as Rift
Valley fever and bluetongue. Rodents, including rats and mice, contaminate feed, spread
leptospirosis, and damage farm infrastructure.
Methods of Pest Control in Farm Animals

A. Biological Control

Encouraging natural predators, such as birds and predatory insects, to control fly and
mosquito populations.

Introducing parasitic wasps that lay eggs inside fly pupae, reducing fly numbers.

B. Environmental and Management Practices

Proper waste management by regularly removing manure and stagnant water to eliminate fly
and mosquito breeding grounds.

Using well-maintained housing structures to prevent rodent infestations.

Rotational grazing and pasture management to reduce tick populations.

C. Chemical Control

Using insecticidal sprays, pour-on treatments, and ear tags to repel or kill flies and ticks.

Applying acaricides to control tick infestations on cattle and sheep.

Using rodenticides in bait stations to control rodent populations safely.

D. Mechanical and Physical Control

Installing fly traps, sticky tapes, and electric insect zappers in barns.

Using mosquito nets and screen doors in animal housing to reduce exposure to mosquitoes.

Sealing cracks and holes in storage areas to prevent rodent entry.

2. Pest Control in Stored Animal Products

Stored animal products, such as meat, milk, hides, and feed, are vulnerable to pest
infestation, leading to contamination and spoilage.

Common Pests in Stored Animal Products

Insects like weevils, beetles, and moths infest stored grains, animal feed, and dried meat,
causing spoilage and contamination. Rodents damage packaging, consume stored products,
and spread diseases like salmonellosis and hantavirus. Mites and fungi in improperly stored
feed can produce harmful toxins, affecting livestock health when consumed.

Methods of Pest Control in Stored Animal Products

A. Proper Storage Practices

Using airtight containers and sealed bags to store grains and animal feed.

Keeping storage areas clean, dry, and well-ventilated to prevent mold and pest infestations.

Stacking storage items on pallets to allow air circulation and prevent rodent access.

B. Temperature and Humidity Control

Maintaining cool, dry conditions to prevent insect and fungal growth.

Using refrigeration or freezing for meat and dairy products to inhibit pest activity.

C. Biological and Chemical Control

Using natural pest deterrents like neem leaves or diatomaceous earth in stored grains.

Applying food-safe pesticides and fumigants to eliminate insects in bulk storage.

Using rodent traps and baits to control rodent populations in warehouses and storage rooms.

D. Regular Monitoring and Inspection

Checking stored products frequently for signs of pest activity.

 Removing and safely disposing of infested products to prevent further contamination.

Public Impact of Animal Diseases (Zoonoses)

1. Public Health Impact
Zoonotic diseases can cause illness and death in humans, leading to major health crises. Some
common zoonotic diseases and their effects include:
 Rabies – A fatal viral disease transmitted through bites from infected animals, mainly
dogs and bats.
 Brucellosis – Causes fever, joint pain, and chronic fatigue, often contracted from
consuming unpasteurized dairy products.
 Tuberculosis (TB, caused by Mycobacterium bovis) – Affects the lungs and can spread
from infected cattle through raw milk.
 Anthrax – A bacterial infection affecting the skin, lungs, or intestines, often contracted
through handling infected livestock.
 Leptospirosis – Causes fever, kidney damage, and liver failure, spread through water
contaminated with infected animal urine.
2. Economic Impact
 Loss of Livestock – Infected animals may die or require culling, reducing meat, milk, and
egg production.
 Trade Restrictions – Outbreaks can lead to bans on animal exports, affecting farmers and
economies reliant on livestock trade.
 Healthcare Costs – Treating zoonotic infections in humans increases medical expenses
and burdens healthcare systems.
 Food Safety Risks – Contaminated animal products can cause foodborne illnesses,
leading to recalls and loss of consumer confidence.

3. Social and Environmental Impact

Zoonotic diseases affect communities in various ways:
 Human Displacement and Fear – Large-scale outbreaks can lead to movement
restrictions, quarantine measures, and social panic.
 Impact on Farmers and Rural Livelihoods – Loss of animals and trade restrictions can
push farming families into poverty.
 Ecosystem Imbalance – Some control measures, such as mass culling, can disrupt
biodiversity. Overuse of antibiotics in livestock can also contribute to antibiotic
resistance, a growing global health threat.
Prevention and Control Measures
 Vaccination – Immunizing animals (e.g., rabies, brucellosis) and humans at risk.
 Food Safety Practices – Pasteurizing milk, cooking meat thoroughly, and ensuring proper
hygiene in food handling.
 Biosecurity Measures – Implementing strict farm hygiene, quarantining sick animals, and
controlling animal movement.
 Vector Control – Reducing mosquito, tick, and rodent populations that spread zoonotic
diseases.
 Public Awareness and Education – Teaching people about zoonoses and promoting
responsible animal handling.
 Surveillance and Early Detection – Monitoring and quickly responding to disease
outbreaks to prevent further spread.