Animal Health Management and Disease Prevention

Mortality

death loss - obvious economic loss

Morbidity

sickness - lower production and higher production costs; even more of an economic loss

Noninfectious disease

results from injury, genetic abnormalities, poor nutrition, etc.

Infectious disease

caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and protozoa

Contagious

if it spreads rapidly from one animal to another

Immunity

process by which particles foreign to the body are identified and destroyed or metabolized

Natural (native) immunity

present at birth (skin, secretions, acidic stomach)

Acquired resistance

activated when body encounters foreign substances, involves lymphocytes

Passive immunity

receive from colostrum

Active immunity

attained when the individual can initiate its own antibody production against specific invasive antigens

Whole herd management

necessary for prevention of health-related losses

Veterinarian-assisted planning

vets help plan and implement the health-management program

Sanitation

can reduce exposure to pathogens and affect severity and susceptibility

Sound nutritional management

important for maintaining strong immune systems and reducing vulnerability to microorganisms

Record analysis

keeping a record of diseases caught from an outbreak, and medication given at the time

Biosecurity

measures taken to protect livestock from disease

Proper use of biologics and pharmaceuticals

ensures effective treatment and prevention of diseases

Minimization of stress

important for maintaining animal health

Personnel training

ensures staff are knowledgeable about health management practices

Disease incidences

Records of occurrences of diseases in animals.

Mortality rates

The rate at which animals die in a given population over a specific time period.

Morbidity rates

The rate at which animals become ill in a given population over a specific time period.

Vaccination records

Documentation of vaccinations administered to animals.

Treatment records

Records that include animal ID, date of treatment, product administered, withdrawal dates, dose, route of administration, and site of administration.

Facilities cleanliness

The necessity to maintain clean facilities to prevent harm and disease spread.

Physical facilities

Structures that can cause physical injury or stress to animals and may spread pathogens.

Source of livestock

The origin from which animals are purchased, emphasizing reliability to reduce disease transmission.

Herd health-management programs

Effective programs that manage the health of animal herds to prevent disease.

Cross contamination

The transfer of pathogens from one source to another, often through human actions or vehicles.

Biosecurity

Measures taken to protect animal health by preventing the introduction and spread of diseases.

Serological testing

Testing for antibodies in the blood to determine immune response.

Pharmaceuticals

Substances used mainly to treat diseases in animals.

Biologicals

Substances used primarily to prevent diseases in animals.

Vaccines

Biologics used to stimulate active immunity in animals.

Passive immunity

Immunity that is transferred from a vaccinated dam to her offspring.

Killed vaccines

Vaccines made from inactivated pathogens.

Modified live vaccines

Vaccines made from live pathogens that have been altered to not cause disease.

Chemically attenuated vaccines

Vaccines made from pathogens that have been weakened through chemical processes.

Isolation facilities

Areas designated for isolating animals to observe for disease symptoms.

Monitoring incidence of disease

The process of tracking and recording occurrences of diseases in a population.

Employee protocols

Guidelines for employees interacting with animals to ensure biosecurity.

Topical

Applied to the skin.

Oral

Administered through the mouth by feeding, drenching, using a balling gun.

Injection

Administered via a needle and syringe.

Subcutaneous

Administered under the skin.

Intramuscular

Administered into muscle.

Intravenous

Administered into a vein.

Intramammary

Administered through the teat canal.

Intraperitoneal

Administered into the body cavity.

Intrauterine

Administered through the cervix and into the uterus.

Intranasal

Administered via inspired air.

Stress

Any environmental factor that can cause a significant change in the animal's physiological processes.

Prolonged stress

Can impair the immune system.

Visual detection

Usually the first step in detecting unhealthy animals.

Vital signs

Indicators such as body temperature, respiration rate, heart rate, gut sounds, ease of respiration, capillary refill rates, and coloration of the eye.

Quality assurance programs

Designed by professionals to help producers improve management practices, record keeping, and personnel training.

Best practices

A series of approved protocols designed to assure wholesome and safe products.

Client-patient relationship

A valid relationship with a veterinarian is required for quality assurance.

Herd health plan

An effective plan focusing on prevention.

Antimicrobials

Responsible use of substances including antibiotics is required.

Record keeping

A system for animal ID and health records is necessary.

Employee training

Certification and accountability of employees is essential.

Humane animal handling

Providing appropriate animal care is a requirement.

Environmental stewardship

Responsible management of environmental resources is necessary.

Continuous improvement

Ongoing enhancement of practices is required.

Disease

Any deviation from normal health with marked physiological, anatomical, or chemical changes.

Mortality and morbidity rates

Minimized in an excellent herd health management program.