Recognizing Diseases and Disorders in Animal Science (Strand 2)

Disease

Any condition that disrupts normal body structure or function.

Infectious

Caused by a pathogen that can multiply and spread.

Pathogen

Any organism that causes disease, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and parasites.

Noninfectious

Not caused by a pathogen; includes management, nutrition, genetics, and environmental factors.

Biosecurity

Measures taken to protect against infectious diseases.

Chain of infection

The series of steps that pathogens take to spread: agent → reservoir → exit route → transmission → entry route → susceptible host.

Bovine respiratory disease complex

A common infectious disease in cattle, characterized by coughing, nasal discharge, and fever.

Mastitis

Udder infection in dairy cattle, presenting with a swollen/hot udder and abnormal milk.

Scours (diarrhea) in calves

A condition in young calves which can lead to dehydration and weakness.

Foot rot

A bacterial infection in cattle causing sudden lameness and swelling between claws.

Internal parasites

Worms that cause weight loss and anemia, often diagnosed in sheep and goats.

Pneumonia

A respiratory infection in sheep and goats, characterized by coughing and nasal discharge.

Colic

Abdominal pain in horses that can have many noninfectious triggers.

Heat stress

A condition when an animal cannot dissipate enough heat, leading to increased respiratory rate and reduced feed intake.

Laminitis

Inflammation of the hoof, which can be caused by diet or metabolic issues.

Zoonotic disease

An infectious disease that can be transmitted between animals and humans.

Campylobacteriosis

A bacterial infection in humans often acquired from undercooked meat or contaminated water.

Cryptosporidiosis

A protozoal infection in humans from fecal-oral transmission, especially from young animals.

Brucellosis

A bacterial infection in livestock that causes reproductive issues and can be transmitted to humans.

Leptospirosis

An infection caused by Leptospira bacteria, transmitted through contact with contaminated water or urine.

Common misconceptions

Beliefs that can lead to incorrect assumptions, such as equating fever exclusively with infectious causes.

Lameness

Abnormal gait due to pain or dysfunction in an animal's limb or foot.

Fracture

A break in bone, usually resulting from trauma.

Osteomalacia

A condition involving poor mineralization of bone, often linked to inadequate diet.

Nutritional disorders

Noninfectious diseases resulting from deficiencies or excesses in diet.

Toxicity/poisoning

Health issues caused by ingestion of harmful substances, plants, or chemicals.

Management changes

Adjustments made in feeding or housing to address noninfectious diseases.

Environmental stressor

Factors in the animal's environment that can lead to health issues, such as extreme temperatures or poor air quality.