Diseases of Ruminants

Smaller farms

monthly visits may suffice; larger or intensively managed herds often require weekly or more frequent visits. These visits combine reproduction checks, health monitoring, disease prevention, training, and treatment administration to ensure optimal care and productivity

Disease Prevention and Control

Includes vaccination against prevalent diseases, strategic parasite control programs (deworming), and management of sick animals through timely diagnosis and treatment.

Nutrition Management

Proper nutritional support is critical to maintaining herd health.

Biosecurity Measures

Limiting disease introduction and spread through controlled animal movement, visitor restrictions, cleaning/disinfection protocols, and quarantine of new animals.

Reproductive Management

Routine reproductive examinations and estrus detection improve reproductive efficiency which is central to herd productivity.

Regular Monitoring and Record Keeping

Individual animal identification, recording health events, production parameters, and reproduction data are essential for informed decision-making and timely interventions.

Quality Control Programs

Address key management areas such as nutrition, milking hygiene, animal welfare, and environmental conditions to maintain consistency and reduce disease risk

3 months to 3 weeks

Pregnant dams are often vaccinated __ before calving to boost colostral immunity.

Parasite Control

Includes strategic deworming based on parasite life cycles and farm conditions to reduce intestinal and external parasites

Clostridial vaccines (7- or 8-in-1)

routinely in neonates and boosters in adults (per product).

IBR (BHV-1) and BVD

breeding herd vaccination; modified-live for open, killed for pregnant animals depending on product.

Leptospira (L. hardjo, L. ictterohaemorrhagiae etc.)

Consider in areas with risk; often 2-dose primary series then annual boosters.

Brucellosis

follow national programs; calfhood vaccination where applicable (regulated).

Pasteurella/Mannheimia and clostridial

for sheep/goats as relevant. Always follow product label and vet advice. Maintain vaccine cold-chain and record lot numbers/dates.

Parasite control/Integrated Parasite Management (IPM

monitor (FEC), treat only when needed (targeted selective treatment), pasture management (rest, mixed grazing), and strategic treatment at high-risk times.

FEC thresholds (general guidance)

treatment thresholds vary by parasite and local guidance for many systems a threshold of 200–500 eggs per gram (epg) can indicate need for treatment in small ruminants

<90%

FECR __ suggests resistance.

Liver fluke

treat based on seasonal risk and grazing; use flukicide timing to target adults; follow local extension guidance

2.5-3.5

BCS in beef cow

2.75-3.5

BCS in dairy cattle

FAO Ruminant Biosecurity Plan

Risk assessment for animal introductions, visitors, vehicles, feed, shared equipment. Use _ worksheet to prioritize actions.

Commonly 2–6 weeks depending on tests

Isolate incoming animals for an agreed period __ and test for major diseases before mixing.

Risk mapping

map where animals enter/exit, where feed is stored, shared equipment, water sources, and public access points. Mark “clean” and “dirty” zones and vehicle parking.

21–42

Quarantine new animals for _ days depending on risk & tests.

Visitor & vehicle control

Controlled entry point, visitor log, boot wash or disposable boots, restrict vehicle access to designated route, disinfect high-risk vehicles. Post clear signage with biosecurity rules.

Cleaning & disinfection

Identify critical control points (maternity pens, loading ramp). Use effective detergents before disinfectants; choose disinfectant validated for target pathogens and follow contact time instructions.

Feed & water biosecurity

Store feed in vermin-proof containers, test water quality periodically, avoid feeding raw swill or unprocessed waste. Shared grazing requires pre-arranged health checks and movement permits in outbreak situations

Prostaglandins

Use__ for timed breeding to increase reproductive efficiency

60-90 days

Conduct rectal palpation or other methods _ post-breeding

Heifers

reach ~60–65% mature weight at first breeding. Manage energy and mineral levels to avoid dystocia.

Peripartum (close-up dry cow) management

Vaccinate for clostridials or other agents per vet guidance before calving; manage transition diets to avoid metabolic disease (hypocalcemia, ketosis). Use clean maternity pens and record calving events.

Mastitis

aseptic milk sampling technique

Fecal testing

collect fresh samples, label clearly, and submit with clinical history.

Brucellosis, leptospirosis

follow cold chain and lab forms. Use local diagnostic lab guidance for packaging and transport

Cattle (beef & dairy)

Focus on reproduction efficiency (calving interval), mastitis control (dairy), and transition cow management.

Water buffalo

Heat stress management (shade, wallowing), milking hygiene adaptations, and specific udder health protocols recent literature highlights higher IMI (intramammary infection) prevalence when milking hygiene is poor; maintain milking machine adjustments and rigorous hygiene.

Sheep & goats (small ruminants)

Parasite control is often the biggest health constraint; focus on IPM, targeted treatments, and seasonal grazing management