EK

DAWIE

Notifiable Diseases Found on DAFF

1. Haemorrhagic Septicaemia

  • Causative Agent: Infection with Pasteurella multocida serotypes 6:b and 6:e.

  • Symptoms: Sudden death, fever, swelling of the throat, and respiratory distress. It can lead to severe economic losses.

2. Anaplasmosis

  • Causative Agent: Infection with Anaplasma marginale in tick-free areas.

  • Symptoms: Fever, anemia, and jaundice. The disease can significantly reduce milk production and weight gain in cattle.

3. Babesiosis

  • Causative Agents: Infection with Babesia bovis and B. bigemina in tick-free areas.

  • Symptoms: Fever, anemia, and jaundice. Babesiosis can lead to high mortality rates in susceptible herds.

4. Bovine Leukaemia Virus

  • Causative Agent: Enzootic bovine leucosis infection.

  • Symptoms: Often asymptomatic, but can cause lymphosarcoma and other cancers, drastically affecting herd health.

5. Bovine Virus Diarrhoea Virus

  • Type: Specifically type 2.

  • Symptoms: Diarrhea, immunosuppression, and can affect fetal health, leading to abortion.

6. Brucellosis

  • Causative Agent: Infection with Brucella abortus.

  • Symptoms: Abortion in pregnant cows, infertility in bulls, and long-term health issues in infected animals.

7. Lumpy Skin Disease Virus

  • Description: An infection characterized by skin lesions which can lead to severe weight loss and decreased milk production.

8. Mycoplasma Infection

  • Causative Agent: Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides SC (causing contagious bovine pleuropneumonia).

  • Symptoms: Respiratory distress, coughing, and anorexia; it is highly contagious among cattle.

9. Theileriosis

  • Causative Agents: Caused by Theileria parva (East Coast fever) or T. annulata (Mediterranean theileriosis).

  • Symptoms: Fever, lymphadenopathy, and severe health deterioration can be fatal if not treated.

10. Cysticercus bovis

  • Causative Agent: Infestation with Taenia saginata.

  • Impact: Causes carcass condemnation and financial loss in meat production.

11. Bluetongue

  • Description: A viral disease presenting as a clinical condition characterized by fever, edema, and mouth sores in cattle.

12. Encephalitides

  • Description: Includes various tick-borne diseases affecting the nervous system, which can result in neurological symptoms and death.

13. Anthrax

  • Causative Agent: Infection caused by Bacillus anthracis.

  • Symptoms: Sudden death, swelling, and dark blood from the body orifices, making it a highly fatal disease.

14. Heartwater

  • Causative Agent: Infection caused by Ehrlichia ruminantium.

  • Symptoms: Fever, neurological signs, and potential death, especially in susceptible breeds.

15. Foot and Mouth Disease Virus

  • Description: A serious viral infection resulting in sores in the mouth and on the feet, leading to significant economic impact on livestock production.

16. Japanese Encephalitis Virus

  • Description: An infection affecting cattle that can lead to neurological symptoms and has zoonotic potential.

17. Tuberculosis

  • Causative Agent: Infection by Mycobacterium bovis.

  • Symptoms: Chronic coughing, weight loss, and can lead to culling from herds due to zoonotic concerns.

18. Rabies Virus

  • Description: A fatal viral infection that affects the nervous system, commonly transmitted through bites from infected animals.

19. Rift Valley Fever Virus

  • Impact: Infection that can cause significant morbidity and mortality, especially in young animals.

20. Rinderpest Virus

  • Description: An infection with serious consequences, leading to high mortality rates in unvaccinated populations.

21. Surra

  • Causative Agent: Caused by Trypanosoma evansi.

  • Symptoms: Fever, edema, and lethargy; it can severely impact cattle production.

22. Vesicular Stomatitis Virus

  • Description: An infection causing vesicles in the mouth and associated pain, leading to decreased appetite and production.

23. Old World Screwworm Infestation

  • Causative Agent: Caused by Chrysomya bezziana.

  • Impact: Infestation can lead to serious tissue damage and requires prompt treatment.

24. Johne’s Disease

  • Causative Agent: Caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis.

  • Symptoms: Chronic diarrhea and progressive weight loss in cattle, impacting herd health and productivity.

25. Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies

  • Examples: Includes Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), which is a chronic and fatal disease affecting the brain.

26. West Nile Virus

  • Impact: Clinical disease affecting cattle, often leading to neurological signs and can result in death.

Clinical Examination of the Bovine Head

Examination Techniques

  • Tools Needed: Torch and mouth gag for proper visualization.

  • Procedure: Pull the tongue to the side for examining the inside of the mouth thoroughly.

Clinical Signs Associated with Oral Cavity Disorders

  • Drooling Saliva: May indicate oral or systemic issues requiring further investigation.

  • Protrusion of Tongue: Can signal pain or discomfort, necessitating examination for potential underlying conditions.

  • Difficulty Prehending Food/Drinking: Suggests possible oral or dental issues that may require intervention.

  • Dropping Cud Out of Mouth: Indicates a rumination problem needing attention.

  • Foul Smell from Mouth: Often suggests infections or necrotic lesions that require prompt veterinary care.

  • Cheek or Lymph Node Swelling: Indicates potential infections or abscesses in the head or neck region.

Age Estimation Based on Incisor Eruption

  • First Temporary Teeth: Usually lost around 15 months to 2 years, typically by 18 months, marking the transition to permanent teeth.

  • Lower Milk Teeth: Typically present until the animal is less than 18 months old.

  • Second Pair of Teeth: Typically lost around 2.5 years; selling cattle before this maximizes profits, as older cattle can decrease economic returns.

Causes of Excessive Salivation

Many Animals Involved

  • Heat Stress: Can lead to excessive salivation in response to temperature changes.

  • Botulism: Common in herds fed the same ration, indicating potential feed contamination.

  • Ephemeral Fever: Seasonal inflammatory disease resulting in salivation.

Single Animal Involved

  • Woody Tongue: Infection caused by Actinobacillus lignieresii, leading to swelling and discomfort.

  • Oral Trauma or Choke: Can occur from foreign objects obstructing the throat, requiring immediate attention.

  • Xylazine: Sedative effects leading to increased salivation; often used pre-anesthesia.

  • Botulism: Noted for affecting individual animals particularly sensitive due to ingestion of contaminated feed.

  • Maleruption of Incisors: Misalignment that can lead to injury or discomfort.

Causes of Oral Vesicles and Erosions

Multiple Animals Involved

  • Vesicular Stomatitis and Foot and Mouth Disease: Both are exotic diseases that require stringent biosecurity measures and veterinary intervention.

Few or Single Animals Involved

  • Erosions: May develop from Bluetongue, Rinderpest, or toxicity from plants like Lantana, which requires identification and management of affected animals.

Chronic Salivation Consequences

  • Dehydration and Acidosis: Resulting from the loss of bicarbonate from saliva, creating health risks requiring treatment.

Burden of Excess Fluoride Ingestion (Fluorosis)

Sources

  • Chronic ingestion of excess fluoride, particularly in areas impacted by industrial pollution, can have significant health implications for livestock.

Clinical Signs

  • Brittle Teeth: A sign of fluoride toxicity, indicating poor dental health.

  • Osteoporosis Leading to Lameness: Skeletal issues due to high fluoride exposure, which can ultimately reduce productivity in cattle.

Diagnosis of Fluorosis

Methods

  • Coccygeal Amputation: Evaluate bone fluoride content, providing crucial information for diagnosis.

  • Urine Fluoride Concentrations: Measure fluoride levels as an assessment method for exposure.

Cleft Palates in Breeds

Susceptible Breeds

  • Charolais and Hereford: Often face problems with feeding due to cleft palates, leading to aspiration risk and requiring special care in management.

Wooden Tongue Pathogenesis

Actinobacillosis

  • Caused by Actinobacillus lignieresii, entering through tissue wounds, potentially leading to systemic infections.

Clinical Signs

  • Salivation and Swollen Hard Tongue: General indicators of illness, requiring veterinary evaluation.

Treatment

  • Sodium Iodide (NaI): Administered intravenously as an irritant, effective in treating the infection.

  • Potassium Iodide (KI): Administer orally for treatment of infections.

  • Oxytetracycline: Long-acting antibiotics commonly used, though not recommended for pregnant animals due to potential risks.