Animal pests are organisms, usually insects or rodents, that attack farm animals causing harm, discomfort, or reducing productivity.

Animal diseases are abnormal conditions in animals caused by infectious agents, poor management, or environmental factors that impair normal body function.

Farm animals can be affected by different types of diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or protozoa.

A. Bacterial Diseases

Cause: Bacteria (microscopic single-celled organisms).

Examples:

• Anthrax – affects cattle, sheep, goats; can be transmitted to humans.


• Tuberculosis – affects lungs and general health.


• Brucellosis – causes abortion; transmitted through milk.

Symptoms: Fever, loss of appetite, weakness, swelling, abnormal discharge.

B. Viral Diseases

Cause: Viruses (tiny organisms that require living cells to reproduce).

Examples:

• Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) – sores in mouth and hooves.


• Rinderpest – high fever, diarrhoea, death.


• Newcastle Disease – respiratory and nervous symptoms in poultry.

Symptoms: Fever, blisters, drooling, coughing, weakness, reduced production.

C. Fungal Diseases

Cause: Fungi (microorganisms like molds and yeasts).

Examples:

• Ringworm – circular patches of hair loss.


• Aspergillosis – respiratory disease in poultry.

Symptoms: Skin lesions, hair loss, coughing, respiratory distress.

D. Protozoal Diseases

Cause: Protozoa (single-celled organisms).

Examples:

• Trypanosomiasis (Sleeping Sickness) – transmitted by tsetse fly.


• Coccidiosis – diarrhoea in poultry and young animals.

Symptoms: Weakness, anaemia, diarrhoea, reduced growth.

1. Direct contact: Healthy animals touch infected animals.


2. Airborne transmission: Sneezing or coughing of infected animals.


3. Vector transmission: Insects like tsetse flies, ticks, mosquitoes.


4. Contaminated feed and water: Ingestion of infected food or water.


5. Fomites: Contact with contaminated equipment, clothing, or housing.

1. Loss of appetite and weight.


2. Fever and weakness.


3. Diarrhoea or vomiting.


4. Swelling or lumps on the body.


5. Poor growth and reduced milk or egg production.


6. Respiratory problems such as coughing or difficulty breathing.

1. Reduced growth and body weight.


2. Lower milk, meat, or egg production.


3. Infertility or abortion in breeding animals.


4. Death in severe cases.


5. Economic losses for the farmer.

1. Physical control: Trapping, fencing, and removing pests.


2. Chemical control: Use of insecticides, acaricides, and rodenticides.


3. Biological control: Using natural predators like birds or parasitic insects.


4. Environmental control: Keeping the farm clean and dry to reduce pests.

1. Good housing and hygiene: Regular cleaning of pens, troughs, and water containers.


2. Proper feeding: Balanced diets to boost immunity.


3. Vaccination: Immunizing animals against common diseases.


4. Quarantine: Isolating new or sick animals to prevent spread.


5. Regular veterinary check-ups: Early detection and treatment of diseases.


6. Disinfection: Using disinfectants to clean equipment and housing.

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Summary Chart: Common Farm Animal Diseases