Animal diseases greatly impact human health, ecological balance, economic stability, and animal health. Nowadays veterinary medicine and animal care have become an important part. This blog details all animal diseases, including their causes, symptoms, and

Most Common Diseases in Animals: Every Livestock Owner Should Know.

 

Animal diseases greatly impact human health, ecological balance, economic stability, and animal health. Nowadays veterinary medicine and animal care have become an important part. This blog details all animal diseases, including their causes, symptoms, and prevention and management strategies.

 

Animals are susceptible to a variety of diseases that can significantly affect their health, productivity and lifespan. These diseases can be infectious, caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites, or non-infectious, caused by genetic disorders, nutritional deficiencies or toxic exposure. Common infectious diseases include rabies, foot-and-mouth disease, and salmonellosis, while non-infectious problems include conditions such as hip dysplasia and rickets. Zoonotic diseases, such as brucellosis and Lyme disease, pose a threat to human health. Effective disease management includes vaccination, good sanitation, routine veterinary care and biosecurity measures to prevent outbreaks as well as ensure animal welfare.

 

Animal diseases can be classified as infectious or non-infectious, zoonotic diseases and diseases that affect both humans and animals are specific categories. A detailed observation of several diseases affecting animals.

 

Types of Animal Diseases

Infectious Diseases

Infectious diseases are diseases caused by microorganisms, fungi, viruses and bacteria. Our body is home to a variety of animals. Usually neither dangerous nor helpful. However, under certain conditions, microorganisms can spread disease.

 

Some infectious diseases are spreading from person to person. Mosquitoes or animals disperse some. Additionally, others can become infected if they consume contaminated food or water or come into contact with organisms in the surrounding environment.

Non-infectious Diseases 

Usually called diseases that are not transmissible, non-infectious diseases can't pass from person to person or be contracted by infectious agents. These are chronic illnesses that often have symptoms that persist.

 

Zoonotic Diseases

Zoonotic diseases are infections that can be transmitted from animals to humans, posing significant public health risks. Common zoonotic diseases include rabies, which is fatal without prompt treatment, and salmonellosis, which causes gastrointestinal illness. Other examples are Lyme disease, transmitted by ticks, and avian influenza, which can cause severe respiratory issues.

 

Common Diseases in Animals

1. Tuberculosis (TB) 

Tuberculosis (TB) is a significant infectious disease in animals, mainly caused by Mycobacterium bovis. Public education about the risks of consuming unpasteurized dairy products and maintaining good hygiene practices when handling animals is essential for preventing zoonotic transmission.TB caused by Mycobacterium bovis remains a significant challenge in veterinary and public health. 

 

Symptoms

• Animals may develop a chronic cough that lasts for a long time.
• Affected animals start losing weight.
• Infected animals show fatigue and lack of energy.

 

Prevention

• Get regular tuberculosis testing
• Feeding animals a balanced diet to strengthen the immune system and body
• Vaccination against TB is available and is an effective preventive measure

 

 2. Anthrax

 

Anthrax is a highly contagious and fatal cattle disease caused by a relatively large spore-forming bacterium called Bacillus anthracis. Hoofed animals such as deer, cattle, goats and sheep are the main affected by the disease.

Symptoms:

• Sudden death is the most common symptom;
• Occasionally some animals may show high temperatures, shivering
• Difficulty breathing, collapse and convulsions before death. 

Preventive measures

• Regular annual vaccination of animals should be done in local areas
• Vaccination should be done at least one month before the expected outbreak of the disease in the local area
• The carcass of an animal suspected to have died of anthrax should never be opened.

3. Ringworm

 

It is the most common infectious skin disease in animals. This disease is especially found in beef cattle. It is often caused by a fungus that then infects humans. Typically, the disease appears as grey patches on the head and neck area and around the eyes.

 

Symptoms

• The appearance of round, hairless patches on the animal's skin.
• The infected area may have brittle or broken hair,
• Affected animals often have itchy skin,

 

Preventive measures

• Clean and disinfect the animal's housing, bedding and grooming tools regularly to reduce the risk of fungal spores.
• Ensure animals have a balanced diet and proper nutrition to support a healthy immune system,

 

4. Salmonellosis

 

Salmonellosis is caused by Salmonella bacteria and affects a wide range of animals, including poultry, cattle, pigs, horses, and reptiles. Infected animals often exhibit symptoms such as diarrhoea, fever, abdominal pain, dehydration, and lethargy. 

 

Symptoms

• Often there is a possibility of diarrhea.
• Significant reduction in food intake
• Dehydration: due to diarrhoea and vomiting.
• Elevated body temperature

 

Preventive measures

 

•  Animal housing, feeding equipment and water sources should be regularly disinfected. Ensure living environment.
• Isolate new or sick animals to prevent the spread of infection.
• Use available vaccines for the applicable species, following veterinary guidelines.

5. Aspergillosis

Aspergillus species are the source of aspergillosis, a fungal infection that typically affects the respiratory system in animals. It mainly affects animals, such as dogs cats, and birds. Animals contract the virus by breathing in spores from contaminated habitats

 

Symptoms

• Cough, shortness of breath, runny nose and sneezing.
• Weight loss, loss of appetite and lethargy.
• Sudden death, respiratory distress and respiratory tract injuries.

 

Preventive measures

• Animal housing should be regularly cleaned and disinfected to reduce fungal spore levels.
• Giving balanced feed to animals.
• Ensure proper ventilation to prevent mould growth.
• Get regular vet checkups to catch and treat any infections early.

 

6. Foot-and-Mouth Disease: A Contagious Threat to Livestock

A highly transmissible viral disease known as foot-and-mouth disease, or FMD, affects animals with cloven feet, including cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats. Caused by foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV), Animals may get the acute infectious sickness called foot and mouth disease. 

 

Symptoms

• Fever with 104-105o F
• Strings of red saliva hang from the mouth
• Vesicles are seen in the mouth and interdigital spaces

Preventive measures

• Disinfect animal sheds using bleaching powder or phenol
• Equipment and attendants should be separate for sick animals
• Isolation and segregation of sick animals. This should be reported to the veterinary doctor immediately

7. Hip Dysplasia in Animals: A Genetic Joint Disorder

Hip dysplasia is a common genetic disorder in animals, particularly affecting large dog breeds like German Shepherds, Labradors, and also some cat breeds. It occurs when the hip joint's ball and socket are malformed, leading to instability, pain, and arthritis.

Symptoms

• Decreased physical activity such as running, jumping, or climbing stairs
• Animals often walk with a limp after exercise
• A swaying gait can be a sign of hip discomfort.
• Signs of pain when the hip area is touched or handled.

Preventive measures

• Maintaining a healthy weight is important to reduce stress on the hips. Eat a proper diet to prevent obesity.
• Doing regular low-range motion exercises to keep the muscles around the hip joint strong without over-straining.
• Include essential nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine and chondroitin in the diet.

8.Rickets in Animals: A Nutritional Bone Disorder

Rickets is a disease of the bone growth plate that usually only affects young, growing animals. The main cause of rickets is a lack of phosphorus or vitamin D in the diet. Calcium deficiency can also cause rickets, and this rarely occurs naturally

Symptoms

• bone pain
• walk stiffly
• Swelling in the region of the metaphyses
• Difficulty getting up

 Preventive measures

• Be sure to include vitamin D in your diet
•  Sunlight is also important for the body to get D3. Daily exposure to sunlight
• A high-quality commercial food designed by a veterinary nutritionist is recommended.

9. Lead Poisoning in Animals: A Toxic Threat

Lead poisoning is a severe and potentially fatal condition in animals caused by ingestion or inhalation of lead-containing materials, such as old paint, batteries, or contaminated soil. Symptoms include gastrointestinal distress, neurological issues like seizures and tremors, and lethargy. 

Symptoms

• Vomiting, diarrhoea and loss of appetite.
• Neurological problems: Seizures, tremors and incoherent movements.
• Behavioral changes. Lethargy, depression and unusual aggression.

 Preventive measures

• Be careful that your animals do not come in contact with contaminated soil.
•  Keep it free of old, peeling paint and industrial waste.
• Regular health screenings can help detect early signs of lead exposure.

 

10. Rabies

Rabies is a viral disease transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, typically via bites or scratches. It affects the central nervous system, leading to brain inflammation (encephalitis). 

 

Symptoms

• They change their normal behaviour and behave very strangely.
• They stop eating and drinking.
• Males will try to mate (mount) other animals.

 

Preventive measures

• Getting dogs in your community vaccinated against rabies.
• You should ask your veterinary service about rabies vaccinations. In the event of a rabies outbreak, livestock in your community can also be vaccinated.

 

11. Brucellosis

Humans can contract brucellosis, a bacterial infection brought on by the Brucella species and spread from animals such as pigs, cattle, and goats. Aerosol inhalation, eating unpasteurized dairy products, or direct contact with infected animals are the three main ways that the disease spreads.

Symptoms

• Reproductive problems
• Swelling of the joints, testicles (in men) and breasts (in women).
• Decreased activity level, weakness and lack of energy.
• In dairy animals, brucellosis can cause a significant reduction in milk production,
• Weight loss due to poor appetite and general poor health.

 

Preventive measures

• Routine vaccination of livestock.
•  Animal testing can help identify and isolate infected individuals, thereby preventing the spread of the disease
• By maintaining clean and sanitary facilities and using protective clothing,

 

Understanding common diseases in animals and their symptoms is crucial for ensuring the health and well-being of your animals. By staying informed and proactive, you can effectively prevent, identify, and treat these illnesses, leading to a happier and healthier life for your furry companions. 

If you have any concerns or notice any unusual symptoms in your animals, don't hesitate to consult with your veterinarian. At Solman Healthcare, we are dedicated to providing high-quality animal healthcare products to ensure your animals lead healthy and productive lives. From preventive care to treatment solutions, 

Trust us to be your partner in animal health. Know more about our offerings and give your animal the best care.