Transcript Cattle Disease Chart Information pp_cattle_diseases_pp_

ANAPLASMOSIS
Anaplasmosis is a vector-borne, infectious blood disease in cattle caused by the rickesttsial
parasites Anaplasma marginale and Anaplasma centrale. It occurs primarily in warm tropical and
subtropical areas. The disease is not contagious but is transmitted most commonly by ticks. It can
also be transmitted via contaminated needles, dehorning equipment, castrating knives, tattoo
instruments, biting flies and mosquitoes. The intracellular parasite destroys red blood cells. It
causes anemia, fever, weight loss, breathlessness, uncoordinated movements, abortion and
death. Diagnosis is based on clinical signs and the examination of blood under microscope for
evidence of the parasite.
Affected cattle either die or begin a recovery within 4 days after the first signs of the disease. The
mortality rate increases with the age of the animal. Unless infected cattle are detected during the
early stages of the disease they should not be treated. If an animal with advanced anaplasmosis is
forced to move or becomes excited, it may die from lack of oxygen, also antibiotic treatments do
little or nothing to affect the outcome of the disease when given during advanced stages of the
disease. Treatment consists of the administration of tetracycline. A vaccine is available that helps
to reduce the severity of the infection. If you have any cattle with this disease it is very important to
control ticks and follow strict sanitation procedures during vaccinations and other procedures to
stop the spread of the disease to healthy animals. Animals that recover from anaplasmosis are
carriers and can spread the disease.
Chlortetracycline also known as CTC can reduce the risk of anaplasmosis. Chlortetracycline (CTC)
consumed at the rate of 0.5 mg / lb. body weight daily during fly and tick season will help to prevent
anaplasmosis. A consistent intake of the correct amount of mineral is crucial to a anaplasmosis
prevention program. CTC is available in medicated feed, free choice salt-mineral mixes or
medicated blocks. Be sure the product is labeled for anaplasmosis control and follow the label
instructions exactly.
ANTHRAX
Anthrax, a highly infectious and fatal disease of mammals and humans, is caused by a relatively
large spore-forming rectangular shaped bacterium called Bacillus anthracis. Most outbreaks
occur in areas where animals have previous died of anthrax, as the spores remain viable for
decades. The predominant sign in cattle with anthrax is a progression from a normal appearance
to dead in a matter of hours. Most animals are simply found dead. Once an outbreak begins in
the herd animals may be observed with signs of weakness, fever, excitement followed by
depression, difficulty breathing, uncoordinated movements and convulsions. Bloody discharges
from the natural body openings as well as edema in different parts of the body are sometimes
observed. After death, the animal's body rapidly decomposes.
Some animals may be saved if treated very early with penicillin or tetracyclines. Vaccination is
very effective in preventing further disease from occurring in animals on a property experiencing
an outbreak, however full immunity takes 10 to 14 days to develop. Antibiotics must not be used
at the same time as vaccines are given, since they interfere with the development of immunity.
For animals and humans, anthrax is a reportable disease in the United States. Local and state
health departments, federal animal health officials, and the CDC's National Center for Infectious
Diseases should immediately be notified of any suspected cases. Remember, this is a potentially
fatal human pathogen, so appropriate measures must be taken to protect all personnel. A
physician should be contacted for the best preventative measures for all exposed or potentially
exposed humans.
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BLACKLEG
Blackleg is a highly fatal disease of young cattle caused by the spore
forming, rod shaped, gas producing bacteria Clostridium chauvoei. The
spores of the organism can live in the soil for many years. The bacteria
enters the calf by ingestion and then gains entrance to the body through
small punctures in the mucous membrane of the digestive tract. Cattle
that are on a high plane of nutrition, rapidly gaining weight and between
6 months and 2 years of age are most susceptible to the disease. The
disease is not transmitted directly from sick animals to healthy animals by
mere contact.
The first sign observed is usually lameness, loss of appetite, rapid
breathing and the animal is usually depressed and has a high
fever. Characteristic swellings develop in the hip, shoulder, chest, back,
neck or elsewhere. First the swelling is small, hot and painful. As the
disease progresses, the swelling enlarges and becomes spongy and
gaseous. If you press the swelling, gas can be felt under the skin. The
animal usually dies in 12 to 48 hours. In most cases the animal is found
dead without being previously observed sick. The speed with which
blackleg kills usually makes individual treatment useless.
Blackleg is almost entirely preventable by vaccination. The most
commonly used clostridial vaccination in cattle is the 7-way type which
protects against Clostridium chauveoi (blackleg), Clostridium septicum and
Clostridium sordelli (malignant edema), Clostridium novyi (black disease),
and three types of Clostridium perfringens (enterotoxemia).
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PASTURE BLOAT
Bloat is a form of severe indigestion marked by a collection of gas in
the rumen that the animal is unable to expel. Normal digestive
processes create gases consisting chiefly of carbon dioxide and
methane in the rumen. Most of the gases are eliminated by
belching. Gases that are trapped may form a foam or froth in the
rumen which further prevents their elimination. Froth formation
can be caused by many factors resulting from interactions between
the animal, rumen microorganisms, and differences in plant
biochemistry. The main causes of bloat are an inherited tendency
for bloat, certain proteins in forage (particularly in legumes), the
coarseness of the roughage and the type of rumen microbial
population. Pasture bloat usually occurs in animals grazing wheat
pasture, lush legumes (alfalfa, Ladino, red clover) or fed greenchopped legumes. To prevent pasture bloat in cattle you should
plant pastures so that no more than 50 percent of the forage mixture
is alfalfa or clover, fill cattle on dry roughage or grass pastures
before turning to legume pastures, provide grass hay or graze in a
rotation using grass pastures.
Visual signs of bloated cattle include distension of the left side of
the animal, discomfort as indicated by stomping of feet or kicking
of belly, labored breathing, frequent urination and defecation, and
sudden collapse.
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BRUCELLOSIS
Brucellosis of cattle, also known as "contagious abortion" and "Bangs
disease", is caused by infection with the bacterium Brucella abortus, which
can also cause a disease of humans known as "undulant fever". Brucellosis
infection of cattle causes abortion or premature calving of recently infected
animals, most often between the fifth and eight month of
pregancy. Although federal and state regulations have helped to control this
disease, there is still a threat. Infected cows frequently suffer from retained
afterbirth, are difficult to get rebred and sometimes become sterile.
Brucellosis is spread from the vaginal discharge of an infected cow or from
an aborted fetus. The organism has an affinity for the reproductive tract and
abortions, retained placenta, weak calves and infertility frequently
occur. Breeding bulls which are infected, can transmit the disease to cows at
the time of service by infected semen. Milk produced front an infected cow
may also harbor the organism. The infected milk creates a public health
hazard as this is the organism that causes undulant fever in humans.
There is no treatment for Brucellosis. Prevention of Brucellosis is
accomplished by official calfhood vaccination of heifer calves. Vaccination
must be done by an accredited veterinarian at calf ages that vary from two to
four months using standard dosage vaccine, or from 4 to 12 months using
reduced dosage vaccine. Each calf must be identified as officially vaccinated
in compliance with state and federal regulations. Quarantines are imposed
on infected herds by state and federal authorities until the herd has been
proven free of the disease.
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BSE or Mad Cow Disease
Bovine Spongioform Encephalopathy (also known as BSE or "mad cow disease") is
a progressive degenerative disease that affects to central nervous system of cattle.
It belongs to a group of similar but distinct neurological diseases including
Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease (CJD) in humans. The cause of BSE is unknown and
there is no known treatment for this fatal disease.
Typically, it takes from two to eight years from the time of infection for the
clinical signs of BSE to appear. BSE-affected animals may display symptoms
such as nervousness or aggressive behavior, abnormal posture, lack of
coordination and difficulty in rising. When first noticed, clinical signs may
resemble those of rabies. Rabies progresses rapidly over a few days while the
symptoms of BSE progress over a period of two to six months. Following the
onset of clinical signs, the animal's condition deteriorates until it either dies or is
destroyed.
Great Britain's outbreak is believed to have been caused by the inadvertent
feeding to cattle of meat and bone meal supplements that were contaminated
with an infectious agent. This occurred in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Once
cattle became infected, the BSE agent was recycled in the cattle food chain
through the feeding of rendered material from slaughtered animals to other
cattle. This increased the magnitude of the epidemic. Great Britain banned the
feeding of ruminant derived protein (from sheep and cattle) to ruminants in 1988.
the use of potentially contaminated bovine tissue was prohibited in the
manufacture of all animal feed. this ban has had an effect, as the number of BSE
cases has declined since the winter of 1992-93.
Diagnosis of BSE is based on clinical signs of the live animal followed by the
appearance of characteristic lesions in a post-mortem microscopic examination of
the brain. There are no tests for the disease in live animals
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BVD
BVD (Bovine Virus Diarrhea) infection can cause numerous
problems, such as damage to the digestive and immune
systems, pneumonia, abortions, calf deformities, and
others. Clinical signs in newborn calves infected with BVD
include fever, nasal discharge, diarrhea, and inability to
move about normally.
Unfavorable reactions frequently follow the use of modified
live virus BVD vaccines. The risk of these vaccination
reactions should be weighed against the probability of losses
resulting from BVD infection before a decision is made
about using MLV-BVD vaccines. Appropriate
recommendations should be made by the attending
veterinarian after he has assessed the local BVD situation.
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CALF SCOURS
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Calf scours or calf diarrhea causes more financial loss to cow-calf producers than any other
disease-related problem they encounter. But calf scours is not a disease but a symptom of a
disease which can have many causes. In diarrheas, there is a discharge of more fluid than
normal from the bowel, often more frequently than normal. The discharge can be white,
yellow, grey or blood-stained, and is often foul-smelling. Although more common in handreared calves, it can also occur in calves which are being suckled by their mothers.
Since a calf is approximately 70 percent water at birth, loss of body fluids through diarrhea
can produce rapid dehydration. Dehydration and the loss of certain electrolytes produce a
change in body chemistry in the calf. Although infectious agents may be the cause of primary
damage to the intestine, death from scours is usually due to loss of electrolytes, changes in
body chemistry, dehydration, and change in acid-base balance rather than by invasion of an
infectious agent. The infectious agent that causes scours can be a virus (BVD, Rotavirus,
coronavirus), bacteria (E. coli, salmonella, Enterotoxemia) or protozoa (coccidiosis,
cryptosporidium).
Treatment for scours is very similar regardless of the cause. It should be directed toward
correcting the dehydration, acidosis, and electrolyte loss. Antibiotic treatment can be given
simultaneously with the treatment for dehydration. Dehydration can be overcome with
simple fluids given by mouth early in the course of the disease. If dehydration is allowed to
continue, intravenous fluid treatment becomes necessary. The age of the calf when scours
begins is an important consideration in its survival. The younger the calf, the greater the
chance of death.
Recent research has indicated that many scour cases can be directly related to lack of
colostrum intake by the newborn calf. A calf that is well mothered and consumes 1 to 2 quarts
of colostrum in the first few hours after birth absorbs a higher level of antibodies and is far
less susceptible to scours and other calfhood diseases.
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CANCER EYE
Bovine ocular neoplasia includes a variety of benign and malignant skin tumors of
the eyeball and eyelids. Benign tumors are growths that do not spread to other
parts of the body and do not tend to grow into surrounding tissues. They can
cause local problems with eye function, but do not affect the rest of the
body. Malignant tumors are growths of cells that spread to other parts of the body
and tend to invade surrounding tissues. Clearly, it is in the cattlemen's best
interest from an economic, humane, and public perception standpoint to treat or
market cattle with cancer eye as soon as practical.
Cancer eye appears to affect cattle that have non-pigmented skin, especially
around the eye. You can reduce the incidence of cancer eye in your herd by
selecting breeding stock with dark pigmentation or color around the eyes and by
culling affected animals and their offspring from the breeding herd. The peak age
for cancer eye is between 7 and 8 years of age. It occurs infrequently in cattle less
than 3 years of age.
Check eyes whenever cattle are gathered for other routine procedures, especially
breeds known to be commonly affected. Veterinary treatments include surgery,
cryosurgery (freezing), hyperthermia (heating), or combinations of these. The
success rate, if treated early, approaches 90 percent. Given the genetic
susceptibility of this condition, you may elect to cull affected cattle rather than
treating them.
Cattle with advanced lesions that have spread to other parts of the body or
invaded the local tissues around the eye should be humanely destroyed and not
transported to market. If presented, they will be condemned and the presence of
cattle with cancer eye at the market could create negative public perceptions.
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COCCIDIOSIS
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Coccidiosis continues to be one of the major disease problems for cattle producers. It is caused by
microscopic, one-celled parasites. Coccidiosis occurs more frequently in calves from one to six
months of age, but older cattle, especially those from one to two years, are often affected. Young
calves are usually infected when they are placed in pastures or lots contaminated by older cattle or
other infected calves. Occasionally, mature cattle are infected when they are brought in from large
pastures and crowded into small feedlots or barns.
Typical signs of coccidiosis are diarrhea, rough coat, loss of appetite and weight, and general
emaciation. The general weakness may cause the calf to defecate without rising, thus soiling its tail
and hindquarters. In more severe cases the manure may contain blood, mucus, and stringy masses
of tissue. This occurs because the destruction of the epithelial cells results in the sloughing of the
epithelium lining the intestine.
Severe straining at defecation may be observed in the more advanced stages. Death may occur
during the acute period, or later from secondary complications, such as pneumonia.
As in many diseases, it is easier to prevent coccidiosis than it is to treat it. Because several days are
required for sporulation, the oocyst stage in manure is the weakest link. Separating a cow and calf
from a contaminated lot interrupts the life cycle and helps control the disease.
Since moisture favors the development of parasites and dryness kills them, practices that reduce the
moisture on pasture will decrease parasitic contamination. Pastures should be well-drained,
watering troughs raised above the ground, and grazing should be kept to a minimum on lush grass
along the edges of ponds and streams. In these areas where cattle congregate, overgrazing should
be avoided. Otherwise, animals will be forced to graze to the roots of plants where they may ingest
large numbers of parasites.
Segregate severely parasitized animals and treat them with a coccidiostat. Follow recommended
feeding practices. The effects of parasites are less severe in well-nourished cattle.
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FOOT-AND-MOUTH
Foot-and-Mouth Disease is a severe, highly communicable disease of cattle,
pigs, sheep, goats and deer. It is caused by one of the smallest disease
producing viruses known. There are several different strains of the virus that
cause the disease. The strain now in England and Europe is harder on pigs
and cattle but milder in sheep and goats. Humans do not catch the virus. The
disease is characterized by blister-like lesions on the tongue, nose and lips, in
the mouth, on the teats and between the toes which then burst, leaving painful
ulcers. The blisters cause a heavy flow of sticky, foamy saliva that hangs
from the mouth. Infected animals sway from one foot to the other due to the
tenderness of the feet. Although older cattle usually do not die from the
infection, they suffer a severe illness which leaves them in a weakened
state. They have high fevers, stop eating, give less milk and become lame.
The virus is extremely contagious and spreads rapidly unless it is contained.
This usually requires quarantining infected farms, followed by slaughtering
and burning all susceptible animals. Anyone having contact with animals in
infected countries should not go near susceptible animals for at least five
days. Because the virus is spread so easily, countries with the disease are
banned from exporting animals and their products, creating further economic
hardship. Foot-and-Mouth Disease was last seen in the United States in 1929.
The U.S. Government places an extremely high priority on keeping the disease
out of the country.
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FOOTROT
Fusobacterium necrophorum and Bacteroides melaninogenicus are the predominant
bacteria isolated from footrot. Footrot occurs in cattle of all ages, but it is most
common in adults. The disease is seen year-round, but there is increased
incidence in the wet summer and fall months.
Bacteria gain entrance through lesions on the lower part of the foot; the
bacteria do not penetrate normal skin. Anything that can damage the skin
between the claws should be considered as predisposing to the disease. Wet
manure and mud can soften the skin between the claws and permit
infection. Dried or frozen mud, stones, and stubble can bruise the tissues
sufficiently to lower their resistance to disease.
Lameness appears suddenly; usually only one foot is affected. An animal will
put little weight on the affected leg, but will place weight on the limb while
walking or running. A moderate fever (103º-104º F.) may accompany the early
signs. The typical early lesion is a break in the skin between the claws. Pus
may be present, but not in large amounts. Edges of the break are covered with
necrotic material, and the lesion has a characteristic foul odor. The foot is
swollen and the animal is in acute pain.
Spontaneous recovery may occur, but if the animal is not treated, the lameness
may persist for several weeks. Penicillin, tetracyclines, sodium sulfadimidine,
sulfabromomethazine, and other antibacterial agents are used for systemic
therapy. Daily treatment begun immediately after onset of lameness usually
will give excellent recovery in two to four days. Treated animals should be
maintained on a dry surface until recovered. Recent research has shown that
dietary zinc supplementation is effective in treating and preventing footrot in
cattle. Feeding chlortetracycline (CTC) at the rate of 0.5 mg / lb. body weight
daily may also help prevent foot rot. Many mineral mixes and commercial
supplements are formulated to contain the correct amount of chlortetracycline
(CTC).
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GRASS TETANY
Grass tetany is a serious, often fatal metabolic disorder characterized by low
levels of magnesium in the blood serum of cattle. It is also called grass staggers
and wheat pasture poisoning. It primarily affects older cows nursing calves
less than two months old, but it may also occur in young or dry cows and
growing calves. It happens most frequently when cattle are grazing succulent,
immature grass and often affects the best cows in the herd.
High nitrogen fertilization reduces magnesium availability, especially on soils
high in potassium or aluminum. Grass tetany occurs most frequently in the
spring, often following a cool period (temperatures between 45 and 60°F) when
grass is growing rapidly, but also is seen in the fall with new growth of cool
season grass or wheat pastures.
Typical signs of grass tetany begin with an uncoordinated gait and terminate
with convulsions, coma, and death. Animals on pasture are often found dead
without illness having been observed. Evidence of thrashing will usually be
apparent around the cow if grass tetany is the cause of death.
The prevention of grass tetany depends largely on avoiding conditions that
cause it. Graze less susceptible animals on high risk pastures. Steers, heifers,
dry cows, and cows with calves over 4 months old are less likely to develop
tetany. The use of dolomite or high Mg limestone on pastures and including
legumes in pasture mixes will decrease the incidence of tetany in grazing
cattle. In areas where tetany frequently occurs, feed cows supplemental
magnesium. Supplementation increases blood magnesium levels and alleviates
much of the grass tetany problem. Adequate amounts of magnesium must be
consumed on a daily basis.
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IBR
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Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (commonly called IBR or red
nose) is an acute, contagious virus disease of cattle. Often
implicated as an infection which initiates the shipping fever
complex. This infection usually occurs in the air passages of
the head and the wind pipe. However, in females this virus
also causes inflammation of the vulva and vagina and
abortion. Abortion occurs about 20 to 45 days after infection.
Cattle of all ages that have not been vaccinated or have not
recovered from the disease are susceptible to IBR. The use
of modified live vaccines on non-immune pregnant cows or
on animals in contact with pregnant cows could possibly
cause abortion. An intranasal vaccine is available that can
be used on pregnant cows, if necessary. It is advisable that
heifers be vaccinated or revaccinated 30 to 60 days before
breeding.
Many IBR vaccines include the entire IBR/PI3/BRSV/BVD
shipping fever complex.
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EXTERNAL PARASITES
Horn flies, face flies, stable flies, ticks, lice and mites are the major external
parasites in beef cattle.
Horn Flies are about half the size of house flies and are dark gray. They are
blood-sucking flies that stay on the shoulders and backs of cattle almost
continuously. During extremely hot weather or when it rains, they may move
to the protected underside of the animal. When disturbed, horn flies will fly
up in a swarm but they will return to the animals almost immediately. A horn
fly leaves the back of a cow or calf only to lay eggs in fresh manure. They
suck blood from the host 24 hours a day. Individual flies pierce the skin with
their short, tube-like mouthparts 20 to 30 times per day to ingest a small
amount of blood. Their feeding activity is painful and annoys the animals, as
well as causing some blood loss.
There are many effective options to keep horn fly numbers below the 100 fly
per animal treatment threshold. Cost, convenience, and herd management
practices, such as grazing rotation, can be considered when designing a
control program that fits best. Backrubbers allow cattle to treat themselves
while loafing and scratching. Dust bags are most effective when used where
cattle have to pass under them daily to get to water or mineral. Feed additives
target horn fly maggots breeding in fresh animal manure. High pressure
sprays can be used to treat cattle thoroughly and inexpensively on a per head
basis. An insecticide bolus is a large pill-like formulation that is given to the
animal with a standard balling gun. Insecticide-impregnated cattle ear tags
release small amounts of an insecticide which are distributed over the animal
during grooming or rubbing. Pour on insecticides are ready-to use
formulations that are applied in measured doses to animals based upon body
weight
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Face Flies closely resemble house flies. Face flies cluster on the faces of cattle and feed on
secretions from the mucus membranes of the eyes, nose, and lips. Face flies do not suck blood.
They do irritate the surface of the eyeball and carry and spread bacteria and viruses that
contribute to pinkeye problems. They spend only a small portion of their life on cattle which
makes them more difficult to control than horn flies.
Stable flies are sometimes called biting house flies. The look very much like house flies. They
feed primarily on legs and lower abdomen of cattle. The mouth parts penetrate the skin and
allow them to engorge on blood two to three times a day depending on the weather. Once full
they move to a resting place, usually in the shade, to digest the blood meal. The blood loss
and pain associated with the bite of stable flies results in substantial economic loss.
Ticks cause blood loss, discomfort, and spread diseases like anaplasmosis. Tick control is
extremely difficult in areas with high tick populations. High concentrations of ticks usually
occur in brushy pastures and woodlands so habitat management is an important part of tick
control. Control on cattle through persistent use of approved pesticides is achieved by
spraying, dipping, ear tags, pour-ons, dust, and backrubs. A good residual insecticide is
necessary to prevent infestation.
Lice cause skin irritation and itching. Both biting and sucking lice infest cattle. Infested cattle
can experience reduced appetite and appear unthrifty.
Lice reside entirely on the host cow. Lice are present on cattle year around but increase in
numbers in winter. In spring most parasites are lost with the winter hair coat. Lice control is
most important in the fall and early winter when the lice populations increase. Treat with
approved products. Treatment needs to be repeated in three weeks to kill hatching lice since
most insecticides do not successfully kill eggs. Sprays and pour-ons are common methods to
treat cattle lice.
Mite infestation is called mange in cattle. A serious form of mange is called scabies. Scabies is
caused by sarcoptic and psoroptic mites and must be reported to the disease control
authorities. A less severe mange is caused by chorioptes, demodex, or psorergates
mites. Mites are spread through close contact. Cattle infested with mites suffer hair loss and
a thickening of the skin. Severe infestations can weaken cattle and make them vulnerable to
diseases. Scabies can result in severely debilitated animal. Control of mites is difficult because
mites burrow into hide. Injectable products or pour-on products with systemic activity work
to control mites best. As with lice, a second application is necessary in two to three weeks to
kill newly hatched mites.
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INTERNAL PARASITES
The economic losses from worm parasite infections of cattle can be significant. Calves under one
year of age are more susceptible than older cattle who frequently have been exposed to the
parasites and have developed a degree of immunity.
Adult worms in cattle produce eggs that are passed in the manure. The eggs hatch, producing
larvae that develop and move up onto the pasture grasses where cattle consume them. Eggs can
survive the winter and hatch out with warm weather. Infection is most likely to occur when
temperatures are between 60° and 80°F. and there is adequate rainfall. Deworming prior to the
grazing season will greatly reduce the contamination of pastures during the grazing season. Cows
dewormed in the fall usually have a higher conception rate the next breeding season, winter better
and wean heavier calves.
There are several several anthelmintics approved for use in beef cattle. It is probably a good idea to
rotate the wormer you use. Consult your veterinarian concerning the type to use and the timing to
be the most cost effective for your area. Several are listed below by active ingredient and (brand).
Albendazole (Valbazen) is available in paste or suspension. It is effective against all intestinal
worms including tapeworms, and lungworms as well as liver flukes. It has a 27-day withdrawal for
slaughter. It should not be used in animals during the first 45 days of pregnancy.
Fenbendazole (Panacur, Safeguard) is available as a stable suspension or granules. It is effective
against roundworms in the gut, larval forms in the tissues, and lungworms. Withdrawal time to
slaughter is 8 days.
Ivermectin (Ivomec) for cattle is an effective medication against the internal worm parasites
including lungworms as well as cattle grubs and sucking lice. It is available in injectable or pour-on
formulations. Withdrawal time to slaughter is 35 days.
Levamisole (Levisol, Tramisol) is available in boluses, a paste for oral administration, as a pour-on
or an injectable form. Levamisole is effective against roundworms and lungworms. Withdrawal
time is orally 2 days and injected 7 days.
Morantel tartrate (Rumatel) comes in boluses or crumbles for oral use. It is effective against
roundworms, and has a 14-day withdrawal time to slaughter.
Oxfendazole (Synonthic) is a new wormer that is effective against intestinal parasites including
tapeworms. This wormer has a unique delivery system in that the wormer is injected directly into
the rumen. Oxfendazole is also available in the drench form. It has a 7 day withdrawal time to
slaughter.
Thiabendazole (Omnizole, TBZ) for oral administration is available in paste, boluses, suspension, or
crumbles. It is effective against roundworms. Withdrawal time to slaughter is 3 days.
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JOHNE'S DISEASE
Johne's Disease (pronounced YO-knees), or paratuberculosis, is a
chronic wasting disease that causes considerable production losses in
adult cattle, sheep, goats, deer, llamas, elk, and bison, and other
ruminants. The disease is caused by Mycobacterium paratuberculosis, a
bacterium related to tuberculosis.
Johne's disease typically starts as an infection in calves, though visible
signs do not generally appear until cattle are 2 to 5 years of age (and
sometimes much older). The infection is difficult to detect in its early
stages. This bacterium causes an inflamed intestinal tract that results
in severe weight loss and diarrhea and lower milk
production. Infected cattle frequently eat well, and look bright,
however, they appear to be unthrifty. Body temperature may or may
not be elevated. There is no cure for Johne's disease once an animal
becomes infected.
Eradication of Johne's disease is extremely difficult because of its
insidious nature, long incubation period, difficulty in early detection,
and major management changes necessary to prevent and eradicate
it. Consultation and action by a veterinarian experienced in the
management of Johne's disease is necessary for the development of a
herd-control and eradication program.
Johne's disease has been reported in almost all countries around the
world.
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LEPTO
At least five species of leptospira, a corkscrew-like bacteria,
affect cattle in the United States. The species most
commonly found are hardjo, icterohaemorrhagiae, canicola, L.
pomona, and grippotyphosa.
The most common species affecting cattle is L.
pomona. Multiple abortions in the breeding herd is often
the first sign of the disease. The clinical signs in adult
cattle are yellow mucous membranes and bloody
appearing urine, which are seen only occasionally. The
milk of lactating cows may become thick, yellow and
blood-tinged. Abortion two to five weeks after infection
is common, but most occur about the seventh month of
gestation. Diagnosis is confirmed by a blood test or
culturing the organism.
Vaccines are available for five of the leptospira species that
affect cattle. Vaccination should be done annually 30 to 60
days before the breeding season. Leptospirosis vaccine is
often combined with Vibriosis vaccine.
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LISTERIOSIS
Listeriosis, a disease of the central nervous system, is caused by
the bacterium Listeria moncytogenes. This bacterium can live
almost anywhere--in soil, manure piles, and grass. Listeriosis is
common in cattle, sheep and goats and can occur in pigs, dogs,
and cats, some wild animals, and humans. Animals infected
with Listeria can show signs restlessness, loss of appetite, fever
and nervous system disorders. Although not seen in every case,
the most notable symptom gives this disease its nickname,
"Circling Disease." Cattle with listeriosis are often seen walking
in circles. Other, more subtle symptoms include uncoordinated
movements, leaning against objects, and progressive paralysis.
Death can occur within 2 to 3 days after the onset of symptoms,
but cattle can survive for up to 2 weeks with the disease.
Healthy animals are not usually affected by Listeria. Cattle with
lowered resistance to disease are prime candidates for
listeriosis. Recognition of symptoms is important for successful
treatment. Most animals will recover if treated with a broad
spectrum antibiotic started early. Diseased cattle should be
separated from healthy cattle and placed on a prolonged therapy
program. In herds of valuable cattle, it may be advantageous to
treat the whole herd. Vaccines are not available in the U.S.
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LUMPY JAW
Actinomycosis or lumpy jaw produces immovable hard swellings on
the upper and lower jawbones of cattle, commonly at the central molar
level. It is caused by an anaerobic micro-organism, Actinomyces
bovis. The bacterium invades tissue through breaks in the lining of the
mouth caused by eating rough forage. The tumor-like swellings
develop slowly and may take several months to reach a noticeable
size. Lumpy jaw may be well advanced before external signs are
visible. The lumps consist of honeycombed masses of thin bone filled
with yellow pus. If neglected the swellings may become very large. In
advanced cases openings develop and discharge small amounts of
sticky pus containing gritty yellow granules.
Difficult breathing due to involvement of the nasal bones may be the
first sign. As the disease progresses, chewing becomes more difficult
and painful, resulting in loss of condition. Occasionally, the soft tissues
of the head and alimentary tract can be involved. Lesions in the
alimentary tract give vague symptoms of indigestion, often with
chronic bloat.
The most common treatments are iodine therapy or
tetracyclines. Treatment is often ineffective. If the disease is detected
early, it may be better to dispose of the animal while it is still in good
condition. Only the head should be condemned by meat inspectors,
unless the lesions have spread elsewhere in the body.
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PINKEYE
Pinkeye (infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis) is a common infectious disease affecting the eyes of
cattle. The name describes the redness and inflammation of the lining of the eyelid and
eyeball. Although pinkeye is non-fatal, it has a marked economic impact on the cattle industry. It
is known to occur at all seasons of the year and in all breeds of cattle. Pinkeye and foot rot are the
two most prevalent conditions affecting all breeding beef females
One or both eyes may be involved. Excessive weeping of the affected eye and closure due to pain
are the two signs most commonly observed. As the disease progresses, the cornea becomes cloudy
or white. An ulcer (eroded circular spot) frequently develops near the center of the cornea. Cattle
with pinkeye keep the affected eye or eyes closed because of pain and to avoid bright sunlight.
They lose weight because they are reluctant to forage for feed and water. The course of the infection
may run for 4 to 8 weeks, or even longer.
As the eye begins to heal, white scar tissue infiltrates the cornea. In most cases this scar will
gradually disappear as healing progresses and vision will be restored. However, in severely
affected eyes, a white scar often persists and interferes with vision. If the ulceration is severe
enough to penetrate all layers of cells forming the cornea, the fluid in the eyeball will escape. This
results in the iris and/or lens protruding partially or entirely through the ulceration. If this occurs,
there will be permanent blindness in the affected eye.
Pinkeye is caused by a combination of factors. A good control program should incorporate
procedures to reduce initial eye irritation.
An intensive fly control program is essential to limit the spread of pinkeye in a herd of cattle. The
insecticide-impregnated plastic ear tags are effective in controlling the horn fly and face fly. These
ear tags are also an aid in controlling the stable fly and house fly, and remain effective for up to 5
months. Also sprays, charged backrubbers, and dusts bags are products that can provide chemical
control. Manure, weed, and brush management are necessary for total fly control.
Cattle often have grass or weed seeds in their eyes, and these materials no doubt irritate the eye and
contribute to the development of pinkeye. Clipping pastures to reduce the amount of tall grass and
weeds can be an important management technique in controlling pinkeye.
Ultraviolet light (sun light) - breed for eyelid pigmentation, introduce Brahman influence into the
herd, provide shade or tree rows with ample room to prevent overcrowding.
Cattle with pinkeye can be helped by prompt treatment. Most antibiotics in eye sprays are effective
in reducing the infection. Many eye sprays also contain an anesthetic to relieve the intense pain due
to infection. A dye to act as a filter for some of the light rays is also commonly included and
probably gives some protection to the injured eye. The aerosol pinkeye sprays are most effective if
applied several times a day.
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RINGWORM
Ringworm is a transmissible infectious skin disease caused most
often by Trichophyton verrucosum, a spore forming fungi. The spores
can remain alive for years in a dry environment. It occurs in all
species of mammals including cattle and man. Although unsightly,
fungal infections cause little permanent damage or economic
loss. Direct contact with infected animals is the most common
method of spreading the infection.
Spores germinate and attack the shafts of the hair and the surface
layers of the skin. Exudates ooze from the damaged skin and mix
with debris from skin and hair forming a crusty scab. The grayishwhite scab is noticeably higher than the surrounding
skin. Ringworm is most frequent on the head and neck, but it may
be found over the entire body in severe cases. Infection spreads from
the center outwards and resulting in a circular lesion. Scabs fall
from older lesions leaving a ring with a hairless area in the
center. Hence, the name ringworm.
Ringworm will usually cure itself without treatment. Common
treatments include topical application of a 2% solution of
iodine, thiabendazole paste or any fungicide used to treat athlete's
foot in man.
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TRICHOMONIASIS
Trichomoniasis is a venereal disease of cattle that causes
infertility and occasional abortions in cows and heifers. It is
caused by Trichomonas fetus, a small motile protozoan found
only in the reproductive tract of the bull and cow. Disease
organisms transferred to the cow's vagina from the bull during
breeding migrate up to the uterus and cause the
infection. Recently infected cows develop a mild white sticky
discharge from the vulva which can last for up to two
months. Large number of cows, often over 90% of the herd,
will be affected in herds that have not been previously
infected. Repeat breeding or infertility of individual cows can
last up to five months. The reason for repeat breeding appears
to be death of the embryo, often within 10 days. Eventually
cows begin to cycle again and can carry a fetus to term.
No vaccines are available for its prevention, but using
artificial insemination and virgin bulls aid in control. Bulls are
the main carriers of Trichomoniasis and, once infected, remain
infected for life but show no signs of disease. Diagnosis of the
disease can be confirmed microscopically.
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VIBRIOSIS
Vibriosis (Campylobacter fetus) in cattle is an infectious bacterial disease of the
genital tract causing infertility and occasional abortions. It is a venereal disease
spread by infected bulls when they mate susceptible cows and heifers. It is
considered to be the most important cause of infertility in cattle. Good vaccines
are available, but it still causes losses simply because they are not used in many
herds. Infection introduced into a non-exposed or non-vaccinated herd will
spread rapidly during breeding.
Repeat breeding activity is generally seen in animals that were assumed to be
pregnant. Irregular estrus cycles are common. Absorption or expulsion of a
small fetus probably explains the long estrus cycle seen with this
disease. Varying degrees of vaginal inflammation and uterine infection are
present but may be unrecognized. Abortion rates in infected herds generally
run from 5% to 30%. Some females may carry the fetus longer and may abort a
sizeable fetus 5 to 6 months into the gestation period. Retained placentas are
common. Diagnosis is confirmed by culture of the causative organism from
cervical mucus or from an aborted fetus.
Vibriosis is somewhat self-limiting as most of the cattle recover within a
year. Disease carriers are common, however, and new infection can spread to
non-exposed animals. Vibriosis is best controlled by vaccination, which renders
animals highly resistant to infection. Vaccination involves two injections, 4-6
weeks apart in the first year, and a single dose of vaccine each year thereafter.
Vaccination should be completed 4 weeks before breeding. Vibriosis vaccine is
often combined with Leptospirosis in one vaccine. The use of artificial
insemination is also valuable in limiting disease spread. Most A.I.
organizations test the semen to assure that it is free of vibriosis and
trichomoniasis.
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WARTS
Warts in cattle are caused by the contagious virus
papillomavirus. Four types of the virus are known to produce
warts on cattle.
Calves are most susceptible with few cases of warts seen in
cattle over 2 years of age. Warts appear 1 to 6 months after
infection with the virus. Not all animals carrying the virus will
have warts. It can be transmitted from the unapparent carrier
to the susceptible calf.
Warts are usually more of an appearance problem than a
physical problem. Warts usually shrink and drop off after a
few months. This spontaneous recovery is probably the basis
for the alleged effectiveness of many home treatments
including rubbing with various kinds of oil, toothpaste of
various brands, etc.
If there is a severe outbreat in the herd an autogenous vaccine
can be prepared from chemically treated warts taken from
animals in a herd. This autogenous vaccine is more apt to have
the strain or type of papillomavirus causing the wart problem in
the herd than the commercial vaccines. Warts can also be
removed surgically with a scissors or a side cutter.
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WOODEN TONGUE
Wooden tongue is an infection caused the rod-shaped
bacterium, Actinobacillus lignieresii, which lives only in the
presence of oxygen . The bacteria, which live in the mouth,
invade tissue through breaks in the lining of the mouth. Any
rough feed can cause mouth abrasions which allow entry of
infection. Wooden tongue occurs almost entirely in soft tissue
with the tongue and lymph nodes of the head most often
affected. The disease starts suddenly with the tongue becoming
hard, swollen and painful. Affected animals drool saliva and
may appear to be chewing gently. The tongue often protrudes
between the lips and nodules and ulcers may be observed on
the tongue. They are unable to eat or drink and rapidly lose
condition. The disease is progressive and often fatal unless
treated.
It is important to begin treatment early as early treatment is
usually successful, but advanced cases may fail to respond. The
most common treatments are iodine therapy or
tetracyclines. Advanced cases may require surgical drainage
and irrigation with iodine solution for several days. Treated
animals should be observed regularly, as relapses can occur.
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NEOSPOROSIS
Neosporosis is found worldwide and causes to financial losses through
embryonic losses, abortion, culled cattle and reduced milk production. Neospora
caninum is a microscopic protozoan parasite that causes the disease neosporosis.
Neosporosis is a major cause of abortion in cattle. Abortion can occur anytime
throughout gestation.
The Neospora caninum parasite appears to be spread by congenital transfer of
the rapidly multiplying developmental stage of the parasite, called tachyzoites,
from the mother across the placenta, to the fetus. It is thought that Neospora
caninum can be transferred this way during pregnancy due to 'reactivation' of
the cyst form of the parasite, followed by entry into the bloodstream, and
transported across the placenta to infect the fetus. Although abortion is often
observed, most calves are born infected with the parasite and yet show no
clinical signs of disease. In herds that have problems with Neospora caninum
any heifers retained for breeding are likely to abort during their first pregnancy.
These calves then repeat the cycle and transmit the parasite to their own
offspring during gestation. Neospora caninum oocysts are very resistant to
harsh environmental conditions, and can remain infections for many months in
any environment. Oocysts are shed by animals that are termed "hosts". The dog
is the most common host, but it is possible that other canids like coyotes and
foxes can also be carriers. It is believed that cattle ingest oocysts that are in
contaminate feed or pastures and then become infected.
Diagnosis of Neospora caninum includes both blood testing of the aborting
dam and examination of the aborted fetus by a diagnostic lab. The fetal brain is
the most consistent infected tissue used to diagnose Neospora caninum.
A killed vaccine is available. Administration of the vaccine has been associated
with a statistical reduction in abortions. Once the vaccine has been given to a
cow, a blood test for Neospora caninum is no longer valid.