Buffalo, cattle, goats, poultry and swine comprise the most common farm animal populations found in Sri Lanka. While an integral part of the farming community, livestock create a number of environmental hazards that include solid waste and water contamination. The presence of farm animals also often encourages pest invasion. If not managed properly, the circumstances lead to the illness. Before purchasing farm animals for sale, farmers should carefully inspect livestock for signs of health.
Leptospirosis
The bacterial infection affects cattle, horses, swine, pets and humans. The disease is transmitted through direct contact with infected hosts or from the environment. Thriving in warm, moist climates, and carried by rodents, Leptospires bacteria may also enter the body through open wounds, ingestion of contaminated food or water sources. High fever and reddened urine are typically the first indicators of the infection. In humans, the infection may cause headaches, muscle pain and fever. Untreated, the malady progresses to meningitis and lung infiltration. Laboratory evaluation of blood and urine samples are necessary for a positive diagnosis. Rodent control helps prevent the disease occurrence. Infected populations must be separated and treated with the appropriate antibiotics. Preventative vaccination programs are available.
Bovine Babesiosis
The infection occurs when parasite-laden ticks feed on cattle. The parasite then enters the blood and causes high fevers, darkened urine, anorexia and a variety of neurological symptoms that include reduced coordination, teeth grinding and spastic muscle movement. Lesions may also develop. In 2013, 2945 cattle became infected resulting in 155 deaths. Vaccinating greatly reduces the risk of infection, symptoms and death.
Mastitis
As the dairy industry continues growing in Sri Lanka, the prevalence of mastitis is a serious drawback. The infection occurs when various types of bacteria enter the teats. Cows then display swelling, heat, redness, hardness and discomfort in the udder and teats. Contaminated milk cannot be sold or consumed. Using hygienic techniques remains vital to prevent infection. Hand washing and treating milking equipment prior to milking are necessary. Dipping or spraying the teats with iodine or recommended solutions and wiping before milking also eliminates bacteria. Teats, equipment and hands must also be cleansed following the milking process. During 2013, farmers reported 12,904 cases throughout the country. Government Veterinary Surgeons provide no cost intra-mammary infusions as treatment.
Contagious Pustular Dermatitis
Though primarily affecting goats and sheep, dogs, cattle, horses and other farm animals may also contract contagious pustular dermatitis. Parapoxvirus causes the infection that spreads through direct contact of lesions. The virus causes open sores on the skin surrounding oral cavities and may extend into the mouth. Occasionally, lesions may also develop on the feet. The lesions last anywhere from one to four weeks and often heal without medical intervention. However, veterinarians may recommend antibiotics to prevent secondary infections. Care must be taken to isolation measures and hand-washing techniques if outbreaks occur. In 2013, 2,061 cases were reported and caused 38 deaths. Preventative vaccination programs are available.
Foot and Mouth Disease
Though unusual thanks to reliable vaccination programs, outbreaks occasionally occur. The Apthos virus causes the infection, which affects all cloven-hoofed populations. The contagious disease spreads through inhalation, contact with saliva, milk, mucus or fecal matter. People may also spread the infection. Foot and mouth symptoms involve blister-like lesions developing on the nose, lips, tongue, teats or toes. The blisters rupture and create painful open sores. Affected animals tend to salivate heavily or sway from one foot to another. Farms experiencing an outbreak must undergo quarantine. Infected populations must be destroyed and burned. In 2013, there were 347 cases reported.
Fowl Pox
The infection is caused by a virus that enters the body through open wounds or from insect bites. Affected areas display raised, scabbed lesions, which may also spread to the mouth and throat. In the majority of cases, the illness resolves without medical intervention. Birds may develop bacterial infections in the open wounds that require treatment. Vaccinating birds every two to three years helps reduce the occurrence. In 2013, poultry farmers reported 16,745 cases that resulted in 681 deaths.
Gumboro disease
The viral infection typically affects young chickens aged three weeks and older. Infested birds commonly display fecal and urine stains of the vent feathers from diarrhea. As the disease progresses, birds become anorexic and have ruffled feathers around the head and neck regions. Internally, hemorrhage and immunosuppression occurs. Birds contract the disease through contaminated wastes, food and water. In 2013, the virus affected 165,699 birds and caused 4,693 deaths. Prevention involves vaccination. Farmers must also inhibit domestic flocks from coming into contact with migratory species. Affected birds must be removed from the general populous.
Salmonellosis
Salmonella is an infectious process caused by bacteria harbored by poultry that also affects humans. Current prevention measures require that breeders test birds and follow bio-security protocol. Farmers may also participate in vaccination programs. Only healthy birds may receive inoculations. Affected birds must be promptly removed and destroyed. In 2013, reports indicated that 41,285 birds tested positive for the infection.
Newcastle Disease
The viral disease affects birds of all species but remains a primary concern in domestic chicken populations. Birds may come in contact with the virus through inhalation, ingestion of contaminated food or water, or by contact with equipment, people or other birds having the illness. Newly hatched chicks contract the virus by coming in contact with infected shells. Symptoms of the infection typically involve the respiratory system and include coughing and gasping for air. Animals appear depressed, become anorexic but exhibit an increased thirst. As the disease progresses, the nervous system becomes involved, which causes spastic movements, head or leg paralysis. Sudden death might also occur. A positive diagnosis is possible by observing the overall symptoms and lesions. Veterinarians also perform post-mortem evaluation of birds. Prevention means isolating domesticated birds from wild birds and vaccinating healthy populations. If an outbreak occurs, farmers must use strict sanitary measures to confine the problem. In 2013, reports indicated that 6,700 birds were infected.
