Page 217 - Agriculture_Form_3

Agriculture for Secondary Schools

Once inside the body, these pathogens cause many problems. Cattle may develop
fever, cough, diarrhoea, skin rashes or lumps, and lose weight. In serious cases,
the disease can kill the animal. Some diseases, like lumpy skin disease and
brucellosis, spread easily between animals if not controlled quickly. That is why
clean-living conditions, proper feeding, regular checks, and good care are very
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important in keeping cattle healthy.
Vaccination is a key practice in protecting cattle against certain diseases. Vaccines
help the animal’s body fight off diseases before they become serious. The timing
of vaccines matters; some are given once or twice a year, while others, such as
those of East Coast Fever (ECF) and brucellosis, can be given at any time consult
a veterinarian in any case. Table 10.4 shows some common cattle diseases, their
causes, symptoms, and how to manage them, while Table 10.5 shows the cattle
vaccination calendar.

Table 10.4: Common cattle diseases, causes, symptoms and their management

Disease Cause Symptoms Management practice
• Skin lumps • Vaccinate
Lumpy skin Virus
• Fever • Control insects
• Sudden death • Vaccinate

Anthrax Bacteria
• Bleeding in almost • Avoid touching dead
all openings animals
Brucellosis Bacteria • Abortion • Vaccinate
• Infertility • Use clean tools and
handles
• Cough • Test animals, then remove
Tuberculosis Bacteria
• Slow growth sick ones
• Swollen muscles
Blackleg Bacteria • Vaccinate young animals
• Sudden death
• Pale gums • Control ticks
Anaplasmosis Bacteria
• Weakness • Give proper medicine
• High fever
Heartwater Rickettsia • Sudden shaking, • Control ticks
• Give the correct treatment
then death

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