Vetcall Services

12/07/2023

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12/07/2023

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12/11/2021

SALMONELLOSIS IN RUMINANTS

Salmonellosis is one of the most important bacterial diseases of all animal species including humans. Animals such as cattle, birds, sheep and goats serve as important reservoirs of infection to humans.

Although the bacterium Salmonella spp. which causes this disease can be host-specific, the strain Salmonella typhimurium (S.typhimurium) affects a wide range of hosts including cattle, sheep, birds, goats, pigs, horses and humans. Other known salmonella species of ruminants are Salmonella Dublin (S. Dublin), Salmonella Newport (S. Newport) and Salmonella anatum (S.anatum). Salmonella Typhimurium is highly recognised mostly due to its universal distribution and high rate of infection.

Salmonella infection can cause diarrhoea in animals of all age groups especially among those living under stressful conditions such as overcrowding, starvation and transportation over long distances.

Abortions, intense abdominal pains, inappetence, poor weight gain and unthriftness are common signs associated with Salmonellosis in ruminants and other animals.

Diagnosis of Salmonellosis in a living animal is quite difficult as clinical signs shown in salmonellosis are not specific. Other conditions such as E.coli infection and even poisoning can present in some situations, similar signs. Hence, other confirmatory diagnoses such as faecal sample culture and serological examination must be made to reach a definitive diagnosis.

To control the spread of Salmonellosis on our farms, ensuring good husbandry practices such as buying animals from trusted sources and cleaning feeders and drinkers are key.

Treatment of Salmonella infection can be challenging with the incidence of antimicrobial resistance.
Your Vet may recommend sensitivity tests to ensure the right medication for your animals are given.
It is advisable to seek counsel from your Vet when in doubt on the treatment protocol and adhere strictly to instructions to avoid complications.

Dr. Kingsley Bentum- Gh

31/10/2021

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Campylobacteriosis in Ruminants

Campylobacteriosis is an infection caused by the bacterium, Campylobacter.
Campylobacter forms a part of the normal flora of the intestines of farm animals and can therefore be seen even in healthy farm animals. Several species of the bacteria can cause disease and these include; Campylobacter jejuni (C.jejuni), Campylobacter coli (C.coli), and Campylobacter fetus (C.fetus).
The most commonly affected systems in ruminants are the reproductive and digestive systems.

C. fetus (var. veneralis) causes infertility and abortions in cattle, whilst C. fetus (sub.sp fetus) infection in sheep causes enzootic abortion. Chronically infected herds usually have low conception rates as the infection prevents successful implantation of the fertilized o**m.

Transmission is mainly by infected bulls, mating with healthy cows and heifers. Once infected, bulls remain carriers of the disease and are asymptomatic (show no signs of the disease).
C.jejuni and C.coli on the other hand, cause gastrointestinal infections and are transmitted by ingestion of contaminated feed or water. Clinical signs may include: diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea and increased temperature.

Campylobacteriosis in ruminants can be treated using antibiotics. However, several circulating strains are developing resistance to current antibiotics. It is advisable to always consult with your Vet before treatment commences.

Vaccination against C. fetus is highly recommended as a control measure of the disease.
Treating bulls and ensuring they are fully treated can break the cycle of the bacteria.
In the case of C.jejuni and C.coli, good husbandry measures and hygiene are encouraged as a preventive measure.

This bacterium can affect humans, making it a zoonotic infection.
Main sources include contaminated drinking water and animal products such as meat. Always ensure your water source is clean and your meat products are washed and properly cooked.

Dr. Kingsley Bentum- Gh

31/10/2021

Campylobacteriosis in Ruminants

Campylobacteriosis is an infection caused by the bacterium, Campylobacter.
Campylobacter forms a part of the normal flora of the intestines of farm animals and can therefore be seen even in healthy farm animals. Several species of the bacteria can cause disease and these include; Campylobacter jejuni (C.jejuni), Campylobacter coli (C.coli), and Campylobacter fetus (C.fetus).
The most commonly affected systems in ruminants are the reproductive and digestive systems.

C. fetus (var. veneralis) causes infertility and abortions in cattle, whilst C. fetus (sub.sp fetus) infection in sheep causes enzootic abortion. Chronically infected herds usually have low conception rates as the infection prevents successful implantation of the fertilized o**m.

Transmission is mainly by infected bulls, mating with healthy cows and heifers. Once infected, bulls remain carriers of the disease and are asymptomatic (show no signs of the disease).
C.jejuni and C.coli on the other hand, cause gastrointestinal infections and are transmitted by ingestion of contaminated feed or water. Clinical signs may include: diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea and increased temperature.

Campylobacteriosis in ruminants can be treated using antibiotics. However, several circulating strains are developing resistance to current antibiotics. It is advisable to always consult with your Vet before treatment commences.

Vaccination against C. fetus is highly recommended as a control measure of the disease.
Treating bulls and ensuring they are fully treated can break the cycle of the bacteria.
In the case of C.jejuni and C.coli, good husbandry measures and hygiene are encouraged as a preventive measure.

This bacterium can affect humans, making it a zoonotic infection.
Main sources include contaminated drinking water and animal products such as meat. Always ensure your water source is clean and your meat products are washed and properly cooked.

Dr. Kingsley Bentum- Gh

31/08/2021

AFRICAN TRYPANOSOMIASIS/ TSETSE FLY DISEASE
Trypanosomiasis is a disease caused by a protozoan parasite called Trypanosoma spp. All domesticated animals are susceptible to this infection. For the purpose of this discussion, we shall limit ourselves to Trypanosoma congolense, Trypanosoma vivax and Trypanosoma brucei, which are the common species found in ruminants. It is worth noting that some species of Trypanosoma such as Trypanosoma brucei gambiense can infect humans.
Trypanosomiasis is also known as Tsetsefly disease because the infection is transmitted to its host through tsetse flies, although other biting insects such as stable flies have been noted to transmit the Trypanosoma spp also. The protozoan parasite, Trypanosoma makes use of both the Tsetse Fly and the host organism to complete its life cycle. The Tsetsefly ingests the parasite during a blood meal from an infected animal. The ingested parasite then undergoes further development into a final and infective stage known as metacyclic trypanosome, which lodges in the mouthpart of the Tsetse Fly. In subsequent blood meals, these infective forms of the parasite are released into naive animals to cause the disease.
Though severity of the disease may be influenced by species or even age of the animal, the primary clinical signs of the disease include: anaemia, fever and weight loss. It takes averagely between 1-4 weeks for clinical signs of the disease to be evident in an infected animal. An anaemic animal in a poor health condition, residing in a Tsetse Fly endemic zone may be leading clues to diagnosing Trypanosomiasis. However, further confirmatory tests such as blood smears or wet mounts of the buffy coat area obtained from whole blood centrifugation are most definitive. Other Laboratory tests include serology, where antibodies against trypanosomes are measured. This is more ideal for herd screening.
Several treatment options exist but technical advice from a qualified veterinarian will be helpful to know the drug of choice. Environmental control of Tsetse Fly population through eradication programs are helpful control measures as well.

Dr. Kingsley Emmanuel Bentum: Vetcall Services

20/01/2021

SHIPPING FEVER

Shipping Fever, as the name suggests is one of the infections usually associated with movement in livestock, particularly cattle. The disease affects the upper respiratory system, and is presented with signs such as laboured or rapid breathing, nasal discharges, coughing, anorexia and depression.

Stress factors usually associated with movement of livestock such as long journeys with little or no rest, starvation, overheating due to poor ventilation in trucks and harsh weather conditions such as dusty environments as well as varying hot and cold temperatures weaken the immune systems of the animals, giving room for the main culprit of the disease, Mannheimia haemolytica. This bacterium is often complicated by other bacteria which are Pasteurella multocida and Histophilus somni. Already sick or weak animals, in addition to recently weaned calves have a higher chance of contracting the disease due to their compromised and fragile immune systems.
While Shipping Fever is usually not fatal, it affects productivity greatly as several animals come down with the infection within a short time.

Elimination of all possible stressors is the first step for recovery in your animals. Provision of water, open space with fresh air and food are few examples to take note of. Your Veterinarian would prescribe some antibiotics based on the signs presented. Vitamin and mineral supplements may be added to the therapy as the animals may be weak and would not have much energy to move about.

Preventive measures for Shipping Fever should include providing resting periods for animals being transported, particularly during long journeys. The rest period should include providing food and water for the animals.

Trucks transporting animals should not be overloaded to allow the animals breathe and move. It is not advisable to transport sick animals or even put the sick ones in the same truck as the healthy cattle. Calves should be weaned 2-3 weeks before transportation. At various animal markets, shelters should be created to protect them from the harsh environmental conditions.

Vaccines for Shipping Fever are available and should be given 2–3 weeks prior transportation or earlier. Vaccination can be repeated when animals are introduced into feedlot.

Dr, Kingsley Emmanuel Bentum