Rinder Pest – Animal Disease
Rinder Pest – Animal Disease
Synonyms: Cattle plague, Bovine typhus, Bulkandi
It is an acute highly contagious viral disease of ruminants and pig. Crossbred and young cattle are more susceptible to this virus.
Etiology: It is caused by paramyxovirus.
Transmission:
1. It spreads primarily through inhalation.
2. It also spreads through ingestion of contaminated feed and water.
Symptoms:
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Fever usually persists for 3 days.
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Loss of appetite (off feed)
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Drop in milk yield
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Suspended rumination
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Conjunctiva becomes dark red i.e. congested
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Ladriation.
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Nasal discharge
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Necrotic ulcers or erosions on oral mucus membrane.
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Salivation
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Shooting diarrhoea.
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Abdominal pain/colic
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Dehydration
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Death within 6-12 days
Diagnosis:
1. History of an outbreak and symptoms.
2. Postmortem findings – Zebra markings in intestine.
3. Isolation of virus from blood, spleen & lymphnodes.
4. Serological tests.
Treatment:
It is very little help in Rinderpest; however, the following treatment may prove beneficial in reducing the death rate among affected animals.
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Antibiotics like penicillin, streptomycin, Oxytetracycline should be given to check secondary bacterial infection.
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Astringents or antidiarrhoel drugs.
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Use of anti-rinderpest serum. –
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Fluid and electrolyte therapy – Dextrose saline
Control:
a) General measures:
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Identification and isolation of sick animals.
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Complete prohibition of import of domestic ruminants, pig, and animal products from affected area.
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Restriction of animal movements.
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Disposal of dead animals.
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Disinfection of contaminated shed and premises.
b) Vaccination:
Tissue Culture Rinderpest Vaccine (TCRPV) © ‘I ml SC every a I termite year.