Cattle Diseases – SS1 Livestock Farming Lesson Note (Third Term)

Cattle diseases are illnesses that make cattle sick and reduce the milk and meat a farmer gets.

• Trypanosomiasis: caused by a parasite that the tsetse fly spreads.
• Foot and mouth disease: caused by a virus.
• Mastitis: a bacterial infection of the udder.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Name three major cattle diseases in Nigeria and state the cause of each.
2. Describe the signs and symptoms of trypanosomiasis, foot and mouth disease and mastitis.
3. State how each of the three diseases can be controlled and prevented.
4. List the general management practices that keep cattle healthy.

Why do cattle diseases matter?

Cattle diseases matter because a sick animal gives less milk and meat, and the farmer loses money.

• Lower output: sick cows give less milk and lose weight.
• Cost of treatment: drugs and a veterinary doctor’s visit are expensive.
• Death of animals: untreated disease can kill cattle and destroy years of breeding work.
• Spread: one sick animal can infect the whole herd.

How can a farmer tell that a cow is sick?

A healthy cow is alert, eats well and has a smooth, shiny coat, so any change in behaviour is a warning.

• Loss of appetite: the cow is not eating or chewing the cud.
• Isolation: the cow stands away from the herd.
• Dull coat: the hair looks rough and has lost its shine.
• Drop in milk: the cow suddenly gives less milk.

What causes cattle diseases?

Cattle diseases are caused by disease-causing organisms called pathogens, by pests and by poor feeding.

What is trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness)?

Trypanosomiasis is a disease of cattle caused by a blood parasite (trypanosome) that the tsetse fly spreads.

• Where it is common: areas with thick bush where tsetse flies live, mainly in the southern and central parts of Nigeria.
• Importance: it is one of the most serious diseases of cattle in these areas.

How does trypanosomiasis spread?

1. A tsetse fly bites an infected animal and takes in the parasite with the blood.
2. The same fly bites a healthy animal.
3. The fly passes the parasite into the blood of the healthy animal.

What are the signs of trypanosomiasis?

1. Wasting: the cow becomes very thin.
2. Fever: it comes and goes.
3. Swollen lymph nodes: lumps appear under the jaw or neck.
4. Anaemia: eyes and gums look pale because the parasite destroys red blood cells.
5. Weakness and death: if untreated, the cow becomes very weak, “sleepy” and eventually dies.

How is trypanosomiasis controlled and prevented?

1. Bush clearing: tsetse flies hide in thick bush, so clearing the area around the farm helps.
2. Tsetse fly traps: blue or black cloth traps catch the flies.
3. Resistant breeds: keep breeds such as the Muturu or N’dama, which tolerate the disease well.
4. Treatment: a veterinary doctor gives drugs to kill the parasite in sick animals.

What is foot and mouth disease (FMD)?

Foot and mouth disease is a very contagious disease of cattle caused by a virus.

How does foot and mouth disease spread?

• Saliva and breath: the virus passes between animals that are close together.
• Contaminated shoes: a farmer who walks through an infected pen can carry the virus on his shoes.

What are the signs of foot and mouth disease?

1. Sores and blisters: painful sores appear inside the mouth, on the tongue and between the toes of the hooves.
2. Drooling: the cow produces a lot of thick, foamy saliva because its mouth hurts.
3. Limping: sores on the feet make walking painful (lameness).
4. Loss of appetite: the cow stops eating because chewing is painful.

How is foot and mouth disease controlled and prevented?

1. Vaccination: regular vaccine shots protect cattle from the virus.
2. Quarantine: keep a newly bought cow away from the main herd for 21 days to check that it is not carrying FMD.
3. Disinfection: place a foot bath at the pen entrance so everyone steps in a germ-killing solution.
4. Reporting: tell a veterinary officer at once if you see the signs.

What is mastitis?

Mastitis is an infection of the udder (the milk bag), usually caused by bacteria entering through the teats.

• Who it affects: it is a serious problem for dairy farmers.
• Causes of entry: dirty hands, dirty pens and injured teats let bacteria in.

What are the signs of mastitis?

1. Swollen udder: one or more quarters become hot, hard and very painful to touch.
2. Bad milk: the milk may look watery, have yellow lumps (clots) or contain blood.
3. Kicking: the cow may kick the farmer during milking because she is in pain.

How is mastitis controlled and prevented?

1. Cleanliness: wash your hands and the cow’s udder with warm water and disinfectant before milking.
2. Teat dipping: after milking, dip the teats in an antiseptic solution (such as iodine) to seal the teat opening and keep bacteria out.
3. Complete milking: never leave milk in the udder, because leftover milk helps bacteria grow.
4. Treatment: a veterinary doctor treats infected cows, usually with antibiotics.

How can farmers manage disease in general?

Good routine management keeps cattle healthy and reduces the need for expensive medicine.

1. Dipping or spraying: use chemicals (acaricides) once a week or every two weeks to kill ticks and lice. These parasites suck blood and spread other diseases.
2. Regular deworming: give “drench” (liquid medicine) or bolus (large tablets) to kill internal worms.
3. Good nutrition: a well-fed cow has a stronger immune system to fight germs.
4. Clean housing: keep the pen dry and clean, and remove dung often.
5. Early action: separate any sick animal and call a veterinary doctor quickly.

How do the three diseases compare?

The table below compares the cause, main sign and key control of each disease.

Evaluation

1. Name the cause of trypanosomiasis, foot and mouth disease and mastitis.
2. List four signs of foot and mouth disease.
3. If your cow’s milk has yellow lumps in it, what is the first thing you should do?
4. Why is the Muturu cow more valuable in a forest area with many tsetse flies than a White Fulani cow?
5. State three general management practices that keep cattle healthy.

Assignment

Draw a simple map of your school or home compound. Mark where the “bushes” are and explain how clearing them helps prevent cattle disease.