VetInsight Pakistan

Introduction Bovine Ephemeral Fever (BEF), also known as "Three-Day Sickness" or "Hadda" in local farming communities, is an acute febrile viral disease of cattle and water buffaloes. The disease is distinguished by its sudden onset and spontaneous recovery in 72 hours. However, despite its short duration, economic loss in terms of reduced milk production and temporary lameness is devastating for dairy farmers. Etiology and Transmission The virus: Bovine Ephemeral Fever is caused by an Arthropod-borne Rhabdovirus , also known as Ephemerovirus . Vector Transmission The disease is not transmitted directly from animal to animal. The virus is transmitted by biting insects, mainly mosquitoes and Culicoides (midges). Seasonality The disease is highly seasonal, with peak incidence during the monsoon or post-rainy season when insect populations are at their peak. Clinical Signs Identifying the 3-Day Cycle The clinical signs of Bovine Ephemeral Fever often follow a distinct ...

1. Introduction Milk fever is one of the most important metabolic disorders in dairy cattle, especially in older, high milk-yielding dairy cows [1, 6]. Unlike small animal eclampsia , milk fever in cattle is accompanied by progressive flaccid paralysis rather than tetany . However, subclinical hypocalcemia , where the cow is standing but has low blood calcium levels, is more prevalent and is often accompanied by other diseases such as displaced abomasum , ketosis , and retained placenta [2, 10]. 2. Pathogenesis:  The Calcium GapLactation demands that the cow mobilizes 20-30 grams of calcium daily, while her total blood calcium pool is only 3 grams [2, 4]. •Homeostatic Failure To overcome the calcium deficit, the cow has to mobilize more calcium from her bones and intestine. This is done with the help of Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) and Vitamin D . •Risk Factors High amounts of potassium in the feed, which cause metabolic alkalosis , make PTH receptors insensitive, effectively 'lockin...

1. Introduction Anthrax is a highly infectious, acute, and febrile disease that is caused by the spore-forming , Gram-positive bacterium Bacillus anthracis . It blemishes the livestock industry due to its ability to cause sudden deaths in cattle, buffaloes, sheep, and goats. Due to its potential to infect humans, it is a significant public health threat. Anthrax in cattle 2. The Characteristics of the Pathogen (Spores) B. anthracis's spore-forming feature alone is the most valuable part of it. However, these spores show extreme endurance in places that other organisms cannot. Depending on how long they have been in the soil, they can stay in it for many years (up to 50 years or more), especially in alkaline and calcium-rich soils. 3. Transmission Ingestion:  By feeding on pastures with spores (soil-borne infection). Inhalation:  Receiving spore-laden dust through the respiratory tract. Vectors:  Biting flies can also act as a mechanical vector to the bacterium. 4. Pathog...

 1.Introduction Theileriosis is an extremely destructive tick-borne protozoal illness mainly caused by Theileria annulata . One of the most economically striking diseases is the spread of Theileria annulata in the dairy and livestock sector of Pakistan, especially the Friesian , Jersey breeds , and their crossbreeds to high-yielding of the imported exotic breed. Theileriosis in cattle 2. Vector & Transmission The disease causing intravascular hemolysis is transmitted by the bites of infected ixodid ticks, particularly the genus Hyalomma . The louse is localized in the tick's salivary glands and is injected into the host's bloodstream during the tick's feeding. 3. Pathogenesis:  The cellular invasion The life cycle of Theileria in the cow host is remarkable and is comprised of two separate phases two-fold: Lymphoproliferative Phase:  On entering, Sporozoites adhere to and invade the host Lymphocytes (White Blood Cells). They turn into the form of Schizonts, which tri...

1. Introduction Among the ectoparasites of the dairy industry in Pakistan , ticks parade as the major problem. They are a member of the Arachnida class and the primary causative agents of the significant economic losses incurred with blood loss (Anemia), skin irritation, and transmission of deadly blood protozoa. Ticks infestation in cattle 2. Common Tick Genera in Pakistan According to veterinary studies, the most abundant ticks both on cattle and buffaloes are: Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus:  Commonly called the "One-host tick." Hyalomma anatolicum:  If fact, Hyalomma anatolicum is a "Multi-host tick" that transmits Theileriosis . 3. Pathogenesis Ticks do not only suck the blood of the animals. Actually, they are destructors of the animal health in three ways: Direct Damage:  Considerable blood loss leads to anemia, weight loss, and decreased milk production. Toxicosis:  A fraction of the ticks inject actively toxic substances into the bloodstream making...

 1. Introduction Haemorrhagic Septicaemia (HS) is a major bacterial infection of cattle and buffaloes brought about by Pasteurella multocida (Serotype B:2 and E:2). The features of this condition are high fever, acute respiratory distress, and a very high death rate.  2. Transmission & Risk Factors The bacteria often reside in the upper respiratory tract of healthy animals as " Commensals ." When an animal is under Stress (e.g., sudden weather change, transport, or high humidity in the monsoon), the bacteria start to multiply rapidly and enter the bloodstream.  3. Clinical Signs  High Fever:  105°F - 107°F. Submandibular Edema:  Severe swelling under the jaw and throat (Gal Ghotu). Respiratory Distress:  Loud, painful breathing (Grunted breathing) and frothing from the mouth. Recumbency:  The animal falls down and usually dies within 24-48 hours. 4. Pathogenesis (The Septicaemic Phase) ​Once the bacteria reach the blood, they release Endoto...

1. Introduction Rabies is a really dangerous viral disease brought about by Lyssavirus . That belongs to the family of Rhabdoviridae. It attacks the Central Nervous System (CNS) in, among other species, humans. After the pre-clinical signs appear; death is nearly a done deal. 2. Transmission The main route is through the saliva of the infected animal, mostly by a bite or a deep scratch. Common carriers in Pakistan are: > Stray Dogs (99% of human cases) > Cats, Bats, and Jackals. 3. Clinical Signs in Animals Furious Form:  acute aggressiveness, biting inanimate objects, and excessive salivation (e.g., foaming at mouth ) are its main characteristics. Dumb Form:  Paralysis of the jaw causes the inability to swallow and the face to look like it has a dropped jaw. Hydrophobia:  The patient has a fear of water due to a tense throat. (This specific symptom can be seen in humans only). 4. Pathogenesis The virus is introduced to the body through muscle tissues when a per...

 1. Introduction Lumpy Skin Disease is the result of a Neethling virus ( Capripoxvirus ) infection. Its main hosts are cattle and water buffaloes. It is delineated by the manifestation of fever and the development of stiff, distinct edges nodes on the skin. 2. Transmission  In contrast to the FMD virus, the LSD virus is primarily transmitted by Biting Insects (Vectors):  >Mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti)  >Biting flies (Stomoxys calcitrans)  >Ticks  3. Clinical Signs Skin Nodules:  2-5 cm wide lumps are formed all over the body, particularly on the head, neck, and udder.  Edema:  Swelling of the legs as well as brisket area.  Secondary Infection:  These lumps may dissolve into open sores (ulcers), which attract flies and lead to myiasis (maggots).  Milk Drop:  Severe curtailment in milk production along with high fever (106°F). 4. Pathogenesis The insect bite is the main entrance of the virus which is no longer then...

 Introduction Foot and Mouth Disease is one of the ten most infectious diseases of hoofed animals (generally refers to animals such as cattle, buffalo, sheep, and goats) and is caused by an Aphthovirus . The trouble is, this virus is not so much of a killer for the adult animals as it is a "Production Death" in that it makes milk production lower and often causes permanent lameness.  1.Transmission: Now a day, it is frequent pathogenic organism dissemination in the following ways: 1.1 Aerosol:  In the air (this kind of transport is possible for a long distance). 1.2 Direct Contact:  Transmission by saliva, milk, or semen from infected animals. 1.3 Fomites:  Contaminated shoes, vehicles, or farm applications. 2. Clinical Signs (The Diagnosis) As a veterinarian, you must carefully look at these pathognomonic sympotoms: 2.1 Vesicles (blisters):  On the tongue, dental pad, and gums. 2.2 Excessive Salivation:  "Ropey" saliva hanging from the mouth. 2.3 Foo...

 Introduction Mastitis is the inflammation of the mammary gland (udder), which is often caused by infections from bacteria. According to the studies, it is the most expensive disease in the world mostly of the dairy industry due to the costs of discarded milk, treatment, and the early culling of good productive cows. 2. Clinical vs. Subclinical Mastitis Clinical Mastitis:  The signs are enlarged udder, clots or blood in milk, and fever in the cow. Subclinical Mastitis:  The most dangerous form. The milk appears normal, but the cow has a high Somatic Cell Count (SCC) and lower milk fat. It can only be detected through screening tests. 3. Pathogens Involved The most common bacteria include Staphylococcus aureus (often leads to chronic cases), Streptococcus agalactiae , and environmental coliforms like E. coli (associated with unhygienic practices). 4. Diagnostic Tools ​California Mastitis Test (CMT):  A bedside/farm-side test to detect subclinical cases by observi...