Dealing with BVD in Cattle Herds – Prevention, Testing and Carrier Elimination Background on the Disease BVD is a viral disease caused by Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV). The virus attacks the immune system of cattle and causes a wide range of symptoms – from mild diarrhea to severe damage to the respiratory system and fertility. One of the main problems with the disease is the creation of persistently infected (PI) animals, which constitute a major source of infection in

Infectious bronchitis in poultry is one of the most common diseases in chicken coops worldwide. It is a highly contagious viral disease that primarily affects the respiratory system, but in many cases also causes significant damage to the reproductive system of the laying hen. This combination causes a decrease in egg production and quality, making the disease a significant economic problem in the laying industry. The cause of the disease The disease is caused by a virus from

Avian influenza is one of the most contagious and significant diseases in the global poultry industry. The disease, caused by influenza A viruses, affects a wide range of domestic and wild birds. When an outbreak occurs in laying hens, the impact is not only on the health of the birds – it also results in egg shortages, rising prices and severe damage to the stability of the industry. In recent decades, outbreaks of the disease have become more frequent, causing the destructi

Dealing with Newcastle disease in commercial poultry – prevention, vaccines and economic damage Introduction Newcastle disease is one of the most contagious and significant viral diseases in the global poultry industry. It is a virus from the Paramyxoviridae family (Avian paramyxovirus type 1), which mainly affects the respiratory, digestive and nervous systems of chickens, but also other bird species. In commercial poultry, a single outbreak can cause enormous economic damag

Foot disorders in cows and calves are a very common problem in dairy farms, and have a direct impact on animal health, milk production and weight gain. It is one of the main causes of lameness, which can cause significant economic losses if not treated in time. Common Types of Foot Disorders 1. Foot Rot    •  Bacterial infection in the area between the toes    •  Signs: Swelling, pungent odor, severe lameness, and sometimes fever    •  Main cause: Damp and dirty conditions 2.

Foot disorders in chickens and chicks are quite common, especially in intensive rearing conditions. They can result from infections, improper nutrition, environmental conditions, or injuries. Here is an explanation organized by main types: 1. Pressure Ulcers (Pododermatitis / Bumblefoot)    •   What is it: Inflammation and infection of the foot, usually with swelling, fever and sometimes pus.     •   Causes:     •   Wet/dirty bedding     •   High weight (especially in the tea

1. Uterine inflammation (Metritis / Endometritis) • When does it appear: mainly after calving • Causes: bacterial infection, poor hygiene during childbirth • Signs: • Smelly vaginal discharge • Fever • Decreased appetite and milk production • Treatment: antibiotics, uterine lavage, supportive care 2. Retained Placenta • When: If the placenta does not come out within 12–24 hours after delivery • Risks: May cause uterine inflammation • Causes: Mineral imbalance (especially calc

Urinary tract disorders in chickens and chicks are relatively common, especially in intensive rearing conditions. It is important to remember that poultry do not have a bladder – the excreted material is uric acid (urea) which is excreted with the feces as the white part. The main disorders are as follows: 1. Gout Types:    •   Visceral (internal) gout – deposition of uric acid crystals on internal organs.     •   Arthritic gout – deposition in the joints (swelling of the leg

Urinary tract disorders in cows and calves can be serious and even life-threatening, especially in young males. The most common problems 1 Urinary obstruction (Urolithiasis – stones in the urinary tract) Most common in male calves and fattening calves. Causes:    •   A mixture rich in grains and low in fiber    •   Improper calcium:phosphorus ratio (excess phosphorus)    •   Lack of water    •   Lack of salt in the mixture Signs:    •   Unsuccessful attempts to urinate    •  

Newly hatched chicks are particularly susceptible, and there are some common diseases and problems that are worth recognizing early: Common Diseases and Infections in Day-Old–Week-Old Chicks Bacterial Infections 1. Colibacillosis (E. coli)    •   Cause: E. coli bacteria    •  Signs: Weakness, whitish diarrhea, abdominal distension, rapid mortality    •  Common source: Unclean hatchery, contaminated water/feed 2. Salmonella (Pullorum / Typhus)    •   Signs: yellowish-white dia

Common diseases that affect newborn calves (especially in the first few weeks of life): Common Infectious Diseases 1. Neonatal Calf Diarrhea The most common cause of calf mortality.     •   Causes: E. coli, rotavirus, coronavirus, cryptosporidium    •  Signs: Watery/yellow diarrhea, dehydration, weakness    •  Prevention: Timely quality colostrum, hygiene 2. Septicemia Systemic bacterial infection.     •   Signs: Extreme weakness, fever or hypothermia, failure to suck    •   

Digestive problems in chickens and chicks are quite common, especially at a young age or under imperfect growing conditions. Signs to watch out for    •   Diarrhea (white / greenish / yellow / bloody)    •   Very pungent-smelling stool    •  Swelling in the goiter or severe goiter    •  Decreased appetite and drinking    •   Apathy, “shrunken” chick, drooping wings    •   Slow growth (especially in chicks)    •  Dehydration, sunken eyes Common causes Nutritional errors    •  

Respiratory disorders in chicks and hens are a common issue and should not be underestimated – sometimes it is “just” environmental conditions, and sometimes a serious infectious disease. Common Signs    •   Open-mouth breathing / gasping    •   Wheezing, snorting, “clicking”    •   Runny nose, discharge from the nose or eyes    •   Sneezing, coughing    •   Swelling in the face / around the eyes    •  Decreased eating, weakness, slowed growth    •   In chicks – sudden death

Respiratory disorders in cows and calves are a common phenomenon in dairy farms, especially in young calves. The causes can be divided into several main groups, with different emphases for calves versus mature cows: Infectious agents (most common) Viruses    •   IBR (infectious herpes) – cough, runny nose, fever, shortness of breath    •  BRSV – acute shortness of breath, open mouth breathing, sometimes sudden death    •  PI3 – mild-moderate illness, sometimes preparation for

Digestive problems in sheep and goats are very common, and can result from nutrition, parasites, infections, or poor management. Below is an organized overview by main groups – with signs, causes, and treatment/prevention directions: Stomach and Rumen Problems 1. Bloat Symptoms:    •   Swollen left abdomen    •  Restlessness, difficulty breathing    •   Not eating Causes:    •   A sharp transition to green fodder/legumes    •  High concentration of grains    •   Esophageal ob

Digestive problems in horses are among the most common causes of morbidity and even mortality, due to the high sensitivity of their digestive systems. I will list them from common to dangerous, with main signs and causes: Colic – the most important A general name for abdominal pain, with many subtypes: Common types:    •   Gas colic – gas buildup due to diet/food change    •  Constipation colic – lack of water, insufficient fiber    •  Sand colic – eating on sandy ground...

Digestive system problems in calves and cows are very common, but the causes and clinical manifestations differ between a young calf and an adult cow. I will arrange them according to age and type of problem. Calves – Common Digestive Problems 1. Calf Diarrhea The most common problem    •   Infectious agents:      •   E. coli      •  Rotavirus / Coronavirus      •  Cryptosporidium       •  Salmonella •   Nutritional factors:       •   Poor quality/insufficient quantity of col

A systematic clinical-veterinary review of skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders in sheep and goats, according to groups of factors - with emphasis on field diagnosis and prevention: Infectious Diseases 1. Sheep & Goat Pox    •   Cause: Virus    •  Signs: Nodules → Blisters → Scabs, Fever, Decreased Eating    •  Common Location: Face, Udder, Genital Area    •  Importance: Highly Contagious, Sometimes Fatal    •  Prevention: Vaccination, Isolation 2. Orf (Orf – Ecthyma contag

Main causes of congenital diseases    •   Genetics / Heredity – latent carriers, close matings    •  Infections during pregnancy – mainly viral    •  Nutritional deficiencies in the pregnant cow (vitamins, minerals)    •  Toxins and medications during pregnancy    •  Damage to fetal develo pment in early pregnancy Nervous system    •   Hydranencephaly – partial/complete absence of the brain    Related to BVD, Schmallenberg    •   Cerebellar hypoplasia – underdevelopment of th

Common diseases and birth defects in chickens, especially in chicks and young chickens: Skeletal defects    •   Leg deformities – bowed legs, splay legs, shortened tendons    •  Crooked toes – usually related to vitamin deficiencies (especially B2) or genetics    •  Spinal curvature/deformity – kyphosis / scoliosis    •  Lack of wings / shortened wings Neurological defects    •   Head tremors and lack of coordination    •   Congenital paralysis    •  Head tilt Sometimes relat