Common Disease in Punganur Cow

Internal Parasites (Worms, Flukes)

Internal parasites, including gastrointestinal worms and liver flukes, are common in Punganur cows and can significantly impact their health and productivity.

Symptoms:

·         Weight loss and poor body condition

·         Diarrhea

·         Anemia and pale mucous membranes

·         Decreased milk production

·         Poor growth rates in young animals

Transmission:

·         Ingestion of parasite eggs or larvae from contaminated pasture or water

Prevention and Control:

·         Deworming: Regular deworming with appropriate anthelmintics based on fecal egg count monitoring.

·         Pasture Management: Rotate pastures to reduce parasite load and avoid overgrazing.

·         Hygiene: Maintain clean water sources and reduce fecal contamination in the environment.

External Parasites (Ticks, Lice, Mites)

External parasites, such as ticks, lice, and mites, can cause significant discomfort and health problems in Punganur cows.

Symptoms:

·         Itching and scratching

·         Hair loss and skin lesions

·         Anemia and weight loss in severe infestations

·         Transmission of other diseases (e.g., babesiosis by ticks)

Transmission:

·         Direct contact with infested animals

·         Environmental contamination

Prevention and Control:

·         Regular Inspection: Regularly inspect animals for signs of external parasites and take appropriate action.

·         Topical Treatments: Use topical insecticides and acaricides to control external parasites.

·         Environmental Control: Treat the environment and housing to reduce parasite load.

Trypanosomiasis

Trypanosomiasis, also known as Surra, is a parasitic disease caused by Trypanosoma evansi, which is transmitted by biting flies. It affects the blood and various organs, leading to chronic wasting and death if untreated.

Symptoms:

·         Intermittent fever

·         Anemia and pale mucous membranes

·         Swelling of the lymph nodes

·         Weight loss and emaciation

·         Weakness and lethargy

Transmission:

·         Bites from infected flies, particularly Tabanid flies (horseflies) and Stomoxys (stable flies)

Prevention and Control:

·         Vector Control: Implement measures to control fly populations, such as insecticide-treated nets and fly traps.

·         Chemoprophylaxis: Use prophylactic drugs to prevent infection in high-risk areas.

·         Regular Monitoring: Monitor animals for signs of trypanosomiasis and treat promptly.

Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases

Bloat

Bloat is a condition where gas accumulates in the rumen, leading to distension and discomfort. It can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

Types of Bloat:

·         Frothy Bloat: Caused by the ingestion of lush legumes or young cereal crops, leading to the formation of stable foam in the rumen.

·         Free Gas Bloat: Caused by the inability to expel gas due to physical obstruction or motility issues.

Symptoms:

·         Distended left flank

·         Discomfort and restlessness

·         Difficulty breathing

·         Sudden death in severe cases

Ketosis

Ketosis, also known as acetonemia, is a metabolic disorder that occurs when there is an energy deficit, leading to the accumulation of ketone bodies in the blood.

Symptoms:

·         Reduced appetite and milk production

·         Weight loss

·         Sweet-smelling breath (acetone)

·         Lethargy and weakness

·         Nervous signs in severe cases

Prevention and Control:

·         Nutritional Management: Ensure a balanced diet with adequate energy during late gestation and early lactation. Provide propylene glycol or other energy supplements if necessary.

·         Monitor Body Condition: Maintain an appropriate body condition score to avoid excessive fat mobilization.

Milk Fever (Hypocalcemia)

Milk Fever, or hypocalcemia, is a metabolic disorder caused by low blood calcium levels, usually occurring around calving.

Symptoms:

·         Staggering gait and difficulty standing

·         Muscle tremors and weakness

·         Cold ears and dry muzzle

·         Recumbency (lying down) and inability to rise

·         Death if untreated

Prevention and Control:

·         Diet Management: Provide a balanced diet with appropriate calcium levels during the dry period. Use low-calcium diets or anionic salts to stimulate calcium mobilization.

·         Calcium Supplements: Administer oral or injectable calcium supplements around calving.

Grass Tetany (Hypomagnesemia)

Grass Tetany, or hypomagnesemia, is a metabolic disorder caused by low blood magnesium levels, typically occurring in lactating cows grazing on lush, rapidly growing pastures.

Symptoms:

·         Muscle twitching and tremors

·         Incoordination and staggering gait

·         Aggression and excitability

·         Recumbency and convulsions

·         Death if untreated

Prevention and Control:

·         Diet Management: Provide magnesium supplements through mineral blocks, licks, or in feed.

·         Pasture Management: Avoid grazing on high-risk pastures during peak lactation periods.

Acidosis

Acidosis is a metabolic disorder caused by the overconsumption of rapidly fermentable carbohydrates, leading to a drop in rumen pH.

Symptoms:

·         Decreased feed intake and weight loss

·         Diarrhea

·         Lethargy and depression

·         Laminitis (founder) in chronic cases

·         Death in severe cases

Prevention and Control:

·         Diet Management: Avoid sudden changes in diet and provide adequate fiber to stimulate rumination. Gradually introduce high-energy feeds.

·         Buffer Supplements: Provide bicarbonate or other buffering agents to maintain rumen pH.

·         Acidosis can lead to significant production losses and health issues if not managed promptly. Proper diet management and monitoring are essential to prevent acidosis. Early detection and appropriate treatment are critical to reducing the impact of the disease.