INFLUENZA IN HORSES.

Influenza caused by myxovirus,causing a respiratory disease that is severe in horses.All age groups are susceptible but foals are more susceptible,and its highly contagious. The mode of transmission is aerosol,usually from horse to horse. The common signs are fever,inappetence, watery nasal discharge,harsh dry cough.The disease is prevented by vaccination, isolate new horses and sick horses.

HOW TO MANAGE A SICK HORSE ON THE FARM.

The simple rule of isolating sick animals on farm will help prevent spread of infectious agents.The method of isolation include the following; 1) house horse in a seperate stall. 2) use dedicated feeder,waterer,tools for the sick horse. 3) cordon off the area from healthy horses. 4)Attend to sick horse last,where possible dedicate a worker to tend to that horse. 5)Wash your hands see more here http://www.thehorse.com/articles/27906/biosecurity-for-hospitals-and-horse-farms?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=in-depth&utm_campaign=09-18-2015

BIRD FLU # THE WAY FORWARD.

The bird flu virus has affected more birds and man in certain countries, and all around the world hands are on deck to stop the virus. The basic concept is to educate the populace about the virus,the signs/symptoms,the bio security protocol that must be put in place to stop the virus and also what to do in cases of outbreak in poultry or infection in man. The approach is hygiene and isolation; ensuring that the proper agents are used correctly in bio security protocol. There are numerous agents used on farms,hospitals e.t.c to disinfect them,but the agent that readily comes to mind at this time of bird flu outbreak is VIRKON® S,as it has been proven to kill the bird flu virus among over pathogens. The issue of bio security is on going,more and more approaches to secure our farms have been birthed to help the farmers,in line with this i had a talk with some poultry farmers to educate them and give practical tips on how to handle the bird flu virus. When there is an outbreak, all the birds in the poultry / aviary/zoo will be culled and the place decontaminated and quarantined to prevent spread of the virus.In the wake of the bird flu virus saga,some birds in a zoo were infected,so all other birds in the facility had to be culled. We can stop the bird flu virus! start now!