VETERINARY MEDICINE: EQUINE INFLUENZA.

VETERINARY MEDICINE: EQUINE INFLUENZA.Equine influenza is a highly contagious respiratory virus that can put horses out of work for weeks and potentially cause serious secondary infections. see

A BREECH IN BIOSECURITY PROTOCOL FINGERED FOR SPREAD OF BOVINE VIRAL DIARRHEA.

Bovine viral diarrhea that affected about 5,000 cattle of which 500 were destroyed in Germany,indicates a breech of bio security protocol as the cause of high incidence. Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD) leads to severe disease and significant economic losses Caused by the Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV). Bovine Viral Diarrhea suppresses the immune system and causes a variety of symptoms, including respiratory problems, infertility, and abortion. "A dairy farmer first noticed a reduction in milk yield, respiratory symptoms, nasal discharge, fever, sporadic diarrhea and sudden deaths -- these symptoms were also noted on other farms as the infection spread, but did not immediately indicate BVD as the cause," said Dr. Jörn Gethmann, lead author of the study from Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute. "We were surprised by the high morbidity and mortality an induced by a BVDV strain in this outbreak." The researchers supported the competent local authorities in tracing the spread of the virus. They visited eight farms and obtained data on a further 13 farms. They discovered that the virus was not transmitted directly by infected cattle, but mostly by people such as vets and traders who were moving between farms. "We were surprised to see the effective transmission to other farms without persistently infected animals involved," commented Dr. Gethmann. Bio security is very important at all levels of production; a simple hand washing ,wearing protective clothing,tyre dips,foot baths and use of protective gloves will prevent spread of infectious agents. Read more here;http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/09/150921090151.htm

RECURRENT AIRWAY OBSTRUCTION.(RAO)

This is one of the common respiratory diseases in horses.Recurrent airway obstruction is usually as a result of blockage to airway as a result of allergy caused by spores from moldy hay. The inhalation of these spores set up an inflammatory reaction in the respiratory tract resulting in breathing difficulties.The signs include wheezing ,shortness of breath, and exercise intolerance. RAO can also develop after other respiratory infections such as strangles,equine rhino and influenza. PREVENTION. 1) Do not feed moldy hay. 2) stable horses in properly ventilated closures. 3) vaccinate horses for all respiratory diseases in horses. TREATMENT. There is no treatment,but condition can be managed. 1) Allow enough fresh air for horses. 2)use wood shavings instead of straw. 3) soak hay. 4)do not clean out stables when horses are within.