Content
Bovine rabies is a dangerous disease that can be transmitted not only from animal to animal, but also to humans. Infection is carried out after a bite by sick cattle, when saliva gets on the wound, if the meat of an animal with rabies was eaten. As practice shows, cattle is the most susceptible to rabies, which is why it is so important to timely prevent and diagnose the disease.
Pathogenesis
In veterinary medicine, rabies is described as an infectious disease that affects the central nervous system of an animal. In an infected individual, inflammatory and necrotic processes can be observed, as a result of which asphyxia or cardiac arrest occurs.
There are 2 types of rabies in cattle, depending on the source of infection:
- natural - this includes wild animals (wolves, foxes, mice);
- urban - pets, cattle.
The causative agent of this infectious disease is the Neuroryctes rabid virus, which belongs to the Rhabdoviridae family and has a bullet shape. This virus is widespread throughout the world, the only exception is Antarctica and some island states.
After the virus has entered the animal's body, it enters the spleen, after which it spreads along the nerve pathways. The rabies virus is stable in the external environment, as a result of which it can remain viable for several months even at low temperatures.
Clinical picture
As practice shows, rabies in cattle can proceed in a violent or calm form. The violent stage has the following symptoms:
- a high level of irritability, manifested in sudden movements, as well as in relation to other cows and pets;
- sweating;
- profuse salivation;
- frequent urination.
At a calm stage of the course of the disease, animals begin to differ from other individuals by atypical lethargy, and appetite disappears. Infected cows lose milk, the ruminant reflex is absent, and it becomes difficult to swallow.
It is important to take into account the fact that the described symptoms for a calm and violent form of the course of the disease are characteristic only for the initial stage of rabies. 2-3 days after the first symptoms of the disease appear, paralysis of the lower jaw can be observed, then limbs fail, and death occurs.
In addition, among the main symptoms of rabies, an increased reaction to extraneous noise, bright light is distinguished. These reactions are often accompanied by seizures, weight loss. Some animals lose sight.
Diagnostics
The diagnosis can be made only after a complete comprehensive examination of the cattle has been performed. Unfortunately, rabies in animals today cannot be treated, therefore, the disease is almost always fatal.
If, during the diagnosis, individuals were identified that had or could have had contact with infected cows, then they are first isolated and placed in a separate room, after which a veterinary examination is carried out on a regular basis.
As a rule, high titers of the virus can be detected posthumously during the examination of the cerebral cortex, the medulla oblongata. Much less concentration in saliva.
If infected animals are identified, they are killed, and the corpses are burned. The rest of the cattle is subject to immunization.
Prophylaxis
The most effective way to protect cattle from rabies is to take timely preventive immunization measures. Veterinarians use domestic and foreign vaccines for this purpose.
Rabies vaccines can be:
- brain - made on the basis of brain tissue taken from animals prone to rabies;
- embryonic - include embryos from poultry;
- cultural - the rabies virus is used in the manufacturing process.
Only completely healthy cattle should be vaccinated. Do not vaccinate weak individuals, emaciated, sick and cows during lactation. After the vaccination has been made, it is necessary to monitor the behavior of the cow for 3-4 days.
Rabies vaccines
To vaccinate animals, use the following scheme;
- calves are first vaccinated against rabies at the age of 6 months;
- the next vaccination is done 2 years later.
After the introduction of the drug, biochemical processes occur, as a result of which the susceptibility of cells to the causative agent of rabies decreases. As you know, all modern vaccines are made on the basis of the virus strain.
The permissible dosage is 1 ml, the drug must be administered intramuscularly. Before the introduction of the cattle vaccine, it is necessary that the animals are examined by a veterinarian and an assessment of the general condition. It is recommended to vaccinate only completely healthy individuals.
Other protection methods
In addition to using the vaccine, it is worth resorting to other methods of protecting cattle. The first step is to keep the farmer clean. Cleaning of premises containing cattle should come first. As a rule, premises are disinfected on a regular basis. In addition, it is not allowed to expose cows to contact with wild animals.
You also need:
- create safe conditions, as a result of which the attack of wild animals will be minimized;
- destroy rodents;
- to vaccinate dogs in a timely manner, if they are used to protect the farm;
- vaccinate healthy individuals;
- if infected individuals are identified, immediately isolate them.
This is the only way to protect your farm from the appearance of a deadly disease - rabies.
Veterinary rules for animal rabies
Veterinary guidelines for animal rabies contain a set of rules for disease prevention.
According to this data, all farmers and pet owners should:
- follow the rules for keeping pets;
- deliver animals on time to the veterinary inspector for examination and vaccination;
- to register owned cattle;
- keep unvaccinated dogs out of the farm;
- protect the farm from the penetration of wild animals;
- notify the veterinarian immediately if an infectious outbreak is detected on the farm.
These sanitary rules must be observed by all without exception.
Conclusion
Bovine rabies is a common disease that almost every farmer has had to deal with. It is possible to protect cattle from a fatal disease only if animals are vaccinated in a timely manner. Before you start using the drug, it is recommended that you first consult with a veterinarian or entrust this matter to a professional.
