Common Diseases of Farm Animals

Farm animals including cows, sheep, pigs, chicken and goats can pass diseases to people. Farm animals are not like house pets and do not have places to rest or eat that are away from where they pass manure. Different types of farm animals carry different diseases.

01 ). Anthrax

Farm animals can become infected with anthrax when they ingest spores in contaminated soil, plants, or water. People get infected by having contact with sick or dead animals or eating meat contaminated with spores. Animals do not always appear sick, but if they do, they can get sick suddenly and die quickly. Clinical signs vary by animal species. Typical signs include fever, staggering, depression, difficulty breathing, or seizures. Often, infected animals do not show signs of illness and are found dead before the cause is known.

02 ). Brucellosis

It is a bacterial disease caused by contact with infected animals and contaminated animal products like raw (unpasteurized) dairy products like milk or cheese. Farm animals most commonly infected include sheep, cattle, goats, and pigs, and less commonly horses. Most animals infected with brucellosis show no signs of illness. For animals that do show signs of illness, symptoms vary by animal species and can include infection of reproductive organs, abortions, and stillborn or weak calves.

03 ). Campylobacteriosis

Campylobacter are bacteria that can make people and animals sick. Farm animals infected with Campylobacter usually show no signs of illness, but if they do, they might experience diarrhea.

04 ). Orf virus

This virus causes infections in sheep and goats and can also spread to people. Animals with Orf virus infection usually develop sores on the lips, muzzle, and in the mouth. Sheep and goats may also get sores on their lower legs and udder when infected lambs or kids (baby goats) nurse. Most animals recover completely from Orf virus infection.

05 ). Cryptosporidiosis

It is a parasitic disease caused by the germ Cryptosporidium (or Crypto for short), which is spread by swallowing poop from an infected person or animal. The risk is greatest from contact with young calves, especially calves with diarrhea. Farm animals, especially pre-weaned calves, can carry Crypto without any signs, but they may have mild diarrhea.

E. coli are bacteria found in the environment, foods, and intestines of people and animals. Healthy farm animals, especially calves and cows, sheep, and goats, can carry some types of E. coli that can make people sick. Newborn farm animals may experience diarrhea from Enterotoxigenic E.coli; however, the strains of this type of E. coli that make animals sick have not been found to make people sick.

To keep farm animals safe and clean, keep farm animals in an appropriately-sized enclosed area at night to decrease their exposure to wild animals that could transmit rabies or other diseases, use elevated feeders and store feed off the ground. This will help keep pests like mice and rats away, properly dispose of soiled bedding and spoiled, expired, or uneaten food so it doesn’t make the animals sick, clean farm animal enclosures and stalls frequently, and wear protective equipment while cleaning (for example, boots, gloves, and mask).

- Rtr. Tharudini Sachithra Perera -