Theory question 108
Animal HealthDiscuss rinderpest disease of livestock under the following sub-headings:
(a) Causal organism
(b) Transmission
(c) Symptoms
(d) Effects and economic importance
(e) Control
Show the model answer
Model answer
(a) A virus (Morbillivirus)
(b) Contact with infected animals, their discharges, contaminated feed, water and equipment
(c) High fever, discharge from eyes and nose, mouth sores/ulcers, diarrhoea (often bloody), dehydration, loss of appetite, death
(d) High death rate in cattle; loss of meat, milk, hides and draught power; loss of income; restricts trade in livestock
(e) Vaccination; quarantine; isolation and slaughter of infected animals; restricting animal movement; disinfection
Explanation
Give the cause as a virus and cover all five headings.