In the hot Mzansi summer, ideal conditions for the spread of diseases arise. Livestock farmers should be aware of summer diseases, recognise signs, and know treatment options.
In this episode, veterinarian Dr Justice Masilela discusses summer livestock diseases, symptoms and treatment options. This time of the year, parts of the country experience wet conditions where diseases thrive. These diseases included internal parasites and external parasites.
“Some common ones include, heart-water, gout sickness, red water and more,” he explains.
Masilela unpacks heart-water sickness, a tick-borne infectious disease that primarily affects ruminant animals, such as cattle, sheep, and goats. A microscopic organism causes the disease called Ehrlichia ruminantium, which is transmitted through the bites of certain ticks, particularly those of the genus Amblyomma.
ALSO READ: Healthy chicken manure: Discover the key indicators
Summer solutions
Masilela shares common signs of heart-water sickness. He says, “Usually the animals will stop eating and become weak. They usually die peddling with foam coming from the nostrils. These are usually the signs a farmer would observe with heart-water sickness.”
Cele also delves into what happens with cattle when infected with Redwater disease, a tick-borne disease, and what causes it. He explains the common signs farmers can notice to tell if their cattle might be sick.
Catching up with a #SoilSista
The episode also features Corteva Agriscience #SoilSista Moleboheng Kasimukire. In the heart of her journey lies a profound shift – one from the corporate hustle to the rich, fertile embrace of agriculture. Her story is about more than just changing careers; it’s a testament to resilience, community, and a commitment to nurturing growth.
Kasmukire was one of the phenomenal women selected to participate in the 2023 #SoilSista programme.
In this episode, Masilela also discusses:
- Various steps in which these diseases can be prevented.
- Dips that can be used range from pour-on, water-based dips and plunge dips.
Want to know more? Listen to the full episode of Farmer’s Inside Track.
Option 1: Click here to listen on Spotify (all mobile and other devices).
Option 2: Click here to listen on any Apple device.
Option 3: Click here to listen on Google Podcast.
READ NEXT: Podcast: Understanding the basics of agri economics
Sign up for Farmer’s Inside Track: Join our exclusive platform for new entrants into farming and agri-business, with newsletters and podcasts.
