Causes, symptoms, prevention, and treatment of various animal diseases introduction

PROTOZOAN 

DISEASE 

 

 

 

Coccidiosis 

A protozoan of which several 

species is responsible. 

Occurs in two forms: cecae 

and intestinal.  Cecae is the 

acute form that develops 

rapidly & causes high 

mortality rate, bloody 

droppings, & sudden death.  

Intestinal coccidiosis is 

chronic in nature, and its 

symptoms are loss of 

appetite, weakness, pale 

comb, & low production.  

Few deaths occur from the 

latter form. 

Because the disease is 

transmitted in feces, 

maintaining sanitary 

conditions & feeding a 

coccidiostat prevent the 

disease. 

 

DISEASE PREVENTION

Prevention is the key to controlling animal diseases. Sanitation is the key to prevention of diseases. Most

disease-causing agents enter the body through some type of body opening, such as the nose, eyes, mouth, or

wound incision. Pathogens may be spread by direct contact, or indirectly by the wind, water, feed, or other

animals. After entering the host, a pathogen must overcome the natural resistance of the body to produce the

disease.

The following management practices are possibly the best methods of controlling diseases.

¾ Provide an environment that prevents or restricts the growth of pathogens (sanitation).

¾ Provide a balanced diet.

¾ Provide protection from accidental injury.

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The practices include the following standards for the animals’ living quarters.

¾ Sufficient space for all animals. Crowded conditions tend to promote the incidence of disease.

¾ Fresh air and temperature control through ventilation.

¾ Good drainage. Floors and pens must be kept dry and clean. Bedding must be kept fresh, and manure

should be disposed of often.

¾ Systematic pasture rotation system. This is a practical method of disease and parasite control. It breaks

the life cycle of pathogens by removing the host. The ultraviolet rays of sunlight kill pathogens when the

pasture does not have livestock in it to reinfest it.

¾ Use of disinfectants. Chemicals that restrict the growth of pathogens should be used regularly. Soap

and boiling water are two inexpensive disinfectants available to livestock producers.