Lessons 20-30 Flashcards
(32 cards)
Endemic
A disease that is always present in a population.
Epidemic
Epidemic: Spreads rapidly in a short space of time in a population.
E.g. foot and mouth disease
- Rapid response
- Culling or vaccination
- Strict disinfection
Exotic disease
Exotic disease: An infectious disease that doesn’t normally occur in a specific region or country.
E.g. African Swine Fever (spread through contaminated pork products)
- Border controls
- Ban high risk products
- Early detection and eradication plans
Quarantine vs Isolation
Quarantine involves separating new or returning animals to monitor for signs of illness and prevent disease introduction, while isolation separates animals that are already sick or suspected of being sick to protect healthy animals.
Disease Outbreak Consequences
- Loss of livestock and wildlife: Economic devastation for farmers.
- Food supply threats: Reduce meat, dairy, and egg production.
- Zoonotic transmission: Some diseases (e.g. avian flu, rabies) jump to humans.
- Trade restrictions: Countries ban imports of infected animals/products.
Foot-and-Mouth Disease
Foot and mouth disease is a severe, highly contagious viral disease of livestock. The disease affects cattle and other cloven-hoofed ruminants.
How is Foot-and-Mouth Disease spread?
It’s spread in animals through direct contact with an infected animal, or indirectly through contaminated objects or the air.
Consequences of Foot-and-Mouth Disease
(3)
- Major economic losses due to its highly contagious nature
- Leading to large-scale culling of infected animals
- Disruption of international trade in livestock and animal products
Avian Influenza
Avian flu is an infectious type of influenza that spreads among birds. In rare cases, it can affect humans.
How is Avian Influenza spread?
In birds, avian influenza viruses are shed in the faeces and respiratory secretions. They can all be spread through direct contact with secretions from infected birds, especially through faeces or through contaminated feed and water.
Avian Influenza consequences
(3)
- It has devastating consequences for the poultry industry
- farmer’s livelihoods
- international trade
- the health of wild birds.
Disease Control Strategies
- Vaccinations
- Personal hygiene
- Isolation
- Disinfection
- Culling and population control
- Banning trade/importation
- Early detection
- Disposal of waste
- Quarantine and movement controls
Pet Travel Scheme (PETS)
- The Pet Travel Scheme allows cats, dogs, and ferrets to travel between the UK and some other countries without quarantine.
- It helps to maintain biosecurity standards by regulating the movement of pets into the UK.
Requirements under the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) for pets to travel between countries
(5)
- Documentation
- Microchip
- Rabies vaccination
- Tapeworm treatment
- Transport
Endemic disease
A disease that is always present in a population.
Illegal pet trade
The trafficking of animals that are sold as pets, often exotic or rare species. Typically intended for private ownership and are taken from wildlife or bred illegally.
Illegal wildlife trade
Much wider and includes all forms of exploitation of wildlife for commercial gain. Includes the trade of illegal wildlife products, such as ivory, skins, bones, and medicinal ingredients.
Explain why biosecurity is important in relation to disease outbreaks.
(2)
- Prevents disease outbreaks, which can lead to economic losses, animal suffering, and public health risks.
- Ensures animal welfare by maintaining a healthy environment, reducing stress, and minimising the spread of infections.
Explain the key risk factors to biosecurity in a farm setting
Farms: High-density livestock conditions, sharing water and feeding stations, and exposure to wildlife can increase disease risks.
Explain the key risk factors to biosecurity in a zoo setting
Zoos: Frequent introduction of new animals, close proximity of species from different regions, and visitors pose unique biosecurity challenges.
Explain the key risk factors to biosecurity in a vet setting
Veterinary Clinic: Contaminated equipment, handling of infected animals, and lack of proper sanitation can spread disease among patients.
Explain the key risk factors to biosecurity in a pet boarding facility
Pet Boarding Facilities: High turnover of animals, shared spaces, and improper hygiene practice can increase infection risks.
Three aims of first aid (animals)
- Preserve life
- Prevent suffering
- Promote recovery (prevent the situation from deteriorating)
Four Rules of Animal First Aid
- Keep calm (check for danger)
- Maintain the airway
- Control any haemorrhage (bleeding)
- Seek assistance if required
