- This is an acute bacterial disease of cattle and buffaloes which usually occurs during monsoon.
- Mortality rate may be as high as 80 %.
- Germs of this disease survive longer in humid and waterlogged conditions.
SYMPTOMS
- High temperature, sudden decrease in milk yield.
- Salivation and serous nasal discharge.
- Severe oedema of the throat region.
- Difficultly in breathing , animal produces a grunting sound.
- Animal usually dies within 1-2 days of showing symptoms.
- Buffaloes are generally more susceptible than cattle.
- Animals with clinical signs, particularly buffalo, rarely recover.
- In endemic areas, most deaths seen in older calves and young adults.
PREVENTION
- Segregate the sick animal from healthy ones and avoid contamination of feed, fodder and water.
- Avoid crowding especially during wet seasons.
- Vaccinate all animals which are 6 months and above of age annually before the onset of monsoon in endemic areas.
TREATMENT
- Treatment is usually ineffective unless treated very early , that is during the stage when fever sets in.
- Few animals survive once clinical signs develop.
- Case fatality approaches 100% if treatment is not followed at the initial stage of infection.
Get your animals vaccinated annually against HS before rains