Animal Health Introduction

• WHO defines health as ...

  state of complete wellbeing - physical, mental, social
• the balance between ___ and ____ is essential

  challenge + defence
• Challenges to health ? (4)

  physical, microbial, metabolic, physiological
• Resistance to challenges: reduce chance of injury?

  sensitive pain receptors,

  learn and avoids hazards,

  stable social grouping
• resistance to challenges: avoid infection + infestation

  barriers to entry (skin, hair, internal epithelial surfaces)

  maintain hygiene
• resistance to challenges: fight infection and repair damage

  immune system + gut

  tissue + wound healing
• Domestication Factors increasing challenges (5)

  crowding, selective breeding for human desired traits, high production levels, barren environments
• Preventing infection on a group level?

  biosecurity, hygiene, disinfection, vaccination, antibiotic treatment
• Preventing infection animal level?

  physical barriers, chemical barriers, immunological barriers
• how do infections spread ? (5)

  1. breathe contaminated air

  2. eat contaminated food

  3. handle infected materials

  4. contact infected people

  5. contact infected soil + water
• preventing infection from contaminated air ?

  site selection from premises

  1. distance from neighbours

  2.direction of wind

  3. controlled ventilation
• preventing infection from contaminated food?

  1. no animal products in food

  2. good food hygiene

  3. pest proof food stores
• preventing infection from contaminated water?

  1. mains water if possible

  2. check source of other watercourses

  3. fresh and clean water
• preventing infection from infected materials?

  1. bedding (straw, sawdust, san, soil)

  2. farm vehicle policy

  3. farm visitor policy
• preventing infection from infected animals?

  1. good fencing

  2. stock replacement policy

  3. control wildlife contact