Eimeriosis of cattle: pathogen and symptoms, methods of treatment and prevention

Diseases in livestock are caused by viruses and bacteria, but the lion's share of pathologies is caused by parasites. Eimeriosis is caused by microscopic worms that settle in the blood vessels of the cow's digestive system. Eimeriosis often affects cattle - this is a common disease, and the owner of the cow should know how to cure the nurse.

General information about pathogens

Pathogens are protozoa with a complex development cycle. There are 20 main types of eimeria. Eimeria eggs, under favorable conditions, can infect another animal within 24 hours after emergence.Microscopic parasites enter the body of large and small cattle with contaminated feed. As a rule, infection occurs from already sick cows.

Eimeria parasitize intracellularly throughout the entire gastrointestinal tract. Often calves get sick with eimeriosis, due to the body's susceptibility to infection and a weak immune system. Parasites can inhabit bedding, food and water, so if a pathogen is found on the farm, it will be necessary to carry out the strictest disinfection and observe quarantine for 1 month.

Symptoms of defeat

Eimeriosis proceeds secretly for 2-3 weeks. The first signs of the disease are fever, refusal of water and feed. The mucous membranes are pale, typical symptoms of anemia appear - a small amount of red blood cells and hemoglobin can be detected in a clinical blood test. After about 2-3 days, severe diarrhea begins with blood impurities. If timely treatment for eimeriosis is not started, calves die from dehydration.

There is also a chronic course of the disease. In this case, the young are lagging behind in development, suffering from constant gases, colic and constipation. The faeces are offensive and liquid. Less weight is gained than in he althy peers. On the mucous membranes, characteristic petechial hemorrhages can be seen. The lethality of chronic eimeriosis is 50%.

Diagnosis of disease

Diagnosis of the disease includes observation of clinical and epizootic signs. In addition, Fülleborn and Darling tests are carried out, which help to identify worm eggs in the feces. A general blood test will additionally confirm the presence of anemia and changes in blood biochemical parameters.

Some cows have single eggs and spores in their faeces. Such animals are considered carriers of the disease.

Dead animals are opened and the intestinal mucosa is examined. On the surface, characteristic hemorrhages and inflammation can be seen. Instead of normal feces, there is a curdled mass of white or green color inside the intestines.

Bacteriological examination is carried out to distinguish the disease from pasteurellosis and salmonellosis, which are very similar in symptoms. Often they put immunological reactions, including PCR. The combination of these signs makes it possible to suspect eimeriosis in the livestock.

How to treat the appearance of parasites

Against eimeriosis of calves and adult livestock, drugs that are derivatives of Amprolium are effective. Before using the drug, you need to test for the sensitivity of parasites to the active substance. Below is a comparative description of them. Disadvantages

AmprolmixCan be used for different animals, including poultry.Not compatible with anthelmintics. Do not give to animals intended for the "repair" of the livestock. leads to the rapid death of the parasite.Do not give to lactating and pregnant cows. Affects not only pathogens of eimeriosis, but also schizogony. "Amprol"Wide spectrum of action on endoparasites. The substance is excreted from the body for 14 days and can be stored in animal meat.

Slaughter for meat is allowed only after 2 weeks.

Animals are given water-soluble pills for eimeriosis. The average calculation of drugs is 10 mg per 1 kg of live weight. Adult animals can add medicine to the feed. All of these drugs have contraindications. They need to be familiarized with before starting a course of treatment.Only a doctor can prescribe adequate therapy. Self-activity leads to the death of the entire livestock.

Damage to the body

Eimeriosis pathogens seriously affect the gastrointestinal tract. Young animals do not develop properly, lag behind he althy peers in development, therefore, the cost of feeding days increases, and the slaughter time increases.

Seriously suffers not only the digestive system, but also the liver, lungs. The increased load on the lungs leads to respiratory failure. The calves are dying of suffocation.

The intestinal surface of the animal is seriously affected by parasites. Nutrients due to the disease are absorbed many times worse and are not absorbed properly. Increases the risk of stomach and intestinal ulcers. Dairy cows lose milk, do not eat feed and lose weight. If treatment is not started in time, the risk of death of the animal is high.

Prevention

New animals must be separated from the herd within 1 month of arrival. The barn is regularly disinfected against eimeriosis and other diseases, and manure and other waste, including leftover feed and bedding, must be disposed of off-farm.

The livestock is regularly vaccinated with chemicals. Feeders and drinkers for animals are washed every day, rinsed with a disinfectant. Pastures should be checked for parasites before grazing.

Wooden barn surfaces are covered with lime or ammonia solution. It is desirable to burn iron bars and chains on fire. Manure from an infected barn must be disposed of and cannot be used as fertilizer.

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