Vaccination is Key in Containing Blackquarter Disease: Experts
Experts have swung into action to reiterate the importance of routine vaccination in a bid to control contagious diseases, especially blackquarter.
Citing an example where cases of blackquarter was identified in the Winjo area in Muhuru ward of Nyatike, Migori County, experts led by…Dr Orimbo, the County Director of Veterinary Services, Migori…implored upon farmers to embrace vaccination.
In that area, some farmers are counting losses after the Black Quarter disease reportedly claimed 15 cows.
“Blackquater is one of the Clostridial toxaemias diseases caused by Cloastridium bacteria. These bacteria are widespread in nature, such as soil, organic matter and as natural inhabitants of the intestines of livestock. Infections with these organisms are usually harmless, however, following improvement in nutrition or tissue damage, they can multiply rapidly in the infected livestock and produce significant quantities of toxins and cause the diseases. These diseases can occur world-wide, usually in areas used regularly by livestock, e.g. paddocks, pens, permanent grazing and around water holes and wells. Vaccination is usually used to control these diseases and is recommended for livestock of all ages.
Blackquater is caused by Cloastriidium chauvoei. It is an important cause of cattle death in tropical areas. It usually occurs in areas or farms with a known history of the disease. Therefore, regular routine annual vaccination of cattle is often carried out in these areas.”
Dr. Orimbo was also quick to caution farmers to avoid slaughtering the sick/ dead animals because doing so poses a greater health risk and can aggravate the spread of the disease.
“I’m urging farmers not to slaughter the animals. Instead, they should dispose them off by burying six feet deep or burn them. NEVER try to open the carcass, because When carcass is opened, the bacteria forms spores in soils and pasture which can later be activated to cause disease.”
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