BANGKOK, 30 June 2016 (NNT) – The Department of Livestock Development has urged livestock raisers to beware of disease outbreaks in their animals during volatile weather, advising them to maintain high sanitary standards in their facilities.

After the arrival of the rainy season, the unpredictable weather has raised the level of stress in livestock animals and lowered their immune system, making them vulnerable to such diseases as foot and mouth disease and haemorrhagic septicemia.

Dr Ayut Harintranon, Director-General of the Department of Livestock Development, indicated that foot and mouth disease is a major problem in cattle, goats, sheep and pigs. Symptoms can include drowsiness, fever, loss of appetite, blistering around and inside the mouth and on the feet or hooves, and limping. The disease cannot be cured with medicine.

As for haemorrhagic septicemia, Dr Ayut said an infected animal usually has a swollen neck or face and difficulty breathing. Most cases are severe, with high fever, foaming at the mouth and inability to eat, and are often followed by death.

As preventive measures against the diseases, the Director-General suggested keeping animals in proper facilities, providing them with clean water and adequate food and having medicine at hand. All barns or pens in which the animals are kept should also be thoroughly cleaned and sterilized on a regular basis.

National News Bureau Of Thailand | Livestock raisers warned of animal diseases caused by weather changes