BOVINE DISEASES AND SYMPTOMS

In some instances the cow’s immune response is sufficient to efficiently generate a self-cure for the illness, in mild cases

Maneka Sanjay Gandhi, MP & Union Cabinet Minister, also an eminent animal rights activist and environmentalist answers Millennium Post readers queries related to animal welfare issues Is it legal to have monkeys dancing on the street ?

Monkeys are trained to “dance” through beatings and food deprivation. Their teeth are pulled out by the madaris so that the animals cannot defend themselves.

The government of India has prohibited the use of bears, monkeys, tigers, panthers and lions for street performances. All species of monkey are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. This act declares that all Indian wildlife is government property and prohibits the capture and possession of monkeys.

Under Section 2(b), of the Performing Animals Rules, 1973, Performing Animals means any animal which is used for the purpose of any entertainment to which the public is admitted through the sale of tickets.

Section 22 of The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960 restricts the exhibition and training of performing animals, unless the person interested in exhibiting and training the animal is registered in accordance with provisions of the Act. No animal can be exhibited or trained, where the Central Government, by notification in the Official Gazette, has restricted the exhibition and training of such animal. These following animals can’t be exhibited or trained: 1) Bears 2) Monkeys 3) Tigers 4) Panthers 5) Lions

My cow hasn’t been eating well for the last two weeks and there is a drop in milk production as well. Her udders are swollen and red as well. What should I do?

Mastitis, or inflammation of the mammary gland, is the most common disease of dairy cattle throughout most of the world. The person milking her hasn’t cleaned his hands, or been rough in milking her or hasn’t cleaned her teats properly afterwards. Although stress and physical injuries may cause inflammation of the gland, infection by invading bacteria or other microorganisms (fungi, yeasts and possibly viruses) is the primary cause of mastitis. Infections begin when microorganisms penetrate the teat canal and multiply in the mammary gland. In severe cases of acute, clinical mastitis - in many instances caused by E. coli infections - the cow may appear very ill indeed. In contrast, subclinical mastitis can result in few symptoms and may only be detectable in a higher than normal Somatic Cell Count.

Most of the indicative symptoms, such as the swelling, heat, redness and the milk abnormalities are a result of an immune response in the cow, the changes in milk constituents in particular caused by infection-fighting white blood cells attempting to eliminate the infective organisms which may further be responsible for producing toxins which damage the milkproducing glands within the udder, and can be responsible for permanent udder damage in some cases.

In some instances the cow’s immune response is sufficient to efficiently generate a self-cure for the illness, usually in mild cases of the disease where the cow is strong and has a good immune response. The effective drugs are sulphonamides, penicillin and streptomycin.

My cow has a moist circular patch on the muzzle and tips of her ears. Should I be concerned?

Rain scald is a skin disease seen in all ages of cattle, but particularly young animals. It is caused by a bacteria and is commonly associated with wet weather..

It begins as a moist circular patch, often with matted hairs which give a characteristic paint brush appearance. It is typically seen on muzzle, tips of ears, withers, but rapidly spreads - can involve up to half the skin area in severe cases.

There is no completely effective treatment, particularly for severe cases. Many antibiotics are effective, particularly penicillins. Keeping the skin dry (i.e. bringing the cattle indoors) is often more effective than any treatment. Injections of anti-inflammatories significantly improve cow well-being and help to restore the cow to normal production. Local disinfection and treatment are necessary in more severe cases. (Views expressed and information provided are personal; Send your questions to manekaanimallove@gmail.com)