Discuss rinderpest disease of livestock under the following sub-headings: (a) Causal organism; (b) Transmission c) Symptoms (d) Effects and economic importance (e) Control
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(a) Causal organism: Rinderpest is caused by a virus called the rinderpest virus, which belongs to the Paramyxoviridae family.
(b) Transmission: The virus is highly contagious and is transmitted through contact with infected animals, their bodily fluids or excretions, and contaminated equipment or surroundings.
(c) Symptoms: Rinderpest has an incubation period of about 3-9 days, after which the animal starts to exhibit symptoms such as fever, loss of appetite, nasal and ocular discharges, diarrhea, and severe dehydration. The animal may also develop sores in the mouth and on the skin. In the later stages of the disease, the animal may show neurological signs such as paralysis and convulsions.
(d) Effects and economic importance: Rinderpest is a highly fatal disease that can wipe out entire herds of cattle, buffalo, and other cloven-hoofed animals. It has caused devastating losses in the past, leading to famine and poverty in many regions of the world. The disease has also had a significant impact on the economies of affected countries, reducing the availability of meat, milk, and draft power.
(e) Control: The most effective way to control rinderpest is through vaccination. Mass vaccination campaigns have been successful in eradicating the disease from many parts of the world. Other control measures include quarantine of infected animals, movement restrictions, and disinfection of contaminated equipment and surroundings.
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