PROTECT YOURSELF FROM CONTRACTING ANIMAL DISEASES: ZOONOTIC DISEASE: FARMERS SAFETY

Working with farm suit

In the face of this pandemic known as Coronavirus (Covid-19) all livestock farmers need to be extra careful in handling of farm animals as most animal diseases are zoonotic.

WHO defines zoonoses as diseases and infections that are naturally transmitted between vertebrate animals and humans. A zoonotic agent may be a bacterium, a virus, a fungus or other communicable disease agent. At least 61% of all human pathogens are zoonotic, and have represented 75% of all emerging pathogens during the past decade. 

Read: PROLAPSE AND EGG BOUND IN LAYING HENS
          
    RECOMMENDED VITAMINS FOR POULTRY PRODUCTION

AVOID SUDDEN DROP OF EGG PRODUCTION IN YOUR LAYERS

Now that you know you can catch disease from your animals – how do you prevent illness in the first place? Really, there are a few very simple things you can do and we have divided the preventative information into two parts:

Health professional with farm boots and hand gloves

1. Livestock/Poultry
2. Human

Livestock/poultry
• The flock needs to be kept in a relatively clean environment. Areas where the animals roam should be hosed or washed to keep poop from accumulating. 

• Frequent removal of damp litter and poop very important in the warmer months to prevent bacterial growth. 

• Twice yearly washing down of the inside of the farm, perches, nest-boxes etc. and hosing down of high traffic areas. A solution of equal parts vinegar and water does an effective job. 

•Clean eggs and other animal products as necessary after collection and keep in the fridge or any clean and safe area. If eggs are dirty they should always be cleaned with water that is hotter than the egg, or use special wipes made for egg cleaning. Filthy eggs should be tossed out. 

•Compost your manure properly if you use it on the garden. Flies are attracted to dung heaps, so turn it regularly to help the breakdown of materials.
If you have used the manure on the garden veggies, don’t eat them until they are washed, bacilli can live for a very long time. 

• Good nutrition is very important. Use vitamins like sharigrow or any electrolyte powder in drinkers as needed. Let them outside as frequently as you can so they can get their vitamins from the sun and grass. 

•Effective rodent control – just because you can’t see them doesn’t mean you don’t have them! Rodents can carry a number of diseases, so be on the lookout for the telltale signs of infestation. 

• Don’t forget your animal health check. Parasites such as lice and mites can weaken their immune status leaving them open for infection.
Try to buy your livestock seeds from reputable firms, preferably ZULINKX AGRO & VET. SERVICES whose seeds are tested for a variety of diseases including salmonella.

Human
• Good handwashing – always! If you can’t wash your hands directly after handling your hens, use an antibacterial hand rub. I keep one in the farm and use it frequently.

     • Use hand gloves and farm boots while           walking and working around the farm

• Don’t eat/drink in or around the coop.
Try to keep a set of farm clothes separate from your wardrobe. Use them for cleaning the coop and your livestock chores.
• Children under five should be carefully watched. Toddlers have a habit of putting things in their mouths.
• If you butcher your animals, make sure you do it neatly. The carcass should not be contaminated by intestinal residue.
• Cook meats thoroughly and refrigerate leftovers in a timely manner. Do not eat meat that has been sitting around at room temperature for longer than a couple of hours.

Note:
The major culprit remains industrialized farming, processing and sales- there are many steps in the process that can lead to illness, especially if ‘short cuts’ are taken.

If you suspect your flock suffers from any of these infections, an animal health professional can take a swab and send it for analysis. If positive, infections can be treated with antibiotics.  

We hope this has enlightened you and reassured you that your flock is not going to make you sick provided you adhere strictly to these sensible precautionary steps. We want you to enjoy your flock and keep you and yourselves healthy.

Reach us for your farm services and consultations;
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+2348094503557 or
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