Agricultural
27 July, 2022
Advice on LSD and FMD
Livestock producers are urged to stay vigilant as two infectious diseases sweep the globe.
With the potential for such widespread devastation, AgForce is warning members to stay alert and watch for signs of these diseases.
Lumpy skin disease
LSD is a highly infectious disease of cattle and water buffalo that does not affect other livestock or humans. The disease is caused by a virus like sheep pox and goat pox and is mostly transmitted by biting insects.
What to look for
Scabs develop in the centre of nodules after which the scabs fall off, leaving large holes that may become infected
Swelling of the limbs, brisket and genitals
Watering eyes
Increased nasal and salivary secretions.
Foot and mouth disease
Foot and mouth disease is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals including buffalo, pigs, cattle, sheep, deer, camelids and goats.
How the disease spreads
It is capable of extremely rapid spread –most commonly through the movement of infected animals, but also carried on wool, hair, grass or straw; by the wind; or by mud or manure sticking to footwear, clothing, livestock equipment or vehicle tyres.
Cattle are most susceptible, though pigs spread the disease fastest.
What to look for
fever, drooling and reluctance to move in cattle, pigs, sheep, buffalo, deer, camelids and goats
blisters on the mouth, snout, tongue, lips or between and above the hooves on the feet; blisters may be intact or ruptured, exposing raw, painful tissue.
More Information - Biosecurity Queensland or Agforceqld.org.au
