​Pneumonia in Livestock

pneumonia

It is an inflammation of the lungs.
Animals attacked include Calves, kids, lambs, piglets and poultry.

Cause:

Bacteria (Mycoplasma mycoides) dust worms in the lungs.

Predisposing causes

• Poor ventilation
• Lack of enough oxygen
• Overcrowding
• Age- young animals are more prone to the disease
• Effects of diarrhoea and other illnesses
• Dampness and chilliness.
• Cold winds

Symptoms

• The animal becomes dull and reluctant to move
• There is a rough hair coat
• Animal breathes rapidly
• Abnormal lung sounds when breathing i.e. bubbling
• If the chest is pressed the animal starts coughing
• Nasal mucous discharge.
• Anorexia/loss of appetite.
• Staring coat.
• Emaciation.
• Breathing rapidly.
• Fluctuating body temperature.

Control

• Keeping young animals in warm pens.
• Proper sanitation.
• Isolation of the affected animals.
• Treating using antibiotics.
• Proper housing with good ventillation

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Aspergillosis (Brooder pneumonia) in Poultry

It has its name because the disease results in pneumonia in young chicks, which are reared under brooders. Occurs everywhere poultry are reared. ​

Species affected:

All species of poultry

Age affected:

Mainly seen in young birds.

Causes:

Aspergillus fumigatus, A. flavus, and A. niger.

[Aspergillus fumigatus is a species of fungus. It can be found throughout the environment, including in soil, plant matter, and household dust. The fungus can also produce airborne spores called conidia.]

Effects:

Manly respiratory system, but fungi can spread to other parts of the body. 
Signs include respiratory distress (dyspnea and gasping), central nervous dysfunction (tremors, ataxia, and torticollis), somnolence (sleepy), inappetence, and emaciation (very thin).

Mode of transmission

It spreads by aerosol of spores, which are common in the hatchery. Spreads less commonly by contaminated dust and litter in the house.

Clinical signs

Signs include respiratory distress (dyspnea and gasping), central nervous dysfunction (tremors, ataxia, and torticollis), somnolence (sleepy), inappetence, and emaciation (very thin). Conjunctivitis, high mortality, and cloudy eyes can be seen.

Postmortem lesions

Yellowish‑green or whitish, caseous (cheesy) nodules and/or green, fur‑like down in mouth, palate, lungs, syrinx, viscera, air sacs, brain and eyes may be seen.

Diagnosis

Fungus can be identified microscopically (20% KOH stain) from culture or special stain of tissues (Hyphae, Mycelia, Conidiophores). Isolation of culture in 48 hours on Sabouraud dextrose agar is diagnostic. Lactophenol cotton blue staining of colony to see conidophores.

Prevention & treatment

Hatchery sanitation includes regular fumigation of eggs, machines and air ducts and regular (monthly) plating of hatchery with media to examine for the presence of fungi. Use clean dry litter and dry cups or nipples to reduce water spills. Antifungals in the feed or water.   

Content & Image Credit

• Secondary Agriculture Form 3 KLB
• Daniel Murrell, MD via Healthline.com
• Jake Davies via Poultryworld.net

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