Tuesday, October 08, 2002
Blood parasites totally contained - OPV
By Avelyn Z. Agudon
BLOOD parasites surra and hemorrhagic septicemia, which affected and killed cattle and carabaos in Negros Occidental, are totally under control.
Dr. Renante Decena, provincial veterinarian, said there has been no reported cases during the past two weeks.
The outbreak of surra and hemosep was contained due to early detection and treatment, he said.
The Provincial Government appropriated P1 million to purchase additional trypanocide and hemosep vaccines last August.
This year's cases are minimal compared to that of last year, Decena said.
Last year's records show that 160 cattles and carabaos died of surra and hemosep from January to September.
During the same period this year, only seven deaths were reported out of the 2,883 carabaos and cattles affected.
Affected municipalities were Hinobaan, Cauayan, Ilog, Candoni, Binalbagan, La Castellana, Moises Padilla, Isabela, Hinigaran and Calatrava and the cities of Sipalay, Kabankalan and Himamaylan.
Surra is a disease caused by a parasite called trypanosoma evansi, which infects the blood and is transmitted by biting flies.
Affected animals like carabao and horses may develop fever, lethargy, weakness and ataxia.
There may be skin swelling on their necks and flanks, small areas of hemorrhage on their gums and accumulation of fluid under the skin of their legs, brisket, abdomen and genitalia.
If the disease becomes chronic, animals will progressively lose weight, become anemic and possibly jaundiced.
Death may occur within two weeks or may take several months in chronic disease. |
