Rabies
Rabies is a serious virus that attacks an animal's nervous system. It normally
spreads through bites from other infected animals.
The signs and symptoms of rabies can start from behavioral changes to
extreme aggression, the animal can be sensitive to light, have a fever and
even at the last stage of rabies the animal will have paralysis of the jaw,
which leads to drooling and foaming at the mouth.
There is no known treatment or cure once the disease develops.
However, there are many ways to prevent and control rabies, and the spread
of the disease. The best way to prevent rabies is vaccinations, in the UK
there are vaccination programmes for small pets such as cats, dogs and
ferrets. Furthermore, there are travel restrictions for certain animals through
border control. As there's no cure, animals suspected of having it are
isolated for observation
.
Rabies virus.
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is a bacterial disease that normally produces nodules in the
lungs of birds and mammals. The bacteria are spread through airborne
transmissions, due to coughing or sneezing. If untreated it can lead to death.
, The signs and symptoms of tuberculosis may take a little time to develop but
can cause the animal to lose appetite and then develop a fever, the animal
can start coughing more and have diarrhea and prominent lymph nodes.
Animals don't often get treated for this disease, because normally the
infected animal is put down. Vaccines do exist but not nearly as effective and
widespread as the human vaccines. In high-risk areas cattle are tested every
4 years for the disease.
Newcastle Disease
Newcastle disease is an infectious viral disease that affects birds. This
disease is spread through direct contact with other infected birds and their
bodily fluids, and also through fomites. It's can lead to death in extreme
cases.
The signs and symptoms of Newcastle disease can be coughing and
breathing difficulties, the bird can have a depressed appearance with a
twisted head/ neck, the bird will also have a reduced egg production.
There is no known treatment for this disease and infected animals are
isolated and vaccinated.
Swine Flu
Swine flu is a virus that spreads through direct contact and airborne
transmission between pigs, similarly to the human flu.