Ever wondered how zoonotic diseases in your livestock can make you sick, then this article is just for you. Let’s get right into it.

Sheep and goats are a common domestic species of ruminants, from the sub-family Caprinae with over 500 different breeds. Goats and sheep are usually reared for their skin/hide, meat, and milk. Due to how beneficial they are to us as humans, many people interact with them daily.

However, these animals occasionally carry harmful germs that can spread to people and cause illness –these are known as zoonotic diseases.

Zoonotic diseases are diseases that are transferable between animals and humans. Zoonotic diseases are common, in Nigeria and all over the world. 

In addition, zoonotic diseases are caused by harmful viruses, bacteria, parasites, or fungi. Humans can contract zoonotic diseases through contact with infected animals, and also by eating contaminated food or water.

Hence, the vision of Livestock247 is to mitigate the spread of zoonotic diseases through the provision of fit-for-slaughter and traceable livestock to our customers.

Sore Mouth (Contagious Ecthyma)

Sore mouth is also known as contagious ecthyma. It is a zoonotic disease caused by the orf virus and is commonly found in countries that raise sheep and goats. It causes sores and pustules on the face of sheep, goats, and other animals.

As humans, we can contract ecthyma through contact with lesions or scabs of infected animals. If you suspect that your livestock might be infected, contact us for competent veterinary care here.

Rabies

Rabies is a lethal, viral disease that affects humans and animals, including sheep and goats. It attacks the central nervous system in mammals.

The virus is majorly present in the saliva, brain tissue, and spinal fluid of a rabid animal. Rabies can be transmitted to humans by a bite, contamination of an open cut, or through contact with fluids from the nose, mouth, eyes.

Consequently, if left untreated, rabies can lead to death. There is no treatment for rabies.

Rabies is almost always fatal once the animal or human is infected. The best way to deal with this zoonotic disease is by vaccinating the animals.
Our latest service HOINA ensures proper vaccination of all your livestock with just 5000 naira for the whole year.

Chlamydiosis

Chlamydiosis (pronounced kla-me-die-oh-sis) is a highly contagious disease that commonly occurs in sheep and goat herds. Bacteria is the major cause of chlamydiosis.

This disease is transmitted when susceptible animals, lick the aborted fetus or consume feed or water that is contaminated. Chlamydiosis can cause abortion within about 60 to 90 days. 

Albeit rare, humans can contract the disease by direct contact with birthing tissues. In humans, chlamydiosis can cause flu-like symptoms (headache, body aches, fever), eye inflammation, and pneumonia. Pregnant women should avoid contact with pregnant or aborting animals on a farm.

Vaccinating your animals will increase their disease immunity, increase production, and eventually profits. Visit HOINA, and let us worry about vaccinating your livestock, while your profit skyrockets.

Anthrax

Anthrax, another dangerous zoonotic disease caused by bacteria, occurs in sheep and goats after eating, touching, or inhaling anthrax spores.

Humans can contract the disease through contact with infected animal carcasses or products, inhalation, or eating tainted meat from infected animals.

This is why at Livestock247, we only supply wholesome meat24/7, certified fit-for-slaughter by our skilled veterinary team.

Q Fever (Query Fever)

Q fever is a zoonotic disease that results from infection by bacteria and is transmitted to humans when airborne bacteria are inhaled. Generally, most human Q fever infections are linked with cattle, sheep, and goats, and usually occur when the animal gives birth.

Q fever can cause abortion or premature delivery in pregnant women, so pregnant women should avoid contact with pregnant or aborting animals.

At Livestock247, we encourage you to always remember to wash your hands frequently and wear disposable gloves when working or handling animals. Also, try to minimize contact with sores as much as possible. 

In conclusion, if you provide your farm animals with routine veterinary care by subscribing to HOINA and following our animal health blog tips, you’re highly unlikely to get sick from touching, owning, visiting, or working with your farm animals.

To avoid contracting zoonotic diseases, only buy your meat from tested and reliable sources like Livestock247. Call 09079961680 or visit https://livestock247.com/meat247/ today.

Did you find this interesting? Then slide into our rabbit hole of more interesting articles about everything livestock here!

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