Measures livestock farmers should take to avoid diseases

Dimapur, June 7 (EMN): With an objective to bring about awareness among the livestock farmers and the general public on the need to follow appropriate bio security protocols, Veterinary Hospital Kohima has shared some important information that farmers can use.

Bio security means any farm management practises which will prevent or limit the exposure of livestock animal to disease causing organisms such virus, bacteria, fungi and protozoa, informed an update from Veterinary Hospital Kohima. It said that neglecting basic management practises can result in various diseases in livestock farms.

Good management practises should always be an integral part of a livestock farm as it is least cost effective and help in minimising, to a great extend, various diseases condition/ mortality and enhance farmers profitability, read the statement from VHK.

Here are some management practices the hospital has suggested to keep diseases away:
1. Construct the animal shed away from residential house/main roads. The shed should be dust-free, concrete floor, properly ventilated and with sufficient sunlight.
2. Purchase of healthy disease-free stock and from reliable sources.
3. Daily proper cleaning and disinfection of the shed/water and feeders trough.
4. Restrict the entry of visitors, except those involved in day-to-day activities of the farm.
5. Use trap and bait outside the farm house to prevent rodents and other vermin to enter the shed.
6. Do not mix species in the same farm like chicken and duck/cattle and pig etc., because disease of one species may pass on to other species.
7. Never compromise on the quality of the feed. Water should be potable clean water.
8. Strictly adhere to various vaccination and medication.
9. Proper and safe disposal of dead animal and effective management of farm waste product.
10. Always follow a daily time schedule in cleaning and feeding to avoid stress in the animal.