Farm Pets

It is common to have pet animals in farms. These can vary from farm dogs to pet goats.  A farm environment can be a breeding ground for animal diseases and pests, and you would want to make sure that your farm pets are free from pests and bacteria that can cause harmful illnesses. In worse cases, your household can become contaminated through the diseases borne by your pets.

Pest Control

You can protect your farm pets’ health and well-being by using pet-friendly pest control. These will not cause any health concerns for the animals. You can also use organic pesticides to make it a safer environment for your farm pets.

Common Farm Pet Diseases

If your farm houses sheep, goats, and cattle, your farm pets can also be prone to the communicable diseases and pests that these barn animals may harbor. A common disease is facial eczema. This is caused by toxins in the spores of saprophytic fungus (Pithomyces chartum) that thrive in pastures. Humid and damp weather can exacerbate the growth of the fungus and damage the liver of many of your farm animals, including farm pets, if they get infected. Symptoms manifest as photosensitization reactions; contaminated animals are sensitive to sunlight and will look for shady areas to hide in.

Bear in mind that certain types of farm animals can carry various types of parasites. Cows and calves carry the bacterium Escherichia coli, more commonly called E.coli. This can cause kidney failure in children and bloody diarrhea. Pigs can carry the bacterium Yersinia enterocolitica, which causes the Yersiniosis disease. Also, chickens can carry Salmonella bacteria, which cause salmonellosis. Most of these bacteria can be found in animal feces.

Preventative Measures

You would need to take preventative measures and practice good hygiene in the farm. Vaccinations of farm animals are highly recommended. Have your farm periodically checked to make sure no pests and bacteria are growing in the surroundings. If any are found, suitable antibiotics will be prescribed. In the case of superbugs, which are a type of bacteria resistant to almost all antibiotics, don’t administer antibiotics without the approval of the vet because the wrong antibiotic can boost the bacteria’s strength and lead to more superbugs.

Also, dispose of waste matter properly, store hay and other feeds in dry areas, maintain proper hygiene, and clean the stalls regularly. Maintaining a clean farm may be a challenge but it will surely drastically lessen the chances of pests and harmful bacteria from harming your farm pets.

Photo: http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa86/divineappt/Pets%20and%20Farm%20Animals/ScannedImage-30.jpg

To view this article in spanish, click here: http://www.petsintouch.com/pnnespanol/12691/un-ambiente-saludable-para-las-mascotas-de-hacienda