Leptospirosis Description Leptospirosis is caused by spiral shaped germs (bacteria) called Leptospira that damage the liver, kidneys and other organs of animals and humans Leptospirosis as a disease occurs worldwide; with outbreaks mainly occurring after floods Leptospira, are excreted through urine of infected animals into the environment where it survives for weeks and months. Leptospirosis […]
Author Archives: sukahumbu
Foot and Mouth Disease
About F&M Foot & Mouth disease is highly contagious and transmitted via inhalation or ingestion of virus from contaminated feeds, animals, meat, milk, semen and ticks. It can also be contacted by contamination from cars and people from infected areas. Symptoms This disease causes severe lameness, blisters between toes, on teats and on tongue, high […]
Echinococcosis
Echinococcosis Description Echinococcosis (hydatid disease) is a parasitic disease that affects animals and humans caused by several species of tiny tapeworms called Echinococcus The tapeworms causing Echinococcosis are found worldwide. Echinococcosis Animal Symptoms Echinococcosis can affect dogs, cats, sheep, cattle, pigs, and horses Dogs and cats are termed definitive hosts because they are NECESSARY for […]
Cysticercosis
Cysticercosis Description Cysticercosis is a parasitic infection caused by pork tapeworm cysts in different human body parts e.g. muscles, skin, eyes, brain Taeniasis is infection with an adult pork tapeworm in the human intestine; this can result in abdominal pain and weight loss Cysticercosis is found worldwide. Infection is highest in many parts of the […]
Avian Influenza
Avian Influenza Description Avian influenza commonly known as avian flu/bird flu affects birds throughout the world with signs ranging from mild (no deaths) to severe (90-100% birds die) Most human cases result from close contact with sick birds with outbreaks recorded in many countries, such as U.S., parts of Asia, Europe and Africa The severe form […]
Anthrax
Credit: International Livestock Research Institution, ILRI Anthrax Description Anthrax is also called carbúnco or splenic fever. It used to be a global disease, but many countries have succeeded in eradicating it. It is prevalent in East Asia, West and Central Africa, Madagascar and Central America. Anthrax Animal Symptoms The peracute form of Anthrax progresses rapidly! […]
Brucellosis
Credit: International Livestock Research Institution, ILRI Many livestock diseases can also affect farmers, Brucellosis is one of them. Diseases that can spread from livestock to humans are called zoonotic diseases Brucellosis is a contagious disease caused by a bacteria called Brucella. It is also called undulant fever because of its remittent character. It affects man, […]
28th Jan 2020
Credit:FAO Desert Locust watch Locusts will increase further as a new generation of breeding starts in the Horn of Africa The current Desert Locust situation remains extremely alarming and represents an unprecedented threat to food security and livelihoods in the Horn of Africa. This will be further exacerbated by new breeding that has commenced, which […]
20th January 2020
Desert Locust situation update Credits:FAO Locust Watch Large and numerous swarms continue to threaten the Horn of Africa The current Desert Locust situation is extremely alarming and represents an unprecedented threat to food security and livelihoods in the Horn of Africa. In addition, important locust situations continue to develop along both sides of the Red […]
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about locusts
Credits: FAO, Locust Watch Photo Credit : FAO What is the difference between locusts and grasshoppers? Locusts are part of a large group of insects commonly called grasshoppers which have big hind legs for jumping. Locusts belong to the family called Acrididae. Locusts differ from grasshoppers in that they have the ability to change their […]