Disease

What are Infectious Diseases and Why Should They Be Controlled?

Diseases may be caused by a variety of factors. Infectious diseases are those that are primarily attributable to the infection of an animal or person by a viral, bacterial, or fungal pathogen (a disease-causing agent). In some instances, infectious disease arises due to a combination of risk factors. For example, housed cattle are predisposed to respiratory infections and diseases due to poorly ventilated or overcrowded housing and/or stresses associated with weaning, transport, and mixing.

Infectious diseases have a negative impact on production and profitability. Some animals may become ill and die or require veterinary treatment (clinical disease), while many animals in the herd may be affected to a lesser extent without showing noticeable signs of illness (subclinical disease). These animals might experience reduced milk yield or weight loss, and this hidden aspect is often the most significant impact of disease on the profitability of farming enterprises.

More information on diseases of relevance to Irish dairy farmers can be found at the following links:

• Lameness
• Liver Fluke 
• Rumen Fluke 
• Summer mastitis
• Ill thrift and poor performance
• Information on the Animal Health Ireland Calf Care Programme