Disease Surveillance Report 2006

ANIMAL DISEASE SURVEILLANCE SCHEME (KERALA STATE)

Animal Disease Surveillance Scheme of Govt. of Kerala is aimed at the comprehensive assessment of health and disease status of animals within the State as a whole. Some of the salient findings of the study as per the latest Annual Report (2006) are:

• Out of the total cases reported, nearly 93% are contributed by three species viz., cattle, poultry and goats.
• Out of the total cases treated in all species, 48% is for the disease conditions in cattle. The canine cases are showing an increasing trend.
•       Since the total number of cases in both bovines and canines are showing an increasing trend, at least one Veterinary institution in each district (District Veterinary Centre) may be modernized with ambulatory facilities providing round the clock veterinary assistance. Similarly, every block in a district may be provided with at least one institution which functions on a 12 hr basis, to provide veterinary assistance.
•          Digestive system contributes to 34% of the total cases treated. The major cause of digestive system disorders in Kerala is the unhealthy feeding practices followed by a majority of the farmers. A major percentage of the cattle are maintained on a high concentrate / high grain ration without adequate fodder. Many of the farmers also prefer to feed the animals compounded cattle feed along with grains and oil cakes which not only increases the cost of production of milk but also leads to overload of the digestive system and subsequent disorders. Similarly, many of the farmers feed seasonal crops to the cattle in large amounts without giving the cattle to adjust to the new feed stuff. All these predispose the animals to severe digestive system malfunctions. Therefore, effective extension activities to enlighten the farmers about following good managemental practices including feeding of balanced ration to animals will greatly reduce the incidences of digestive system disorders.
•          Respiratory system contributes to 14% of the total cases treated. The major cause of respiratory system disorders in Kerala is the unhealthy feeding practices followed by inadequate protection against inclement weather coupled with poor sanitation. The high relative humidity of the State also contributes to it. Providing adequate space for the animals in clean well ventilated pens/ sheds with efficient removal of manure will to a large extent, prevent these diseases.
•          Reproductive disorders contribute to 6% of the total cases treated. Infertility is the major cause of economic loss in production animals. Reproductive disorders in Kerala can be associated with under feeding and use of poor quality ingredients for the feed. Feed based imbalance or deficiency of minerals essential for the growth of the reproductive organs is the main causative factor. The increased nutritional demands of crossbred animals compared to indigenous animals are usually overlooked by many farmers in their quest to get maximum economic gain while rearing the animal. The buffalo population in the State is showing an alarming declining trend. At these diminishing rates, buffaloes of Kerala will be endangered unless timely steps are taken to check the slide in population.
•          A Veterinary Public Health programme may be implemented to ensure availability of wholesome milk and meat to the public. In this context, it is also pertinent to modernize slaughter houses and strictly prevent unauthorized and illegal slaughter.  Routine vaccination against Hemorrhagic septicemia, Anthrax, Black Quarter, and Swine Fever should be given due importance to make Kerala a disease controlled zone.
•   Schemes may be sanctioned to study the periodic prevalence of diseases like Brucellosis and Avian influenza.

         The Economic impact of livestock diseases in Kerala -2006(Crores of Rupees)   

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