Healthy Animals & Productivity

Maintaining good health supports normal growth, reproduction, production, welfare, and resistance to disease. Preventive management is generally more effective than waiting until illness becomes widespread.

Health management should combine nutrition, housing, hygiene, vaccination, parasite control, biosecurity, environmental conditions, and regular observation.

Common Problems & Early Detection

Common health problems include bacterial and viral infections, parasitic diseases, nutritional disorders, respiratory problems, digestive diseases, reproductive disorders, injuries, and diseases associated with poor housing.

Farmers should regularly observe animals for changes in appetite, water consumption, body condition, temperature, breathing, movement, faeces, skin or coat condition, milk production, egg production, and behaviour.

• Reduced appetite or water intake
• Changes in body condition
• Abnormal breathing or movement
• Changes in faeces
• Reduced milk or egg production
• Unusual behaviour

Disease Prevention & Biosecurity

Disease prevention should focus on reducing exposure and strengthening overall farm management. Clean housing, safe water, appropriate nutrition, vaccination according to veterinary recommendations, parasite management, and adequate ventilation are important components.

Newly purchased or returning animals should be managed according to appropriate quarantine and disease-control procedures before being introduced to the main herd or flock.

Veterinary Care & Responsible Treatment

Farmers should avoid relying on self-medication or using antibiotics without professional guidance. Incorrect treatment may fail to control disease and can contribute to antimicrobial resistance.

Sick animals should be identified and managed promptly. Veterinary assistance should be sought when symptoms are severe, persistent, or spreading through the herd or flock.

• Identify sick animals early
• Separate or manage affected animals appropriately
• Follow professional treatment guidance
• Use antibiotics responsibly
• Monitor recovery and response to treatment