Parasite and Disease Control Practices
Vaccination
Introducing active disease organsms which are reduced in strength or virulent into the animals' body to induce immunity.
Administration of Vaccination done through:
By injection.
Orally through the mouth.
By inhalation through the nose. Eye drops.
Deworming
Practice of killing/removing internal parasites by administering drugs known as dewormers / antihelmitics.
Hoof Trimming
Cutting back overgrown hooves with the help of a hoof trimming knife, a hoof cutter or a hoof rasp.
Importance
Facilitate easy movement.
Control of foot rot disease.
Facilitate mating - prevent the ram from injuring the ewe during tupping.
Docking /tailing
This is the removal (cutting oft) of tails in sheep during the first week after birth.
Importance
Even distribution of body fat.
Facilitate easy mating in adult life.
Minimise fouling of the wool with faeces.
Reduce incidences of blowfly infestation.
Methods of Docking /tailing
Cutting with sharp knife or scalpel.
Use of elastrator and rubber ring.
Dipping and Spraying
These are methods of applying acaricides on the animals to control external parasites.
Dusting
It is the application of chemical powders on the animal body or on the walls of the animal house to control external parasites.
It is used to control stick-fast parasites and fleas in poultry.