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🦠 Routes of Disease Transmission

🎯 Learning Objectives

  • Identify the main routes of disease transmission

  • Describe prevention and control measures

  • Apply knowledge to real-world scenarios in animal management

❓ What Is a Disease?

A disease is a condition that negatively affects an organism’s physical or mental functions. It may:

  • Disrupt normal structure or function

  • Cause specific symptoms or pain

  • Impact humans, animals, or plants

🧬 Disease Classification

🔹 Non-Communicable (Non-Infectious)

  • Not transferred between organisms

  • Causes: genetic, physiological, lifestyle, or environmental

  • Examples: heart disease, diabetes, cancer

🔹 Communicable (Infectious)

  • Transferred between organisms

  • Causes: viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa

  • Examples: influenza, measles, malaria

🧭 Other Classification Methods

Classification Type Description Examples

By Cause - Genetic, physiological, or deficiency. Sickle cell anaemia, metabolic disorders

By Duration - Acute (short-term), Chronic (long-term). Flu vs. diabetes

By Location - Local (specific area), Systemic (whole body). Skin infection vs. sepsis

🔄 Routes of Transmission

🤝 Direct Contact

  • Touching infected animals or surfaces

  • Examples: ringworm, rabies, canine distemper

🌬️ Airborne Transmission

  • Inhalation of droplets or aerosols

  • Influenced by droplet size and ventilation

  • Examples: kennel cough, feline URIs, rabbit RHD

🦟 Vector Transmission

  • Disease spread by living organisms (e.g., ticks, mosquitoes)

  • Biological vectors: the pathogen multiplies inside the vector

  • Mechanical vectors: pathogen carried externally

  • Examples: Lyme disease, leishmaniosis

🍽️ Contaminated Food & Water

  • Contact with infected waste or surfaces

  • Examples: Salmonella, Campylobacter, parasite ingestion

🛡️ Prevention & Control

✅ Biosecurity Measures

  • Vaccination

  • Hygiene protocols

  • Restricted access

  • Proper housing

  • Health monitoring

  • Isolation of sick animals

  • Cleaning & disinfection

  • Pest control

  • Waste management

  • Record-keeping

📍 Case Study: Bluetongue Virus (BTV-3)

  • 🐄 Confirmed in Greater Manchester (Aug 2025)

  • 🦌 Affects ruminants: sheep, cattle, goats, deer

  • 🦟 Spread by Culicoides midges

  • ⚠️ Symptoms: fever, swelling, lameness, reduced milk yield

  • 🧭 Control: movement restrictions, surveillance zones

🔗 Useful Links

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Quiz

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