Deadliest Diseases That You Should Know About

Published by

Hena Osman

on

September 12, 2024

Deadly illnesses in domestic animals can arise from various causes, including viral, bacterial, parasitic, and fungal infections. Due to the drastic change in the weather through equator, there has been a rise in the infections and viruses since then, we are sharing with you the deadliest and how you can take care of your pets. Here are some of the most common and dangerous diseases that can affect domestic pets like dogs, cats, and livestock:

1. Rabies

Species Affected: All mammals (common in dogs, cats, livestock)
Cause: Virus (Lyssavirus)
Transmission: Through the bite of an infected animal (typically wildlife like bats or raccoons)
Symptoms: Neurological issues like aggression, paralysis, excessive salivation, disorientation
Outcome: Almost always fatal once symptoms
Prevention: Vaccination is highly effective

2. Canine Parvovirus (Parvo)

Species Affected: Dogs (especially puppies)
Cause: Parvovirus
Transmission: Contact with infected feces or contaminated environments
Symptoms: Severe vomiting, diarrhea (often bloody), lethargy, loss of appetite
Outcome: Can be fatal without rapid treatment
Prevention: Vaccination is key

3. Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)

Species Affected: Cats
Cause: Retrovirus
Transmission: Through saliva, blood, or from mother to kitten
Symptoms: Weak immune system, anemia, weight loss, cancers
Outcome: Progressive and often fatal due to secondary infections or cancer
Prevention: Vaccination and keeping cats indoors to limit exposure

4. Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)

Species Affected: Cats
Cause: Mutated form of the feline coronavirus
Transmission: Through feces, saliva, or other bodily fluids
Symptoms: Fever, weight loss, abdominal swelling (wet form), neurological signs (dry form)
Outcome: Fatal in most cases
Prevention: No effective vaccine; hygiene and limiting exposure to infected cats are key

5. Canine Distemper

Species Affected: Dogs (also affects wildlife like raccoons)
Cause: Canine distemper virus (CDV)
Transmission: Through airborne droplets, direct contact, or shared items
Symptoms: Respiratory, gastrointestinal, and neurological symptoms such as fever, cough, vomiting, and seizures
Outcome: Often fatal, especially in puppies
Prevention: Vaccination

6. Heartworm Disease

Species Affected: Dogs (and less commonly, cats)
Cause: Parasitic worms (Dirofilaria immitis)
Transmission: Mosquito bites
Symptoms: Coughing, fatigue, weight loss, heart failure in severe cases
Outcome: Can be fatal if untreated
Prevention: Preventative medication (monthly pills or injections)

7. Bovine Tuberculosis (TB)

Species Affected: Cattle, other livestock, and humans (zoonotic)
Cause: Bacterium (Mycobacterium bovis)
Transmission: Airborne or through contaminated food/water
Symptoms: Chronic coughing, weight loss, reduced milk production
Outcome: Often fatal, difficult to control
Prevention: Testing and culling infected animals, pasteurization of milk

8. Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD)

Species Affected: Livestock (cattle, pigs, sheep)
Cause: Virus
Transmission: Direct contact, aerosols, or contaminated feed
Symptoms: Fever, blisters on mouth and feet, lameness
Outcome: High mortality in young animals, severe economic loss
Prevention: Vaccination in endemic areas, strict biosecurity measures

9. African Swine Fever (ASF)

Species Affected: Pigs (domestic and wild)
Cause: Virus (Asfivirus)
Transmission: Direct contact, contaminated food, or vectors like ticks
Symptoms: High fever, loss of appetite, hemorrhages, sudden death
Outcome: Highly fatal; up to 100% mortality in affected populations
Prevention: No vaccine; strict biosecurity and containment protocols

10. Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA)

Species Affected: Horses
Cause: Virus (EIA virus, a retrovirus)
Transmission: Blood (via biting flies or contaminated needles)
Symptoms: Fever, weight loss, anemia, swelling
Outcome: Often fatal or leads to permanent infection
Prevention: No vaccine; testing and quarantining infected horses

Prevention Strategies:

Vaccination: Many diseases can be prevented through routine vaccinations.
Hygiene and Sanitation: Regular cleaning of living spaces, food, and water containers.
Parasite Control: Use of preventatives against fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and internal parasites.
Quarantine: Isolate sick animals to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
Regular Veterinary Care: Regular check-ups help catch potential issues early.

Keeping domestic animals healthy involves a combination of vaccination, good hygiene, and regular veterinary care.