Deadly Heartwater Disease

The disease is common across the country due to presence of Amblyomma tick also known as South African bont tick.

The rickettsia that causes heartwater disease cannot survive outside a living host for more than an hour at room temperature, that's why it is transmitted through ticks.

This brings us to why tick control is very important.

Heartwater is a very deadly disease, but it can be prevented and it can also be cured at early stages.

Symptoms of heartwater disease

1. Fever followed by

2. In appetence

3. Diarrhoea mostly in cattle

4. Dyspnoea

5. Then tremor of superficial muscles

6. Final stage; lateral recumbency, pedalling, chewing movements and finally Death.

Prevention

Tick control:

Animals moved into endemic areas may be protected by prophylactic treatment with tetracycline.

NB: Antibiotic treatment is not always successful in later stages.

Advice: Buy a thermometer, always check your animals’ temperatures when you suspect they are ill.

Normal rectal temperature:

1. Goats: 38.5 - 39.7^oC

2. Sheep: 38.5 - 39.9^oC

3. Cattle: 36.7^oC

Postmortem:

Hydro pericardium

Call Livestock Extension Officers to help you diagnose your livestock and administer medicines.