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Time Business News
3 hours ago
- Health
- Time Business News
Most Common Cattle Diseases in [2025]: Diagnosis and Control
Cattle are the backbone of many farms, providing milk, meat, and income to millions of people. But just like humans, they can get sick. There are several common diseases in cattle that affect their health, reduce productivity, and sometimes lead to serious losses if not treated early. Cattle diseases can be caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, or poor living conditions. Some spread quickly from one animal to another, while others slowly affect a cow's body over time. Farmers often notice signs like fever, wounds, swelling, coughing, or changes in eating habits. Identifying these signs early is key to stopping the disease before it harms more animals. Understanding the most common cattle diseases and how to manage them is important for Animal's Farming. In this article, we will cover the major cow illnesses seen in 2025, how to spot them, and simple ways to control or prevent them on the farm. Mastitis is a common disease in dairy cows, mainly caused by bacteria that enter the udder through the teat. This often happens due to poor hygiene, injuries, or unclean milking tools. Bacteria such as Streptococcus and Staphylococcus are common, along with germs found in the cow's surroundings or digestive system. Once inside, these bacteria grow quickly and cause infection. Keeping the udder clean and following proper milking practices can help prevent mastitis. Symptoms of Mastitis in Cows The main symptoms of mastitis include swelling, redness, and pain in the udder. The affected area may feel hot to the touch, and the cow may flinch when it's touched. Milk from an infected udder often looks abnormal—it may be watery, light-colored, or contain clots or pus. The cow may also have a fever, eat less, or give much less milk. In serious cases, she can become very weak and dehydrated. Early detection through simple tests can help stop the disease before it causes major damage. Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is one of the most serious cattle viruses affecting farms today. It mainly spreads through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated items like feed, tools, and water troughs. The virus survives in the environment for a long time, making it hard to control once it appears. Even animals that seem healthy can carry the virus and infect others without showing signs. This disease is common in areas with poor hygiene and no proper quarantine system. Farms that do not clean equipment or keep new animals separated are at greater risk. Because of how easily it spreads, FMD is considered one of the most dangerous common diseases in cattle. Symptoms of Foot and Mouth Disease in Cattle FMD causes a range of symptoms that are easy to notice. Early signs include fever, drooling, limping, and a sudden drop in milk. Cattle may also stop eating and show signs of pain in their mouth and feet. Redness inside the mouth and small blisters are common. These blisters often appear on the tongue, lips, gums, teats, and between the toes. When the blisters break, the cow feels more pain and may have trouble walking or feeding. As the disease spreads in the herd, more animals get cattle sick, and losses can increase quickly. In severe cases, cows lose weight fast and take weeks to recover. Even after healing, some animals never return to full production. That's why early cattle treatment and strong hygiene practices are key to stopping this disease. Causes of Lumpy Skin Disease in Cattle Lumpy Skin Disease is caused by a virus called the Lumpy Skin Disease Virus (LSDV). It mainly affects cattle and spreads through insect bites or contact with infected animals or equipment. Once inside the body, the virus causes swelling and painful lumps on the skin. It can also reach the lungs, digestive system, and reproductive organs. This makes it one of the more serious diseases in cattle. The virus is strong and can survive for weeks in dried scabs or on dirty tools, making it hard to remove from the farm. It also weakens the animal's immune system, which makes the condition worse. Poor nutrition or stress increases the risk, especially in weak animals. This virus is the main reason behind this infection in cattle, and it can cause lasting damage to skin, milk production, and overall health. Symptoms of Lumpy Skin Disease in Cattle The first signs of LSD include high fever, loss of energy, and refusal to eat. Soon after, cattle develop firm, round skin lumps on the face, neck, legs, udder, and private parts. In some cases, these lumps break open and form wounds that can get infected. Other signs of this sickness in cows include watery eyes, nose discharge, drooling, and swelling in the legs or udder. LSD can also cause pain, lameness, and a sharp drop in milk. Bulls may develop swollen testicles, and pregnant cows may lose their calves. While most animals survive, the disease often leaves them with scars and reduces fertility. Because of these severe cattle health problems, early detection and care are important to limit damage and prevent the spread of the virus. Milk fever is one of the common cattle diseases that mostly affects cows around the time of calving. As a cow gets close to giving birth, her need for calcium rises quickly. This is because she needs extra calcium to support the growing calf and to produce colostrum, the first milk. To meet this demand, the cow first uses calcium from her blood. When that runs low, she must get it from her diet or bones. However, most cows can't get enough in time, which leads to milk fever. Older cows are more likely to develop this condition than younger ones. This makes milk fever a serious cattle health issue during the calving period. Symptoms of Milk Fever in Cattle Milk fever appears in two forms: clinical and subclinical. In clinical milk fever, the cow shows clear signs of illness. She may be unable to stand, appear weak, and feel cold to the touch. This is a direct result of severe calcium loss and needs urgent care. In subclinical milk fever, the signs are harder to notice. The cow can still walk and eat, but her body works less efficiently. She becomes more prone to common cow illnesses like mastitis, retained placenta, and uterine infections. These hidden problems can lower milk production and harm overall cow health. If not managed early, they can lead to higher costs and longer recovery times. Hypomagnesemic tetany is a cattle disease caused by a lack of magnesium in the cow's body. This happens when the cow's diet doesn't supply enough magnesium to meet the needs for daily health and milk production. The problem often occurs when cows graze on short or lush green grass that contains very low levels of magnesium. Poor weather, stress during transport, or limited food intake can also reduce magnesium absorption. This condition is more likely to occur in areas where the soil has high potassium or is heavily fertilized with nitrogen. These minerals block the absorption of magnesium in the cow's stomach. When this happens, cows—especially those producing a lot of milk—can quickly become sick cattle without warning. Symptoms of Hypomagnesemic Tetany in Cattle The symptoms of this cow health issue can be very sudden and severe. Affected cows may appear normal at first, then suddenly raise their heads, bellow, and run wildly before collapsing. They may have seizures, with jaw clenching, foaming at the mouth, and fast eye movements. In many cases, the cow dies quickly, and farmers find the animal already dead in the field, showing signs of struggling on the ground. In milder cases, the cow shows early signs like muscle twitching, stiff walking, or being jumpy and overly sensitive to touch or sound. If not treated, these signs may worsen, and the cow could eventually have seizures. A fast heartbeat and loud heart sounds are also common. This is one of the more dangerous diseases for cows because it can be hard to detect early, especially in infected cattle without visible illness. Liver fluke disease, also called fascioliasis, is caused by a parasite known as Fasciola hepatica . It is one of the common cow diseases found in many parts of the world. The disease spreads when cattle eat grass or hay contaminated with fluke larvae, usually found on wet, low-lying pastures. These larvae develop inside snails and then attach to plants, waiting to be eaten by grazing animals. Once swallowed, the young flukes travel from the cow's gut to the liver, where they tunnel through tissue for several weeks. They then settle in the bile ducts and begin laying eggs, which are passed out in the cow's dung and continue the cycle. This long life cycle and the ability of the parasite to survive in wet environments make fascioliasis one of the harder cattle diseases to control, especially on poorly drained farms. Symptoms of Liver Fluke Disease in Cattle Fascioliasis affects cattle in different ways depending on how many parasites they have and how quickly they become infected. In most cases, cattle show mild or no clear signs of illness, making it a common cattle illness that often goes unnoticed. However, over time, infected animals may lose weight, produce less milk, and appear weak or pale due to anemia. In more serious cases, symptoms can include a swollen belly, diarrhea, and signs of liver damage. Some cattle may also develop jaw swelling (bottle jaw) and reduced appetite. While death is rare in cows, long-term liver damage can reduce immunity and make cattle more prone to other infections. When paired with cattle viruses or bacterial diseases, liver fluke can lead to major health and production losses. Trypanosomiasis is a cattle disease caused by parasites called trypanosomes. These parasites are usually spread by the bite of infected tsetse flies. The severity of the disease depends on the cattle's age, species, and overall health, as well as the type of trypanosome involved. The first signs may appear within 1 to 4 weeks after infection. Cattle with trypanosomiasis often suffer from long-term illness, showing signs such as fever, anemia, weight loss, and weakness. The disease can lead to death, especially if the animals have poor nutrition or face stress. Even when common cattle illnesses are treated, stress can cause a relapse of trypanosomiasis. In severe cases, internal bleeding and swelling of the lymph nodes or spleen may occur. Chronic infections can weaken the animal further, increasing the risk of death if not managed properly. Diagnosis of Trypanosomiasis in Cattle A sick cattle showing anemia, weight loss, and poor condition in a known risk area may be suspected of having trypanosomiasis. To confirm the disease, a blood test is done to look for the parasites. One common method is examining a small drop of blood under a microscope, especially from the buffy coat layer after spinning the blood in a tube. This helps spot the moving parasites quickly. Other diseases that cause similar signs—like babesiosis, anaplasmosis, or theileriosis—must be ruled out. Blood smears, antibody tests, and advanced lab methods like PCR can help confirm the diagnosis, especially during herd screening. However, many of these lab techniques are not yet widely used in field settings. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
The Star
02-07-2025
- Health
- The Star
Wrong treatment of sore throats is fuelling antimicrobial resistance
In Malaysia, as in many other countries worldwide, there is a growing concern over a silent, yet widespread epidemic caused by the excessive and often inappropriate use of antibiotics. This issue is particularly evident in the treatment of sore throats, which are usually the result of viral infections and do not require antibiotics. Despite this, overprescription remains alarmingly high, especially in primary care settings. Over the past decade, Malaysia has witnessed persistent and concerning patterns in the misuse of antibiotics for sore throats. A 2022 study in public primary care clinics found that only 2.8% of sore throat cases were caused by group A Streptococcus – the only common bacterial cause warranting antibiotics. Yet, antibiotics were prescribed to 22.3% of patients, with over 90% of those prescriptions being unnecessary. In private clinics, the situation is even more pronounced: only 42.9% of prescriptions for sore throats were appropriate, while 58.5% were excessive. On the rise again The Health Ministry has consistently raised alarms about the escalating issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), yet the trend of overprescribing antibiotics remains prevalent due to several key factors: Patient misconceptions A 2021 study in the journal Patient Preference and Adherence showed that 79.1% of Malaysians mistakenly believe antibiotics can cure viral infections, and 77% mistakenly believe they can cure coughs and colds. Doctor practices Many physicians in both public and private primary care settings are often influenced by patient expectations and diagnostic uncertainty, leading to the prescription of antibiotics even when they are not clinically indicated. Although antibiotic use temporarily declined during the Covid-19 pandemic due to heightened public health awareness, usage rates have since rebounded, particularly in the private sector. In 2021, antibiotic utilisation in private primary care was nearly ten times higher than in public clinics. The misuse of antibiotics contributes directly to the rise of antibiotic-resistant superbugs, which pose a significant threat to public health. A 2021 study from a Malaysian tertiary hospital, published in the journal Pathogens , identified high rates of beta-lactam resistance among common respiratory pathogens such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae . These pathogens, once easily treatable, now present serious challenges to effective treatment due to resistance. Community-acquired infections with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are also becoming more common. ALSO READ: New antibiotics desperately needed as germs become more resistant A clinical consensus Group A Streptococcus bacteria (orange), seen here in a colourised scanning electron microscope image, are the only common cause of sore throats that warrant the use of antibiotics. — NIAID The World Health Organization's Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS) has categorised Malaysia as a high-alert nation due to the increasing threat of AMR. In comparison to other Asian countries, Malaysia is among the leading nations in terms of antibiotic overuse. To address this, the 2024 Malaysian Sore Throat Consensus – formulated and finalised in 2023 – is set to be officially launched on July 22 (2025). Developed through collaboration by a multidisciplinary panel of Malaysian experts, the consensus reflects updated evidence and local context, offering a unified, evidence-based approach to managing sore throats. Contributors included representatives from primary care, otorhinolaryngology (ear, nose and throat, or ENT), paediatrics, microbiology and infectious diseases, respiratory medicine, pharmacy, and general practice, spanning both public and private sectors. The consensus outlines several key clinical criteria and tools to guide appropriate diagnosis and management, including: Antibiotics should not be the first-line treatment unless group A Streptococcus infection is confirmed. Overprescription drives AMR. > Use of the McIsaac Score (Modified Centor Score) This is a validated scoring system assessing bacterial likelihood based on symptoms such as fever, lymph node swelling and absence of cough. A score of two or less suggests viral infection, while a score of three or less increases the likelihood of group A Streptococcus infection. Rapid antigen detection tests for group A Streptococcus improve diagnostic certainty and reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like flurbiprofen lozenges or sprays, are recommended for pain relief, addressing patient needs without resorting to antibiotics. > Multidisciplinary approach Developed by a panel with broad clinical representation, the consensus ensures relevance and applicability across Malaysia's diverse healthcare settings. A stubborn problem Despite ongoing awareness efforts, misconceptions and behavioural gaps remain entrenched. Many patients continue to pressure clinicians into prescribing antibiotics and incomplete courses of antibiotics are still common. National surveys confirm that public understanding remains low, highlighting the urgent need for continuous education campaigns and for healthcare professionals to serve as active educators. AMR also brings severe economic and environmental consequences. By 2050, the World Bank estimates that AMR could shrink the global economy by up to 3.8% and push 28 million people into poverty. Treating resistant infections is up to three times more expensive than treating non-resistant ones. Overprescribed antibiotics frequently end up in wastewater, contaminating soil and rivers, and accelerating the spread of resistance in the environment. ALSO READ: Study: Superbugs expected to kill 39 million by 2050 Malaysia has already made significant strides, such as implementing stewardship programmes and launching public campaigns, but urgent, bolder steps are needed. One practical and meaningful move within the next one to three years would be to strengthen antibiotic stewardship policies in primary care, particularly for upper respiratory tract infections. This could include making clinical scoring tools or rapid antigen tests mandatory before antibiotics are prescribed and encouraging voluntary benchmarking of prescribing rates in clinics. This approach promotes accountability without public shaming, while supporting clinicians in prescribing more wisely. Looking ahead, the launch of the Malaysian Sore Throat Consensus represents a timely and critical step forward. Grounded in local data and international best practices, this national initiative, supported by British multinational health and hygiene consumer goods company Reckitt, aims to empower frontline providers with the tools, clarity and confidence to combat antibiotic misuse effectively. With firm, but supportive policies, cross-sector collaboration and consistent public education, Malaysia has the potential not only to safeguard public health domestically, but to also lead Asean in combating AMR on a regional scale. Professor Dr Baharudin Abdullah is a senior consultant otorhinolaryngologist and head and neck surgeon at Universiti Sains Malaysia. For more information, email starhealth@ The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only, and should not be considered as medical advice. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this article. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.
The Citizen
19-06-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Seven common winter illnesses and how to avoid them
Seven common winter illnesses and how to avoid them Winter has arrived, bringing with it the dreaded sniffles, coughs, and other seasonal ailments that make the colder months so challenging. Even with layers of warm clothing, many of us still fall victim to the so-called 'winter monsters' that thrive during this time of year. The Newcastle Advertiser explores seven of the most common winter illnesses, their causes, symptoms, and how best to prevent them: The common cold: Cause: Airborne viruses like rhinovirus. Symptoms: Runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, coughing, mild fever. How to prevent it: Wash hands often with soap and water. Avoid close contact with sick individuals. Don't touch your face with unwashed hands. Boost immunity with healthy food, hydration, and sleep. Influenza (Flu): Cause: Influenza virus (spreads through air droplets). Symptoms: Fever, chills, body aches, fatigue, cough, sore throat. How to prevent it: Get the annual flu vaccine. Practise good hygiene. Disinfect frequently touched surfaces. Stay home when sick. Bronchitis: Cause: Viral or bacterial infections. Symptoms: Persistent cough, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, mucus. How to prevent it: Avoid smoking and second-hand smoke Keep your immune system strong. Use a humidifier in dry indoor air. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV): Common in: Infants and older adults. Symptoms: Cold-like symptoms, wheezing, trouble breathing. How to prevent it: Clean toys and surfaces often. Limit contact with sick people, especially for babies. Hand hygiene is key. Pneumonia: Cause: Bacterial, viral, or fungal infection. Symptoms: Cough with phlegm, fever, chills, chest pain, and fatigue. How to prevent it: Get vaccinated (pneumococcal and flu vaccines). Avoid smoking. Treat respiratory infections early. Strep throat: Cause: Group A Streptococcus bacteria. Symptoms: Sore throat, fever, swollen glands, white patches in the throat. How to prevent it: Don't share utensils or drinks. Wash hands regularly. Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing. Stomach Flu: Cause: Contaminated food or surfaces. Symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach cramps. How to prevent it: Wash hands before eating and after using the toilet. Disinfect surfaces, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. Avoid food from questionable sources. Here are some general winter health tips to keep your immune system boosted: Eat immune-boosting foods (e.g., citrus fruits, garlic, ginger). Stay hydrated – don't skip water even if it's cold. Keep warm and dress in layers. Exercise regularly, even indoors. Get enough sleep and manage stress. The news provided to you in this link has been investigated and compiled by the editorial staff of the Newcastle Advertiser, a sold newspaper distributed in the Newcastle area. Please follow us on Youtube and feel free to like, comment, and subscribe. For more local news, visit our webpage, follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and request an add on our WhatsApp (082 874 5550).
Daily Record
26-05-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Adding cinnamon to your vacuum has two big benefits, say experts
It might seem like a strange thing to use for cleaning the floors but it has two benefits June has finally arrived, and with the warmer weather, many people will be thinking about tackling their big spring clean. There's something very satisfying about getting the house spotless for the summer months, and now cleaning experts have come up with a rather unusual tip to help eliminate musty smells and lingering odours. Apparently, adding cinnamon to your vacuum cleaner can help make your home smell fresh without costing a fortune or damaging the appliance. Years of use often take their toll on vacuum cleaners and they can start to smell stale. Dust, dirt, mud, pet hair, and general grime don't exactly make for a fresh smell, and using the vacuum for just half an hour can leave the house smelling a bit stale. According to Lottomart, sprinkling cinnamon directly into the vacuum cleaner has two benefits. Firstly it spreads a sweet, fresh smell throughout the house every time you vacuum. And secondly, it has antibacterial properties, which means it can kill off nasty germs lurking in the carpet, reports the Express. They said: "Over time, dust, pet hair, and trapped dirt can create a breeding ground for bacteria and unpleasant odours inside your vac. "But before you splash out on pricey fresheners or replace parts, there's a simple, natural, and shockingly cheap solution hiding right in your spice cupboard: cinnamon!". "Cinnamon isn't just for cooking - it's a powerful, natural deodoriser with antibacterial properties. If you don't already have some ground cinnamon at home, a 36g tub from Tesco or Asda costs just £1." To make your vacuum emit a delightful scent, begin by moistening a small napkin or cotton pad with warm water. Then, sprinkle about 10g, which is roughly two teaspoons, of ground cinnamon onto the dampened napkin or cotton pad, rubbing it in gently to ensure it's spread out evenly. After preparing the napkin, simply pop it into the vacuum cleaner's bag or dustbin. For those with a bagless vacuum, place it in the waste/dustbin compartment where it won't interfere with the suction. As you vacuum as usual, the cinnamon-laden napkin will move through the appliance, emitting a cosy, bakery-like aroma and counteracting any nasty smells. A Lottomart spokesperson commented: "Unlike chemical air fresheners or commercial cleaners, cinnamon neutralises bad smells at the source while leaving behind a warm, subtle fragrance. "It's a far more pleasant, long-lasting scent compared to synthetic alternatives." Science journals have noted something special about cinnamon's antibacterial or antimicrobial properties. IOP Science has reported: "Cinnamon bark has been commonly used as spicy and traditional medicine. It contains several antibacterial compounds such as flavonoids, saponins, and cinnamaldehyde. Several studies have been done to know the antibacterial effect on bacteria such as Streptococcus in vitro."
Irish Daily Mirror
24-05-2025
- General
- Irish Daily Mirror
'Shockingly cheap' way to make your home smell amazing is hiding in the cupboard
With June nearly upon us and the warmer weather finally here, many will be turning their thoughts to the big spring clean. There's nothing quite like getting the house sparkling clean for the summer ahead, and now cleaning experts have issued an unusual tip to help get rid of musty odours and lingering smells. Simply adding cinnamon to your vacuum cleaner could help make your home smell fresh without breaking the bank (or your appliance). After years of use, many hoovers will start to smell rather worn. Dust, dirt, mud, pet hairs and general grime are not a recipe for freshness, and sometimes just running the vacuum for half an hour can leave your house smelling a bit off. According to Lottomart, a sprinkling of cinnamon directly inside your vacuum has two benefits: it spreads a sweet, fresh smell throughout the house every time you vac. And, it also has antibacterial properties, meaning nasty germs dwelling in your carpet will be killed off, too, reports the Express. They said: "Over time, dust, pet hair, and trapped dirt can create a breeding ground for bacteria and unpleasant odours inside your vac. "But before you splash out on pricey fresheners or replace parts, there's a simple, natural, and shockingly cheap solution hiding right in your spice cupboard: cinnamon!". "Cinnamon isn't just for cooking - it's a powerful, natural deodoriser with antibacterial properties. If you don't already have some ground cinnamon at home, a 36g tub from Tesco costs just €1." To make your vacuum emit a delightful scent, start by moistening a small napkin or cotton pad with warm water. Then, sprinkle about 10g, which is roughly two teaspoons, of ground cinnamon onto the damp napkin or cotton pad and rub it in gently to ensure it's spread out evenly. Once you've prepared the napkin, just pop it into the vacuum cleaner's bag or dustbin. If you have a bagless vacuum, place it in the waste/dustbin compartment where it won't interfere with the suction. As you vacuum as usual, the cinnamon-laden napkin will move through the machine, wafting a cosy, bakery-like aroma and getting rid of any nasty niffs. A Lottomart spokesperson said: "Unlike chemical air fresheners or commercial cleaners, cinnamon neutralises bad smells at the source while leaving behind a warm, subtle fragrance. It's a far more pleasant, long-lasting scent compared to synthetic alternatives." Science journals suggest there's something special about cinnamon's antibacterial or antimicrobial properties. IOPScience notes: "Cinnamon bark has been commonly used as spicy and traditional medicine. It contains several antibacterial compounds such as flavonoids, saponins, and cinnamaldehyde. Several studies have been done to know the antibacterial effect on bacteria such as Streptococcus in vitro."
