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On July the 6th every year, we observe World Zoonosis Day. Zoonoses are diseases which can be transferred from animals to humans.

The most well-known zoonoses are rabies and the recent (so-called) pandemics of swine and avian flu. But there are plenty of lesser-known diseases just waiting to mutate and jump the animal-human division to attack your flesh. This World Zoonosis Day, it would be appropriate for all of us to be aware of these potential threats. Here's a selection of five, and the best methods of treatment:

1. Egg binding. If you find yourself unable to lay an egg with your usual level of comfort, a good dose of castor oil should restore your usual laying cycle.

2. Moulting. If you are suffering a greater than usual rate of feather loss, leading to bald patches, this may be an indicator of stress or malnutrition. Ensure you are eating a regular dose of high-quality feed pellets, and consider nibbling on a cuttlefish bone now and then to increase your calcium levels.

3. Aggregata octopiana may cause a parasitic infiltration of your tentacles or gills, leading to necrosis. If you suspect you are suffering from aggregata octopiana, consult a vet immediately.

4. Laminitis. If your hooves are painful, feel hot, or there is a gap appearing between your hoof and the soft tissue above it, you will need to start a course of anti-inflammatories and an antibiotic like virginiamycin.

5. If your tail appears wet and you are emitting an unpleasant odour, you may have contracted Wet Tail Disease. Start a course of antibiotics immediately, and ensure your bedding is changed regularly for clean, dry wood chips or shredded paper.

That's your Day for today.

Labels: aggregata octopiana, egg binding, Health, Infectious disease, laminitis, moulting, Pandemic, Rabies, Viral, wet tail disease, world zoonosis day, zoonoses