ASSESSMENT OF SKIN DISEASES IN CATTLE AT UPAZILA VETERINARY HOSPITAL, KISHOREGANJ, NILPHAMARI

Abstract

Skin, the largest body part maintains homeostasis, regulates temperature and performs protection against toxins, radiation and harmful pollutants. Skin diseases of animals are common because of tropical environment (temperature, humidity, rainfall etc) and abundance of vectors. These have potential economic impact such as damage hide, ragged skin, production losses, infertility, abortion and spreading diseases. Therefore, a study was conducted to estimate proportionate prevalence and probable predisposing factors of skin diseases caused by ecto-parasites in cattle at Upazila Veterinary Hospital (UVH), Kishoreganj, Nilphamari during February-March 2018. By questioning and cross-questioning of farmers or attendants along with various clinical examinations cases were diagnosed and pre-disposing factors were noted. During the study period a total of 356 cases were presented to the UVH of which 183 (51.4%) cases were indigenous cattle with diverse skin diseases where alopecia (76.5%), tick infestation (19.1%) and hump sore (4.4%) were common. Adult cattle (more than 4 years) and animal with poor body condition score (less than 3) were mostly affected. Susceptible sites for those diseases were observed at neck, ear, shoulder, brisket, hump, back and buttock region. Specifically ecto-parasitic infested cattle were treated with ivermactin while nonspecifically infected animals were treated with antibiotic and antihistaminic preparation.