A STUDY ON SKIN DISEASES OF DOMESTICATED RUMINANTS (CATTLE & GOAT) AT VETERINARY HOSPITAL, ISHWARGANJ, MYMENSINGH

Abstract

The skin, sometimes known as the Integumentary System is, in fact, the largest organ of the body. It has a complex structure, being composed of many different tissues. It performs many functions that are important in maintaining homeostasis in the body. Probably the most important of these functions is the control of body temperature. The skin also protects the body from physical damage and bacterial invasion. The skin has an array of sense organs which sense the external environment, and also cells which can make vitamin D in sunlight. The skin is one of the first systems affected when an animal becomes sick so it is important for anyone working with animals to have a sound knowledge of the structure and functioning of the skin so they can quickly recognize signs of disease. A study of skin diseases of domesticated ruminants (cattle & goat) were carried out at Ishwarganj Upazila Veterinary Hospital (UVH) under the district of Mymensingh from 5th May, 2013 to 3rd July, 2013. Total 536 domesticated ruminants (354 cattle + 182 goats) were treated at veterinary hospital suffering from different diseases. Among them 20.9% (74 cattle) cattle and 23.07 %( 42 goats) goat were found to be affected with skin diseases. The prevalence of skin diseases: lice infestation 37% (35 cattle, 8 goat), mite infestation 21.5 %( 9 cattle, 16 goat), hump sore (Stephanofilariasis)2.5% (3cattle) , alopecia18.1% (7cattle, 14 goat, maggot infestation 4.3% (5 cattle) , contagious ecthyma3.44% (4 goat) , yoke gall4.3% (5 cattle) and burn 0.86% (1 cattle) were found . This study demonstrates that skin diseases are among the most important health constraints of ruminants in this upazila leading to important economic losses and they urgently require some control intervention.