The Rural Voice, 1991-11, Page 25may put sufficient numbers of anti-
bodies in colostrum to give immunity
for several weeks.
There is no particular remedy or
treatment, as the sores usually dis-
appear within 35 days. Most young
animals are cured in about two to three
weeks, while human incidences take
longer to heal.
Maintaining high-quality feed and
good nutrition is vital during the pro-
gress of the disease through a flock or
herd. The disease can reduce the food
intake, particularly in nursing animals.
Other effects of contagious ecthyma
arc loss of physical condition, slower
growth rate, premature weaning, and
occasionally death, due to secondary
infections.
"Maintaining high-quality
feed and good nutrition is vital
during the progress of the disease
through a flock or herd."
Some producers attempt to remove
the scab by washing the infected area
with antiseptic, but this could actually
delay the healing process. Handlers
are urged to wear gloves, as the live
virus still exists in scabs.
A vaccine for the disease, con-
taining weakened or dead viruses, is
administered in a different manner
from usual vaccines. The skin in a
non -wool area is scratched, usually on
the inside of the thigh or on the inner
surface of the ear. The vaccine is then
brushed onto the open skin surface.
After receiving the vaccination,
some redness and swelling occur in
the area. This indicates that the
vaccine has "taken." There are six
stages to orf: (1) the papular stage,
with a raised red sore; (2) the target
stage, with the sore having a red
centre, a white ring, and a surrounding
red area; (3) the acute stage, with a
red, weeping surface; (4) the regen-
erative stage, with a thin dry crust
forming; (5) the papillomatous stage,
with rapid growth of a tumour -like
lesion; and (6) the regressive stage,
with a thick scab forming on the area.
Factors to consider when deciding
to vaccinate for contagious ecthyma
are size of herd, amount of labour
involved, isolation of animals, cost of
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