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Dexters survive for decades in national park
The relocation of a feral herd of 16 Dexters that lived in the Addo Elephant National Park's Wilderness area has caught the attention of scientists after the south African Dexter callte Breeders' Society became aware of the herd roaming in the park a few years ago. The society initiated the relocation of the animals to Bronkhorstspruit in Gouteng.
Click here for the whole story in pdf file format.
Source: Dexters in Addo farmers weekly, 8 Nov 2023
JUNE 2016 - Electronic version Agri Kultuur
See our Dexter article on page 38 to 41 within the booklet below.
Origin of the Dexter
A Widely accepted belief regarding the origin of Dexter cattle is that they are a mutation of the Kerry breed. When this mutation occured is unrecorded, and the general obscurity surrounding the origin of the breed leaves scope for rival theories. These encompass the romantic idea of the breed evolving from the old Kerry cattle and Spanish bulls put ashore on the south west of Ireland from storm buffeted ships, and Prof. Wilson’s more mundane theory that the breed simply resulted from the crossing of Kerry and Devon cattle. (“The Origin of the DexterKerry Breed of Cattle”, The Scientific Proceedings of the Royal Dublin Society – 1908)
Common and important diseases of cattle
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| If you know about the diseases of cattle, you can be aware of how best to prevent and treat them. Many of these diseases can be prevented by good management. Click here to read more about it. (Acrobat Reader PDF file size 272.39 KB) |
What is brucellosis and what causes it?
Brucellosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria called Brucella (bru-CELL-a). Many different animal species and humans can become ill. Brucellosis is primarily a reproductive disease in animals, but it can also cause reoccurring fevers, arthritis or udder infection (mastitis). Click here to read more...
What is brucellosis andwhat causes it and what animals get brucellosis?
Brucellosis can affect sheep, goats, cattle, pigs, horses, and dogs. Brucellosis can also affect rats and wild animals including deer, bison, elk, moose, camels, water buffalo, and marine mammals.
How can my animal get brucellosis?
In animals, Brucella are usually spread through contact with infected birthing tissues and fluids (e.g., placenta, aborted fetuses, fetal fluids, vaginal discharges). The bacteria can also be found in the milk, blood, urine and semen of infected animals. Animals can get the bacteria by ingestion (oral), direct contact with mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth), or breaks in the skin. Brucella can also be transmitted by contaminated objects (fomites) such as, equipment, clothing, shoes, hay, feed or water. Some animals are carriers; they will have the bacteria but show no signs of illness. These animals can shed the bacteria into the environment for long periods of time, infecting other animals in the herd.
How does brucellosis affect my animal?
Brucellosis causes reproductive problems (e.g. abortions, stillbirth, infertility) in most species of animals. Other signs can include arthritis in cows and pigs, mastitis and lameness in goats, and oozing skin lesions in horses ("#stulous withers").
Can I get brucellosis?
Yes. People can become infected by eating or drinking (oral) raw milk or unpasteurized milk products that contain the Brucella bacteria. Direct contact or aerosol exposure to infected animal fluids are additional ways to be infected. People who work with animals (e.g., livestock producers, veterinarians) may be at higher risk of exposure to Brucella. Infection in people causes "u-like signs (fever, night sweats, headaches, back pain). Arthritis (joint pain) and re-occurring fevers may occur with long term infection. Rarely, cases of brucellosis can involve the nervous system, eyes, or heart. Who should I contact, if I suspect brucellosis? In Animals – Contact your veterinarian immediately. In Humans – Contact your physician immediately. How can I protect my animals from brucellosis? Brucella can survive for months in the environment under optimum conditions but can be destroyed by heat and some disinfectants. Thoroughly clean and disinfect areas exposed to infected animals, their urine, blood, milk, or discharges. Keep sick animals away from other animals to avoid spreading the disease. In the United States, a vaccination program is used to control brucellosis in cattle. Control programs exist for wildlife (bison and elk) in Yellowstone National Park.
How can I protect myself from brucellosis?
Do not eat or drink raw milk or unpasteurized dairy products. Wear protective clothing (gloves, masks) when handling reproductive tissues (assisting delivery of newborn animals). Always wash your hands after touching animals. For More Information CFSPH Technical Fact Sheets. Brucellosis at http://www.cfsph.iastate.edu/FastFacts/pdfs/brucellosis_F.pdf website. Brucellosis at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brucellosis