Ask Jackson The Veterinarian

Ask Jackson The Veterinarian Not only us humans need care, but also animals. That's why we choose to care for them!

We interact with animals everyday, so, having healthy animals leads to health human life

South sudan's favourite veterinarian welcomes you to this page

After the tough semester 7 exams. we decided to take some pics
29/10/2025

After the tough semester 7 exams. we decided to take some pics

Fowl TyphoidDefinitionFowl typhoid is an infectious bacterial disease primarily affecting chickens and other birds, caus...
28/09/2025

Fowl Typhoid

Definition
Fowl typhoid is an infectious bacterial disease primarily affecting chickens and other birds, caused by the bacterium Salmonella gallinarum. It is characterized by systemic infection, resulting in high mortality rates in poultry flocks.

Causes
- Causative Agent: The disease is caused by Salmonella gallinarum, a gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium.
- Environmental Factors: Poor sanitation, overcrowding, and stress can exacerbate the spread and severity of the disease.

Susceptible Hosts
- Primary Hosts: Chickens are the most commonly affected species, but other birds, such as turkeys, ducks, and geese, can also be susceptible.
- Age: All ages of chickens can be affected, but younger birds are often more vulnerable.

Transmission
- Direct Transmission: The bacteria can spread through direct contact with infected birds or their droppings.
- Indirect Transmission: Contaminated feed, water, equipment, and clothing can also serve as vectors for the bacteria.
- Vertical Transmission: Infected hens can pass the bacteria to their offspring through eggs.

Clinical Signs

1. Acute Form:
- Sudden onset of disease
- High mortality rates (up to 50% or more in severe cases)
- Fever and depression
- Loss of appetite (anorexia)
- Greenish diarrhea in adults and whitish diarrhea in chicks

2. Chronic Form:
- Weight loss and reduced body condition
- Decreased egg production
- Swelling of the liver and spleen, which may be palpable
- Ocular discharge

Treatment
- Antibiotics: While antibiotics such as tetracyclines and sulfonamides can be used, their effectiveness may be limited due to developing resistance.
- Supportive Care: Providing adequate hydration and nutrition to affected birds can aid recovery.
- Culling: In severe outbreaks, culling infected birds may be necessary to prevent spread.

Prevention and Control
1. Biosecurity Measures:
- Implementing strict biosecurity protocols to prevent the introduction and spread of the pathogen.
- Regular cleaning and disinfection o

Pullorum Disease (Bacillary White Diarrhea)Pullorum disease is a highly infectious bacterial disease of poultry, particu...
24/09/2025

Pullorum Disease (Bacillary White Diarrhea)

Pullorum disease is a highly infectious bacterial disease of poultry, particularly young chicks and turkey poults, caused by Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Pullorum (commonly called Salmonella pullorum). It is a vertical and horizontal transmissible disease, characterized by high mortality in young birds, white diarrhea, and septicemia. Though it has been largely controlled in many developed countries through eradication programs, it still occurs in parts of Asia, Africa, and South America.

Etiology/cause

Causative Agent: Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Pullorum (S. pullorum).

Host Range
Primary hosts: Chickens and turkeys (most susceptible).

Other hosts: Pheasants, guinea fowl, ducks, peafowl, quail, and other wild birds (less common).

Transmission
Pullorum disease spreads by:
1. Vertical Transmission (Most Important):
Infected breeder hens can transmit the bacteria through the egg (transovarian transmission).
Chicks hatch already infected, making control difficult.
2. Horizontal Transmission:
-Through ingestion or inhalation of contaminated feed, water, litter, or equipment.
-Contact with infected f***s or secretions.
-Spread by caretakers, rodents, insects, or contaminated hatcheries.

Incubation Period
-Typically 4–6 days in young chicks.
-May be longer in adult carriers where infection remains latent.

Clinical Signs
-The severity depends on the age of the bird:
-In Chicks and Young Birds (Acute Form)
-Age affected: 1–10 days old (most common).

Symptoms:
-Depression, weakness, huddling, and ruffled feathers.
-Poor appetite and slow growth.
-White, pasty diarrhea sticking to the vent.

Treatment
-Antibiotic such as tetracycline

prevention and control
-vaccination
-good hygiene practice
-restrict movement of people to the farm

24/09/2025

How to Start a Poultry Business in 4 Simple Steps 🐔

1. Plan Your Business
Start by picking your focus—do you want to raise chickens for meat (broilers), eggs (layers), both, or maybe other birds like turkeys or ducks? Then, write a basic plan that covers your goals, who you want to sell to, how much money you’ll need, and how much you hope to earn.

2. Set Up Your Farm
Choose a quiet location, away from crowded neighborhoods. Build strong, airy shelters to keep your birds safe and healthy. You’ll also need tools like feeders, drinkers, brooders (for chicks), and lights.

3. Take Care of Your Birds
Buy healthy chicks from trusted sources. Feed them well, give them clean water, and keep their space neat. Stick to a vaccination schedule and check on them daily. If you’re raising layers, collect eggs regularly.

4. Sell Your Products
Figure out who your customers are—local buyers, restaurants, or shops. Build a name for your farm and choose how you’ll sell—whether it’s at markets, through delivery, or direct to homes.

Tips for Beginners
Start small so you can learn as you go. Keep improving your skills and focus on managing your birds well. That’s the key to making money and growing your farm over time.

Sudden Death in Animals 1. DefinitionSudden death in animals refers to an unexpected and rapid demise, occurring without...
20/09/2025

Sudden Death in Animals
1. Definition
Sudden death in animals refers to an unexpected and rapid demise, occurring without prior indications of illness or distress. It is characterized by a swift decline in health leading to death, often within minutes to hours.

2. Causes of Sudden Death in Animals
Several factors can lead to sudden death, including:
- Cardiovascular issues: Heart attacks, arrhythmias, or congenital heart defects.
- Respiratory failure: Severe asthma attacks or pneumonia.
- Toxins: Ingestion of toxic plants, chemicals, or medications.
- Infectious diseases: Sudden onset of severe illness due to pathogens.
- Trauma: Accidents or injuries leading to shock or internal bleeding.
- Metabolic disorders: Severe electrolyte imbalances or acute kidney failure.

3. Diagnosis of Sudden Death in Animals
Diagnosis typically involves:
- Post-mortem examination (necropsy): To identify physical causes of death.
- Histopathology: Microscopic examination of tissues.
- Toxicology screening: To detect poisons or toxins.
- Blood tests: To assess organ function and detect infectious agents.
- Review of history: Understanding environmental factors, diet, and vaccination status.

4. Diseases Characterized by Sudden Death in Animals
a. Bacterial Diseases
- Clostridial infections: E.g., Clostridium perfringens (enterotoxemia).
- Leptospirosis: Can lead to acute kidney failure.
- Anthrax

b. Viral Diseases
- Canine Parvovirus: Can cause rapid dehydration and shock.
- African Swine Fever: Leads to sudden death in pigs.

Other Causes
- Bloat: Rapidly fatal in ruminants if untreated.
- Heat stroke: Particularly in dogs and cats during extreme heat.
- Anaphylaxis: Severe allergic reactions.

5. Prevention of Sudden Death in Animals
Preventive measures include:
- Regular veterinary check-ups: Early detection of health issues.
- Vaccination: To protect against infectious diseases.
- Proper nutrition: Balanced diet to support overall health.
- Environmental management: Avoidi

Common diseases in poultry!A. Bacterial diseases - pullorum disease - fowl typhoid - fowl cholera - Collibacillo...
18/09/2025

Common diseases in poultry!

A. Bacterial diseases
- pullorum disease
- fowl typhoid
- fowl cholera
- Collibacillosis

B. Viral diseases
- Newcastle disease
- Avian influenza
- infectious bronchitis
- Marek's disease
-infectious bursal disease(gumboro)

C. Fungal diseases.
- Aspergillosis

D. Parasitic diseases.
- Coccidiosis
- external parasite( lice, mites, fleas)
- worm infection(round n tapeworm)

E. Nutritional and metabolic disorders
- Rickets

We will be looking at each disease in details.
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17/09/2025

DO SNAKES DRINK WATER?

Yes they do.

In places where water is not easily accessed, snakes get most of their water from prey.

In desert species some have been found to gather morning condensation or dew on their scales due to the scale shape and arrangements and drink that off their own backs so to speak.
They will suck water off of rock trickles etc

05/09/2025

Why do Chickens drink water, but they don't urinate? People often ask me this question.

Here's a brief overview.

Chickens drink water to stay hydrated and support bodily functions like digestion and temperature regulation, but they don't urinate in the same way mammals do because they lack a urinary bladder. 🐔 Instead, their waste is excreted differently.

When a chicken drinks water, its kidneys filter metabolic waste from the blood. This waste, primarily uric acid, is then sent to the cloaca, a single opening that serves as the end point for their digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems.

The uric acid is combined with f***s and is expelled as a semi-solid substance, which you can see as the white part in chicken droppings.

This process helps chickens conserve water, as they excrete waste with minimal water loss compared to liquid urine.

Common mistakes and misconception about Veterinary Medicine and human medicines — most people do rush giving human medic...
02/09/2025

Common mistakes and misconception about Veterinary Medicine and human medicines — most people do rush giving human medicines to their animals whenever they're sick. but using human medicine for animals can be risky and is generally not advisable without veterinary guidance.

So from now, consider this key points:

1. Dosage Differences:
Animals metabolize drugs differently than humans. What is safe for a human may be toxic to an animal.

2. Formulation Variations:
Many human medications contain ingredients that are harmful to animals, such as xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.

3. Species-Specific Responses:
Different animals can react differently to the same medication. For example, cats and dogs often have vastly different tolerances.

4. Veterinary Expertise:
Only a veterinarian can provide appropriate medical advice for pets. They can prescribe medications specifically designed for the animal's species, size, and health condition.

If you suspect your pet is ill or needs medication, consult a veterinarian for the safest and most effective treatment options.

Credit: Paulex Dondilo Wilson

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The Best Age to Wean Piglets for Maximum GrowthOne of the most common questions new pig farmers ask is:“When is the best...
27/08/2025

The Best Age to Wean Piglets for Maximum Growth

One of the most common questions new pig farmers ask is:
“When is the best time to separate piglets from their mother?”

The truth is, weaning too early or too late can cost you money and affect pig growth.
Let’s break it down:

✅ The Ideal Weaning Age

The recommended age to wean piglets is 6–8 weeks (42–56 days).
At this stage:

Piglets are strong enough to eat solid feed.

Their immune system is better developed.

They handle stress more effectively.

⚠️ Risks of Weaning Too Early (3–4 weeks)

Piglets remain weak and stressed.

High risk of diarrhea and mortality.

Poor growth since their digestive system isn’t ready for solid feed alone.

Increased costs on feed and treatment.

⚠️ Risks of Delayed Weaning (10+ weeks)

Piglets continue sucking, which stresses the sow.

The sow loses too much body condition, delaying her return to heat.

Reduced productivity due to longer intervals between litters.

📝 Practical Tips for Smooth Weaning

1. Start creep feeding early – Introduce solid feed at 2 weeks so piglets adjust before separation.

2. Wean in groups – Keep piglets in small groups to minimize stress.

3. Provide a clean, warm, and dry pen – A comfortable environment reduces stress and disease risk.

4. Ensure constant access to fresh water – Hydration is crucial after separation.

5. Support the sow – After weaning, provide good quality feed so she recovers quickly and returns to heat.

📌 Key Takeaway

For maximum piglet growth and farm profitability, wean piglets at 6–8 weeks.

Too early = poor growth and health problems.

Too late = wasted time and stressed sows.

Farming is all about timing. Get weaning right, and your piglets will grow faster, healthier, and more profitably!

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‎DO SNAKES LAY EGGS OR GIVE BIRTH? ‎‎Not all snakes reproduce in the same way.‎ Most snakes are oviparous. This means t...
25/08/2025

‎DO SNAKES LAY EGGS OR GIVE BIRTH?
‎
‎Not all snakes reproduce in the same way.
‎ Most snakes are oviparous. This means they lay eggs, which later hatch into baby snakes.
‎
‎ Some snakes are ovoviviparous. Instead of laying eggs, the eggs develop inside the mother’s body and she gives birth to live young.
‎A good example is the Puff Adder and other large adders which give birth to live babies rather than laying eggs.
‎
‎ So next time you hear about snake reproduction, remember: some lay eggs, others bring their babies into the world alive

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