India has the largest cow population in the world. Farmers rely on cows for milk, manure, and livelihood. But diseases often harm cattle health. Proper knowledge can prevent losses.
🦠 1. Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)
This viral infection spreads fast. It affects cows, buffaloes, and goats.
Symptoms:
- Fever and mouth ulcers
- Excessive salivation
- Limping and hoof blisters
Causes:
- Contact with infected animals
- Contaminated water or food
Prevention:
- Regular vaccination
- Isolate sick cattle
- Clean sheds daily
🌡️ 2. Mastitis
Mastitis is inflammation of the udder. It’s common in milking cows.
Symptoms:
- Swollen, hot udder
- Thick, clotted milk
- Reduced milk yield
Causes:
- Dirty milking practices
- Injury or trauma to udder
Prevention:
- Clean teats before milking
- Use antiseptic dips
- Maintain hygiene
🧬 3. Bovine Tuberculosis
It spreads slowly but is dangerous.
Symptoms:
- Persistent cough
- Weight loss
- Diarrhea
Causes:
- Bacteria spread via air
- Unclean cattle sheds
Prevention:
- TB testing of new cows
- Ventilated housing
- Isolation of sick animals
💩 4. Diarrhea in Calves
Newborn calves often suffer from diarrhea.
Symptoms:
- Watery stool
- Dehydration
- Lethargy
Causes:
- Dirty feeding bottles
- Contaminated water
- Sudden weather change
Prevention:
- Keep feeding equipment clean
- Give ORS
- Ensure colostrum intake
🤕 5. Bloat
This occurs when the cow’s stomach fills with gas.
Symptoms:
- Swollen left belly
- Discomfort or kicking
- No rumination
Causes:
- Sudden diet change
- Overeating wet fodder
Prevention:
- Avoid feeding wet legumes
- Add digestives to feed
- Allow gradual diet change
🌿 6. Milk Fever (Hypocalcemia)
It usually happens after calving.
Symptoms:
- Cow lies down continuously
- Weak legs
- Cold ears and nose
Causes:
- Drop in blood calcium after delivery
Prevention:
- Mineral supplements
- Calcium injection post-calving
- Balanced pregnancy diet
🧫 7. Brucellosis
A bacterial infection causing abortion in cows.
Symptoms:
- Miscarriage in later pregnancy
- Retained placenta
- Joint swelling
Causes:
- Infected birth material
- Close contact with infected cows
Prevention:
- Vaccinate young female calves
- Avoid shared calving areas
- Use gloves while assisting calving
🐜 8. External Parasites (Ticks, Lice)
Ticks cause anemia and skin issues.
Symptoms:
- Constant itching
- Hair loss patches
- Tick bites
Causes:
- Poor hygiene
- Grassland grazing
Prevention:
- Apply anti-tick powder
- Regular brushing
- Clean cattle sheds
🧪 9. Hemorrhagic Septicemia (HS)
This deadly disease spreads fast during monsoon.
Symptoms:
- Swelling in throat
- Breathing trouble
- High fever
Causes:
- Bacteria in wet or muddy areas
Prevention:
- HS vaccination before rainy season
- Dry housing
- Avoid overcrowding
🧠 10. Lumpy Skin Disease
Lumpy Skin Disease has increased in India recently.
Symptoms:
- Firm skin nodules
- Fever
- Nasal discharge
Causes:
- Virus from insect bites
Prevention:
- Insect control measures
- Vaccination
- Isolate affected cattle
🩺 Veterinary Care Tips
- Call a vet for any strange behavior
- Don’t delay treatment
- Monitor milk and food intake
🥛 Nutritional Prevention
- Give mineral mixture daily
- Provide clean drinking water
- Feed quality fodder
🏠 Cattle Shed Hygiene
- Clean sheds twice daily
- Disinfect water troughs
- Allow sunlight inside
👨🌾 Educate Farm Workers
- Teach them signs of illness
- Train in safe milking methods
- Keep emergency vet numbers handy
✅ Conclusion
Indian cows face many health challenges. With awareness and timely care, farmers can protect their animals and increase profits. Prevention is always better than cure. Follow hygiene, monitor animals, and use vaccines.
Home | Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
