Monsoon Diseases in Cattle and Goats: Complete Guide for Livestock Farmers

 This detailed guide explores the common diseases affecting cows and goats during the monsoon season, their symptoms, prevention methods, and effective treatment strategies to help livestock farmers protect their animals during the rainy months.

Introduction

The rainy season brings relief from the scorching summer heat, but it also poses significant health threats to livestock, especially cows and goats. High humidity, wet surroundings, and a rise in bacterial and viral activity create a perfect environment for diseases to thrive. If not managed properly, monsoon-related diseases can lead to heavy losses for farmers in the form of reduced milk production, animal suffering, or even death.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the top 7 most common diseases affecting cattle and goats during the monsoon, their symptoms, treatment options, and how farmers can prevent them through proper hygiene, vaccination, and shelter management.

                                                                               

Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)

What is it?
FMD is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals like cows, buffaloes, goats, and sheep.

Symptoms:

• Fever and blisters in the mouth and hooves

• Lameness and excessive salivation

• Reduced milk yield

Prevention:

• Routine vaccination before the monsoon

• Isolate infected animals

• Maintain clean shelter floors

                                                                 

         

Hemorrhagic Septicemia (HS)

What is it?
A bacterial infection caused by Pasteurella multocida, mainly affecting cattle and buffaloes.

Symptoms:

• High fever, difficulty breathing

• Swelling in the neck region

• Sudden death in severe cases

Prevention:

• Annual vaccination (preferably before monsoon)

• Avoid overcrowding and keep the shed dry

                                                                          

Black Quarter (BQ)

What is it?
BQ is a bacterial infection that affects young cattle, especially during the rainy season.

Symptoms:

• Swelling in the hip or shoulder area

• High fever and reluctance to move

• Animal may die within 24–48 hours if untreated

Prevention:

• BQ vaccine before monsoon

• Proper sanitation and deworming

                                                                    

Goat Plague (PPR – Peste des Petits Ruminants)

What is it?
A highly contagious viral disease in goats, especially young ones.

Symptoms:

• High fever, nasal discharge, ulcers in the mouth

• Diarrhea and pneumonia-like symptoms

• High mortality rate

Prevention:

• Regular PPR vaccination

• Isolate sick goats and disinfect shelters

                                                                        

Anthrax

What is it?
A deadly bacterial disease caused by Bacillus anthracis, more common in areas with poor sanitation.

Symptoms:

• Sudden death, bleeding from body openings

• Swelling under the jaw

Prevention:

• Annual vaccination in endemic zones

• Never open carcasses of suspected anthrax deaths

• Inform veterinary authorities immediately

                                                                                 

Mastitis

What is it?
Inflammation of the udder, mostly affecting milking animals due to poor hygiene.

Symptoms:

• Swelling and pain in the udder

• Milk appears thick, bloody, or yellowish

• Drop in milk production

Prevention:

• Clean udders before and after milking

• Maintain dry and hygienic shed conditions

• Deworm animals regularly

                                                                        

Worm Infestation and Diarrhea

What is it?
Monsoon season boosts the risk of internal parasites and stomach infections.

Symptoms:

• Frequent diarrhea and weakness

• Pale gums and reduced appetite

Prevention:

• Deworming at the start of monsoon

• Avoid water logging and mud in the shelter

• Provide clean drinking water

                                                                              

Vaccination & Deworming Schedule

DiseaseRecommended Vaccine TimeBooster/Frequency

Foot & Mouth DiseaseBefore monsoon (6-monthly)Every 6 months

Hemorrhagic SepticemiaPre-monsoon (May–June)Once a year

Black QuarterPre-monsoonOnce a year

PPR (Goats)3 months of age onwardsEvery 3 years

AnthraxIn endemic zones annuallyOnce a year

DewormingEvery 3–4 months3–4 times a year

                                                                 

Shelter Hygiene and Monsoon Management Tips

• Keep animal shelters well-ventilated and elevated

• Clean dung and urine regularly to avoid ammonia buildup

• Use lime powder to keep floors dry

• Ensure proper drainage around the shelter

• Provide mineral mixture and multivitamins in feed

• Keep clean, dry bedding like paddy straw

• Always keep first aid and contact of nearest vet ready

✅ Conclusion

Monsoon is a critical time for livestock health, especially for cows and goats. A little negligence can lead to severe outbreaks, major economic loss, and suffering for the animals. But with timely vaccinations, regular deworming, proper hygiene, and early disease identification, farmers can easily safeguard their animals.

Stay informed, stay alert — and make monsoon a safe and healthy season for your livestock.

suggested reading

1.Dairy Farming Breeds and Selection

2.Dairy Cow Management Guide: Nutrition, Breeding & Health

3.Dairy Farming in India: A Complete Guide for Beginners and Small-Scale Farmers

4.For more detailed information, refer to this ICAR report on animal healthcare practices during the monsoon season.