RECENT ADVANCES IN THE DIAGNOSIS AND CONTROL OF MAJOR DISEASES OF LIVESTOCK IN NIGERIA

For quicker and specific laboratory diagnosis there is a trend towards processing of specimens by sophisticated procedures like electron microscopy, immuno-electro-Osmo-phoresis, Fluorescent antibody and enzyme linked-immunosorbent tests. Specimens must, therefore, be collected as early as possible and transported on ice, without which the chances for diagnosis will be much reduced. Evolving disease resistant animals and birds has not met with success. The best means of preventing disease are by following strict measures of hygiene, sanitation, quarantine and segregation, including compulsory slaughter of the infected and the 'incontact animals'. When this is not possible, such as, for enzootic diseases and for those affecting many species of animals, vaccination is the only alternative. The quality of the vaccine and the manner in which it is administered will ultimately decide the outcome of immune response. Use of cell culture technology and genetic engineering have paved the way for modern technology of vaccine production. It is hoped that, in future, vaccines will be available to control diseases against which there are none at present.