Previous Year Questions(Solved) | Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science Optional for UPSC PDF Download

Question 1:

What is regulatory veterinary medicine? As a public health veterinarian, what can you do to control important zoonoses in your locality? (CSE, 1986 Paper II)

The practice of veterinary medicine by the enforcement of Acts and Regulations is known as regulatory veterinary medicine. It is chiefly intended to ensure human health in a locality by preventing animal diseases from being contracted by human beings (zoonoses).

The following Acts and Regulations are to be enforced to achieve the above goal:

The Anthrax (Prevention and Control) Rules, 1940.

The Glanders and Farcy Act, 1899, and the rules framed under Section 14 of the Glanders and Farcy Act.

The Livestock (Import) Quarantine Rules, 1944.

Regulation of countries that import animals, etc., from India.

Slaughterhouse - Local Bodies - Bylaws for control of.

Slaughterhouse - Private - Bylaws for control of.

Under the Cattle Diseases Act, measures are to be taken to prevent the spread of contagious or infectious diseases among animals (Act II of 1866). According to this, it is incumbent on the part of the owner to report to the veterinary authorities about the prevalence of contagious diseases. The affected animal or animals are to be kept in a hospital pound while disinfecting the premises from where it suffered the contagious or infectious disease.

A veterinarian or the person authorized should enter the premises or place of infection and examine, inspect, and take necessary action to check the spread of the disease by enforcing proper disinfection of the premises and disposal of the affected. A breach of any such bylaws shall render the party liable for conviction before a Magistrate, to a fine or to simple imprisonment.

The provincial Government may make rules to carry over the purposes of the Act. In particular, rules are to be provided for:

(a) The tests to be applied to animals suspected of being infective.

(b) The isolation or segregation, detention, treatment (curative and preventive), and destruction or disposal otherwise of animals, which are infective or suspected of being infective, and the destruction or disposal otherwise of the products of such animals, the carcasses, and the fodder, bedding, or other things used in connection with them.

(c) The disinfection of vessels or vehicles used by common carriers, the cleansing and disinfection of buildings, yards, and other places used for animals, and the destruction of infected matter. Fodder and bedding used in connection with the arrival of infects shall be burnt in a suitable manner.

(d) The power and functions and the procedure of inspectors and veterinary surgeons.

(e) All animals on arrival at a quarantine station shall be liable to be inoculated against rinderpest.

(f) If an animal suffers from or has died as a result of an illness presenting any of the following symptoms, such illness shall be deemed to be anthrax:

(i) Convulsions followed by sudden death.

(ii) Fever, hard breathing, and prostration.

(iii) Fever with swellings on the shoulders and neck.

The owner or person in charge of an animal should report forthwith to the nearest veterinary surgeon or health or sanitary inspector. The carcass of the animal that died of Anthrax should not be subjected to post-mortem and shall be speedily and completely burnt or buried at a depth of not less than six feet from the surface of the earth after completely covering the carcass with a layer of lime one foot deep. The Act provides punishment by way of imposing fines and imprisonment for the commission of a breach.

(g) Thorough disinfection of premises of infection and death of the animal.

(h) The horses suffering from any of the diseases such as Glanders, Farcy, Epizootic lymphangitis, Surra, and South African horse sickness should be seized by the veterinary surgeon after performing proper diagnostic tests. If they are found to be suffering, they are to be destroyed. Necessary preventive measures are taken as in the case of other contagious diseases to check the spread and to prevent human beings from being affected by these diseases. The Act provides punishment by way of imposing fines and imprisonment for the commission of a breach.

(i) There are rules restricting, regulating, or prohibiting the bringing in or taking by sea or land into India or any specified place therein of any livestock which may be liable to be affected by Epizootic lymphangitis, Ulcerative lymphangitis, Dourine, South African horse sickness, East coast fever, Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia, Tuberculosis, Johne's disease, and Bang's disease.

(j) The animals imported to be quarantined for a period not exceeding 90 days. Valid certificates granted within thirty days immediately prior to the embarkation of the livestock, containing a statement signed by the authority to the effect that the livestock was examined and found to be free from all symptoms of the diseases and were subjected to the tests specified therein with a negative result within 30 days immediately prior to embarkation, should be accompanying the respective livestock imported.

(k) In the municipalities where bylaws for the prevention of rabies have been formed, a veterinary surgeon may destroy any dog which in his opinion is suffering from rabies or detain any dog if he suspects it to be showing symptoms of rabies.

(l) All animals slaughtered for human consumption should be slaughtered in public slaughterhouses, and the animals subjected to ante-and post-mortem examination by a qualified veterinary surgeon. The veterinary surgeon employed for meat inspection work will have the power to seize and destroy the meat declared by him as unsuitable for human consumption with the owner's consent. He will have the power to seize an animal unfit for human consumption on grounds of ill-health.

The regulations and laws stated above are only briefly underlined: The detailed particulars can be had by referring to the concerned Acts and laws. (IAS (M)/AH/X-119)

Question 2:

2. Write short notes on: Zoonotic bacterial diseases (CSE, 1993 Paper II)

Zoonotic diseases are diseases communicable from animals to humans. These occupy a prominent place in the meat industry. Workers in the slaughtering sector are at particular risk of acquiring zoonotic diseases.

The common zoonotic bacterial diseases are: (1) Anthrax, (2) Brucellosis, (3) Erysipelas, (4) Leptospirosis, (5) Listeriosis, (6) Salmonellosis, (7) Streptococcal meningitis, (8) Tuberculosis, (9) Tularemia, and (10) Tetanus.

Avian psittacosis, ornithosis, and Q fever can also be considered as bacterial diseases since the infecting organisms, though occupying a position between bacteria and viruses, are more related to the former.

While diseases like Tuberculosis and Brucellosis affect humans after consuming infected milk, most zoonotic diseases are communicated through meat, either by consuming infected meat or during the slaughter of infected animals in the slaughterhouse. Veterinarians may also be affected by the disease in certain cases. The diseases normally spread from domestic animals and birds, but hedgehogs, voles, bandicoots, certain reptiles, amphibians, and even fishes have been found to act as natural reservoirs of infection in certain diseases like Leptospirosis.

Prevention of zoonotic diseases consists of: (1) Wherever possible, elimination of diseases in domestic animals, (2) Efficient veterinary ante-mortem inspection, and immediate alerting of staff to all possible disease hazards, (3) High standards of personal and environmental hygiene, (4) Prompt and effective treatment of cuts and bruises, (5) Proper abattoir construction and layout with good staff facilities and ventilation, (6) Education of workers about the nature of zoonoses and the ways and means of preventing or minimizing them, and (7) Close liaison with the medical profession in this regard. 

Question 3: 3. What are the various milk-borne diseases? Discuss in brief their epidemiology, prevention, and control. (CSE, 1993 Paper II)

Various infections may be transmitted to people through unpasteurized or defectively pasteurized milk. The important diseases thus transmitted are: (1) Tuberculosis, (2) Brucellosis, and (3) Salmonellosis. Q fever in human beings and human enteritis caused by Campylobacter jejuni are two other milkborne diseases.

Tuberculosis: Epidemiology: Tuberculosis occurs globally and is of major importance in dairy cattle. The causative organism, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is moderately resistant but can be destroyed by sunlight. It can be transmitted through air, sputum, feces, milk, urine, vaginal and uterine discharges, and open peripheral nodes. Prevention and Control: Eradication methods involve the test and slaughter policy, with routine testing of animals over three months of age. Infected animals are removed, and hygienic measures, such as cleaning and disinfection, are implemented. Vaccination and strict control on animal movements contribute to prevention.

Brucellosis: Epidemiology: Brucellosis is widespread and causes undulant fever in humans. It affects various species, causing economic losses in animal production due to decreased milk production and abortions. Prevention and Control: Vaccination (using strain 19) or eradication through testing and slaughter are control measures. Movement control, isolation of infected animals, and hygienic measures like disinfection are crucial. Humans in contact with animals should be tested, and education on the disease is essential.

Salmonellosis: Epidemiology: Salmonellosis is universal, affecting various species. Its incidence has increased, particularly in cattle, with Salmonella dublin emerging as a significant pathogen. Morbidity rates can be high, with fatalities occurring without proper treatment. Prevention and Control: Prevention involves strict control on introducing animals, cleaning and disinfection of yards and transport vehicles, and avoiding communal use of water and pasture. During outbreaks, medication, identification of carrier animals, culling or isolation, and disinfection are crucial. Hygienic measures and proper disposal of infected material are emphasized.

Question 4: 4. Tuberculosis is an important zoonotic disease. Outline a program for eradicating this disease from the livestock population of the country. List measures to be taken to check the spread of infection to human beings. (CSE, 1994 Paper II)

Tuberculosis is most prevalent in bovines, making eradication crucial. An effective program should involve:

1. Test and Slaughter Method: Implement routine testing of all animals over three months of age using tuberculin tests. Remove and slaughter reactors promptly.

2. Hygienic Measures: Clean and disinfect feed and water troughs with hot 5% phenol or equivalent disinfectant. Ensure proper cleaning practices to prevent contamination.

3. Education: Educate the farming community about tuberculosis, its impact on production, and its significance for public health. Promote awareness and compliance with eradication measures.

4. Compulsory Eradication: Enforce compulsory eradication, as voluntary efforts rarely achieve good results. Provide adequate compensation for farmers for culled animals.

5. Isolation and Testing of Introductions: Test all introduced animals, prevent communal use of water facilities, and maintain adequate boundary fences to prevent reinfection.

6. Vaccination: Consider vaccination with BCG vaccine as an interim measure, especially in areas with high incidence.

7. Quarantine Barriers: Set up quarantine barriers to prevent reintroduction of the disease from other countries.

Preventing Spread to Humans:

1. Pasteurization: Consume only pasteurized milk to eliminate the risk of tuberculosis transmission through milk.

2. Regular Testing of Attendants: Periodically test farm attendants for tuberculosis and treat if infected. Personal hygiene is crucial in preventing transmission.

3. Strict Control on Animal Movements: Implement strict control on the movement of animals between farms and regions to prevent the spread of tuberculosis.

4. Public Awareness: Educate the public about the risks associated with consuming unpasteurized milk and the importance of public health measures in preventing zoonotic diseases.
   
   

   Question 5: Write short notes on: Fish-borne Zoonoses (CSE; 1995 Paper II)

   The majority of marine foods commercially available for human consumption are subjected to coastal or offshore pollution, ranging from radioactive wastes to municipal and industrial wastes. Various agents found in fish and other seafood from natural waters can cause illness in consumers. Examples include puffer poisoning in Japan, paralytic shellfish poisoning in North America and Japan, and allergens common in fish. Spoiled fish without detectable bacteria or toxins can also cause intestinal upsets.

   A. Indigenous animal infections transmissible to man by fish.

   1. Diphyllobothrium latum
   2. Clonorchis sinensis
   3. Opisthorchis spp.
   4. Heterophytes
   5. Paragonymus westermani

5. These parasites are acquired by humans through the consumption of fish or brackish water animals. Animals get infected by eating raw herring and other marine fish.

   B. Exogenous contamination of fish and other seafood. Fish and other seafood serve as a good vehicle for important bacterial food poisoning, including Salmonellae, Staphylococci, Clostridium, E. coli, Proteus spp., Streptococcus faecalis, and Bacillus cereus, Shigella. These organisms are carried by fish, more frequently by freshwater fish than marine fish, from polluted water.

   C. Diseases of chemical or toxicological origin. Minamata disease (Minamata Bay, Japan) is fatal, involving CNS degeneration in humans due to high mercury intake. Other examples include poisoning due to the intake of raw fish containing heat-labile thiaminase enzyme and Haff disease. Paralytic shellfish poisoning and biotoxins like saurine and holothurians are also noted. Allergens produced by fish, such as herring, sprat, hake, and cod, can cause symptoms like urticaria, angioneurotic edema, gastrointestinal disturbances, asthma, and coryza. Histamine appears in spoiled fish, enhanced by bacterial invasion.

   Question 6: Discuss the epidemiological features of food-borne infections. What are the epidemiological tools you will use for the investigation of a suspected water-borne disease outbreak? (CSE, 1996 Paper II)

   Epidemiological features of Food-borne infections: Foodborne infections, often termed food poisoning, are primarily bacterial contaminations, with diseases like typhoid fever, dysentery, cholera (when water-borne), undulant fever, and tuberculosis (when milk-borne) as examples. Botulism, being sui generis, is an exception. Food poisoning can manifest as infection with living organisms or intoxication by preformed bacterial poisons. The interval between eating contaminated food and symptom development distinguishes the clinical types.

   Salmonellae, Escherichia coli, Campylobacter, and Vibrio parahaemolyticus are common bacterial agents causing food poisoning. Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium perfringens, and Citrobacter produce toxins leading to intoxication. Viruses and toxins from fungi are occasionally implicated.

   Salmonella infections account for over 87% of all reported cases, manifesting in sporadic cases, family outbreaks, larger outbreaks from widely distributed items, and institutional outbreaks. E. coli infections cause acute enteritis, and Campylobacter leads to diarrheal illness. Staphylococci produce rapid-onset symptoms, while C. perfringens causes symptoms within 8 to 24 hours.

   Epidemiological tools for water-borne disease outbreak investigation:

   1. Sanitary survey: Collect data on water supply, likely pollution sources, and distribution methods.
   2. Sampling: Collect representative samples for physical, chemical, bacteriological, virological, biological, and radiological examinations.
   3. Laboratory examination: Includes physical examination for turbidity, color, and taste; chemical examination for substances like arsenic, lead, and nitrates; and bacteriological examination for coliform organisms, faecal streptococci, and Cl. perfringens.
   4. Transport and storage of samples: Maintain proper conditions for samples during transport, providing essential details regarding collection, source, and survey findings.

6. 
   

7. Correct sampling techniques and careful laboratory examinations are essential for accurate detection of water contamination and identification of potential health risks.

   
   
   

   Question 7: Write a short note on Pre-anaesthetic agents.

   
   

   Preliminary sedation of the patient prior to surgical anesthesia is a generally accepted procedure. The induction stage is smoother and less distressing to the patients. Patients accept anesthesia with less resistance, especially in humans, since preoperative apprehension is allayed. The following general considerations may serve in premedication of various patients.

   
   

   The physical condition of the patient is an important factor. A muscular, well-developed patient usually needs more sedation than a slightly built patient. Debilitated patients require smaller dosage, as do obese patients.

   Women need less sedation than men.

   Anxious patients need more sedation.

   More sedation is required if spinal or regional anesthesia is to be administered.

   Patients to be given thiopental should not be oversedated.

   It is important to avoid respiratory depression, especially in chest diseases.

   The common pre-anaesthetic agents or drugs are few in number. The most generally used pre-anaesthetic drugs are:

   
   

   Barbiturates with scopolamine or atropine.

   Morphine with atropine.

   Meperidine with atropine.

   Chlorpromazine. However, the use of chlorpromazine is avoided nowadays because of the high incidence of hypertension with this drug.

   The barbiturates provide excellent sedation before anesthesia. Rapidly acting barbiturates like secobarbital or pentobarbital are frequently used. Morphine sulfate with atropine sulfate provides sedation and depression of saliva flow. Scopolamine potentiates the action of morphine on the central nervous system. On the parasympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system, it resembles atropine in its action. Secobarbital produces calmness in patients compared to the drowsiness with a high incidence of apprehension with narcotics. Undesirable side effects are more frequently encountered with narcotic medication than with secobarbital opiates. Pre-medication produces post-operative vomiting, which is absent with secobarbital.

   Question 8: Give definition and classification of Zoonotic diseases. Explain the role of birds and animals in prevalence and transmission of zoonotic diseases. What practical steps do you recommend to tackle these diseases.

   
   

   Zoonotic Diseases: Zoonoses is the term applied to a disease of animals when it is transmitted to man; this may be a common or an incidental occurrence.

   
   

   Classification of Zoonoses:

   
   

   I. Zoonoses classification based on the type of lifecycle of the infectious organism:

   
   

   The lifecycles of organisms that infect vertebrates are of four principal types. The type is determined by the site or sites in which the infectious organism multiplies or undergoes some essential aspect of its development.

   
   

   Direct Zoonoses: Cycles requiring only a single vertebrate host species for their completion (i.e., a single reservoir or developmental site).

   
   

   Cyclozoonoses: Cycles requiring more than one vertebrate host species for their completion.

   
   

   Metazoonoses: Cycles requiring both vertebrate and invertebrate species for their completion.

   
   

   Saprozoonoses: Cycles requiring both a vertebrate host species and a non-animal reservoir or developmental site for their completion.

   
   

   V= Vertebrate, I = Invertebrate, S = Non-animal site

   
   

   II. Classification based on the nature of the reservoir hosts:

   
   

   Anthropozoonoses and Zooanthroponoses have been applied by European workers to designate zoonoses maintained in nature by lower vertebrates and man, respectively.

   
   

   Anthropozoonoses: Zoonoses maintained in nature by lower vertebrates. e.g.: brucellosis, anthrax.

   
   

   Zooanthroponoses: Zoonoses maintained in nature by man. e.g.: Amoebiasis.

   
   

   Amphizoonoses: The term used to identify those zoonoses whose cycles are perpetuated in nature both by man and lower vertebrates. e.g.: Staphylococcosis.

   
   

   III. Zoonoses classified based on the etiological agent:

   
   

   Bacterial Zoonoses e.g.: Anthrax, Brucellosis.

   
   

   Viral Zoonoses e.g.: Cowpox, FMD.

   
   

   Fungal Zoonoses e.g.: Ringworm.

   
   

   Protozoal Zoonoses e.g.: Amoebiasis.

   
   

   Nematode Zoonoses e.g.: Trichinosis.

   
   

   Arthropod Zoonoses.

   
   

   Cestode Zoonoses.

   
   

   Rickettsial Zoonoses e.g.: Scabies, Fascioliasis, Q-fever.

   
   

   Role of animals and birds in prevalence and transmission of Zoonotic diseases:

   
   

   Wild mammals and birds are the known hosts to a large number of different microorganisms. Some zoonotic infections cause frank disease in wild hosts, while many infections of man and domestic animals exist silently in wild species as infections which are not apparent. Among the most important wild vertebrates involved in zoonoses epidemiology are various rats, monkeys, and mice. These species, though not domesticated, are naturally attracted to man or to his refuse and seek food and/or harborage in or near human domiciles. Probably all of these animals could have been domesticated by man had he desired. Only a few other wild animal species, such as rabid bats, foxes, wolves, or wild animals used as food, very often transmit infections directly to man. Other wild mammals and birds play a role in zoonoses chiefly as reservoir hosts of arthropod-borne infections. Monkeys, for example, may be reservoirs of Kyasanur forest disease, Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis, Group C and Guama group viruses. Antibodies to Dengue viruses have also been found in monkeys. Small mammals may serve this same function for Colorado tick fever, Russian spring-summer encephalitis, Powassan virus, Kyasanur forest disease, Largat virus, Naples virus, and other viruses of the A, B, C, and Guama groups. Migratory birds also play a role in the dissemination of ectoparasite vectors of infections and of zoonotic infections. Hoogstraal (1961) recovered tick vectors of zoonoses such as tick typhus, Crimean hemorrhagic fever, Q-fever, tularemia, and brucellosis from birds flying between Africa and Europe or Asia. Hoogstraal speculated that the introduction of Kyasanur forest disease into India was due to migratory birds and a tick vector, Haemophysalis spini, which they share with various pest mammals. West Nile virus and Western and Eastern equine encephalomyelitis viruses have also been spread by migratory birds. In many parts of the world, there is ample opportunity for the transmission of diseases from wild to domestic animals. For example, the associations between white-tailed deer and cattle were common in Wisconsin, particularly in open, upland pastures during spring and fall.

   
   

   Role of domestic vertebrates in Zoonoses:

   
   

   Of the 90 important zoonoses listed by Steele (1961), 69 have domestic animal reservoirs. These 69 include most of the zoonotic infections of major public health significance. Dogs, pigs, chickens, cows, sheep, buffalo, yak, llama, and goats play a major role in the epidemiology of zoonotic diseases.

9. Write short notes on Rickettsial Zoonotic Diseases (200 words).

Zoonoses, the transmission of animal diseases to humans, is categorized based on the life cycle of infectious organisms, nature of reservoir hosts, and etiological agent. Rickettsial zoonoses fall into the latter category. Examples include Tick-borne Rickettsial fevers, Mite-borne fevers, Flea-borne Rickettsial fevers, Q-fever, Chlamydial diseases, and others like Salmon poisoning disease. Q-fever, caused by Coxiella burnetii, is often occupational and transmitted by ticks, inhalation of infected dust, or ingestion of contaminated milk and meat. It primarily affects cattle, sheep, and goats, with C. burnetii found in various bodily fluids.

Chlamydiasis, transmitted from birds like parrots, causes worldwide infections. Human transmission occurs through inhalation, leading to symptoms such as gastrointestinal pain, vomiting, headache, insomnia, and pneumonia. The disease is considered a Rickettsial zoonosis due to its Chlamydia organisms having characteristics between bacteria and viruses like Rickettsia.

10. Discuss the principles and methods of immunization and chemoprophylaxis against infectious animal diseases (200 words).

The immune system defends against infections, with lower animals possessing innate mechanisms and higher animals having adaptive immune responses. Adaptive immunity includes memory, specificity, and recognition of self and non-self. Memory ensures preparedness against future invasions.

Lympho-reticular systems, consisting of phagocytic cells, provide a defense mechanism. Phagocytes, including neutrophils and macrophages, eliminate foreign material. Antibodies enhance this process, with the immune system responding through cellular and antibody-mediated reactions.

Active immunity develops through injections of killed or living micro-organisms, enabling resistance. Vaccination controls infectious diseases in domestic animals, with vaccines and hyper-immune sera playing crucial roles. Vaccination, introduced by Jenner, involves artificial protection.

Artificial immunization methods include active immunity from vaccines and passive immunity through hyper-immune sera. The former induces a delayed response, while the latter offers immediate but short-lived protection.

Chemoprophylaxis, incorporating drugs with killed vaccines, gradually allows infection while fading chemotherapeutic effects. It's used in controlling diseases like Babesiosis in cattle. Prophylactic antibiotic use in healthy animals is controversial due to potential resistance.

In summary, immunization and chemoprophylaxis strategies vary based on disease characteristics, providing essential tools in combating infectious animal diseases.