What are the reasons why animals become extinct?
In general terms, species become extinct for the following reasons:
- Demographic and genetic phenomena.
- Destruction of wild habitats.
- Introduction of invasive species.
- Climate change.
- Hunting and illegal trafficking.
How does natural selection cause extinction?
If the environment changes rapidly, some species may not be able to adapt fast enough through natural selection. An invasive species, a disease organism, a catastrophic environmental change, or a highly successful predator can all contribute to the extinction of species.
Will we ever be able to eliminate diseases?
Without an effective treatment against a disease there is no possibility of eradicating it. The treatment can be either preventative, such as vaccination, or curative, such as drugs that can completely eliminate the pathogen that causes the disease from its host.
What are the most common animal diseases?
Pests, diseases and disorders of animals
| Common name | Affected animals |
|---|---|
| Bovine viral diarrhoea virus | cattle, goats, deer |
| Brucellosis | pigs, cattle, horses, dogs, humans |
| Canine ehrlichiosis | Domesticated or wild animals in the family Canidae including dogs and foxes |
| Caprine arthritis encephalitis | goats |
What animal diseases are caused by viruses?
- Foot-and-Mouth Disease. FMD is probably one of the most feared diseases of farm animals.
- Influenza.
- Rinderpest.
- Classical Swine Fever.
- African Swine Fever.
What are symptoms of diseased animals?
Symptoms:
- Fever (106-108°F), Loss of appetite, Depression and dullness.
- Suspended rumination.
- Rapid pulse and heart rates.
- Difficult breathing (dyspnoea)
- Lameness in affected leg.
- Crepitation swelling over hip, back & shoulder.
- Swelling is hot & painful in early stages whereas cold and painless inter.
What are signs of abnormal health in an animal?
Some signs to watch for include:
- Decrease in or loss of appetite.
- Decrease in energy or activity level.
- Hiding.
- Vomiting or diarrhea.
- Blood in the urine or stool.
- Bloating of the abdomen.
- Straining or inability to urinate or defecate.
- Increased shedding or bald patches.