Murrah Buffalo Health & Veterinary Care Manual

Raising livestock is essentially disease management. A single outbreak of FMD can ruin a farm's economy for years. This guide outlines the preventive protocols mandatory for every Murrah buffalo farm.

1. Annual Vaccination Calendar (India)

Vaccines are the cheapest insurance. Follow this schedule strictly.

Disease	Vaccine Name	Time of Year	Dose/Route	Category
FMD (Foot & Mouth)	Polyvalent Oil Adjuvant	Feb/March & Aug/Sept	2ml - 3ml (IM)	All animals > 4 months
HS (Hemorrhagic Septicemia)	HS Vaccine	May/June (Pre-monsoon)	2ml (SC/IM)	All animals > 6 months
BQ (Black Quarter)	BQ Vaccine	May/June (Pre-monsoon)	2ml (SC)	Calves & Young Stock
Brucellosis	Brucella S19	Once in Lifetime (4-8 months age)	2ml (SC)	Female Calves ONLY
Theileriosis	Rakshavak T	Once (Immunity lasts years)	3ml (SC)	Exotic/Crosses (Less critical for pure buffalo but recommended)

Note: IM = Intramuscular, SC = Subcutaneous. Always deworm 1 week before vaccination for best immune response.

2. Deworming Protocol

Internal parasites (worms) suck blood and nutrients.

Calves:
- Day 10: Piperazine (for Ascariasis)
- 1st Month to 6th Month: Give dewormer every 30 days. (Rotate salts: Albendazole, Fenbendazole, Ivermectin).
Adults:
- Deworm at least 3 times a year (before monsoon, after monsoon, and mid-winter).
- Pregnant Animals: ONLY use pregnancy-safe salts like Fenbendazole. Avoid Albendazole in the first trimester.

3. Major Diseases: Symptoms & First Aid

A. Mastitis (Udder Infection)

Signs: Swollen/hot udder, flakes/clots in milk, watery milk, pain.
Immediate Action:
- Milk out the affected quarter completely (do not leave infected milk inside).
- Apply cold water splashes if hot/swollen.
- Consult vet for antibiotic tubes/injections immediately. Delay = Permanent blind teat.

B. Bloat (Tympany)

Signs: Left flank (stomach) distended, labored breathing, animal stops chewing cud.
Cause: Eating too much lush green fodder (legumes) or spoiled feed.
Immediate Action:
- Force feed vegetable oil (100-200ml) with turpentine oil (30-50ml).
- Walk the animal; do not let it sit.
- Massage the left flank.

C. Milk Fever (Hypocalcemia)

Signs: Animal sits and cannot stand up (usually within 48 hrs of calving), neck bent back (S-shape curve), low temperature.
Cause: Sudden calcium drop due to milk production.
Immediate Action:
- Do not force feed anything orally (swallowing reflex is paralyzed; it will go to lungs).
- Needs IV Calcium Borogluconate immediately by a vet. Recovery is usually miraculous (within minutes).

4. Ectoparasite Control (Ticks & Lice)

Ticks cause anemia and transmit blood parasites (Babesiosis/Theileriosis).

Chemical: Application of Deltamethrin/Cypermethrin solutions (Butox/Clinar).
- Caution: Poisonous. Use correct dilution (usually 2-3ml per liter water). Do not let animal lick it.
Herbal: Neem oil or tobacco leaf extract sprays.
Management: Flame gun burning of cracks/crevices in the shed where ticks hide.

5. First Aid Kit Essentials

Every farm must have this box:

Thermometer: To check fever (Normal buffalo temp: 101°F - 102°F).
Antiseptic Spray: Betadine/Topicure for wounds.
Cotton & Bandage.
Digestive Bolus: (Himalayan Batisa etc.) for indigestion.
Potassium Permanganate (Lal Dawa): For washing wounds/udder.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes. Always consult a certified veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.

Murrah Buffalo Health & Veterinary Care Manual