Content Source
Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN). Animal Agrosecurity and Emergency Management. Retrieved from https://campus.extension.org/enrol/index.php?id=166Physical Attributes
How does the animal look? Are there any abnormalities? Consider handling the animal if safe and appropriate to do so. Not only will you be able to use touch as an observational tool, you will also promote social interactions and neurological well-being.
Body
Is haircoat normal? Glossy or dull, hair loss? Under or over weight? Can you see the ribs? Itching? Scabbing? Lumps? Bumps? Parasites?
Head
Eyes – clear, discharge, winking or blinking excessively? Ears/Nose – clean, discharge or buildup? Mouth/Teeth/Gums – clean, buildup (tartar), bleeding or injuries?
Limbs/Extremities
Feet – Nails/Claws/Hooves proper length, wounds or abnormalities? Joints – calluses, mobility, lameness?
Illness in Poultry
Signs could include: Sudden increase in bird deaths in your flock; Sneezing, gasping for air, coughing, and nasal discharge; Watery and green diarrhea; Lack of energy and poor appetite; Drop in egg production or soft- or thin-shelled, misshapen eggs; Swelling around the eyes, neck, and head; Purple discoloration of the wattles, combs, and legs (avian influenza; Tremors, drooping wings, circling, twisting of the head and neck, or lack of movement (exotic Newcastle disease).
Behavior
Is the animal acting normal? Is the movement or gait normal? Is the animal lethargic or displaying behaviors consistent with sickness, stress, or boredom? Does the behavior change when you move closer or farther away from the animal? For example, does the animal act stoic and appear to be normal upon closer examination, but when walking away or from a distance the animal appears to have a limp or injury or displays different behavior.
Environment
Is the animal’s environment safe? Are environmental controls (temperature, humidity, shelter from elements) adequate for the species and the season? Is the animal: Huddling or shivering due to cold? Panting, or laying stretched out due to heat? Food and water receptacles used or left alone? Eating and drinking enough? Elimination habit normal? Loose or abnormal stools? Vomit? Regurgitated food/water?
Animals Under Veterinary Care
Daily observation is required for all animals at a facility whether or not the animals are under veterinary care and/or treatment. However, when observing animals under veterinary care and/or treatment, it is important to observe how the treatment is progressing. Consider the following: Is the treatment working? Is the animal’s health improving, about the same, or worsening? When should you follow up with your attending veterinarian? If the animal’s condition is worsening or you’ve completed treatment but the animal seems about the same, is it time to call the veterinarian with an update? What should you be documenting as part of your observation and treatment plan?
Keep records of daily observations and contacts with the attending veterinarian
- Animal identification.
- Date.
- What the problem was.
- Method of contact to the attending veterinarian (phone, text, email, visit).
- The attending veterinarian’s advice.
Capture
Capture information on daily observations, including photographs and videos, using a tablet or smartphone that can immediately connect to a main office computer for review.
Create
Create a system to log daily observation recordings, such as notebook/binder or spreadsheet/database.
Look
Look at every animal and enclosure at the beginning of each day. Make a list of what needs to be fixed, repaired, clipped, moved, medicated, etc. This creates a “to-do list” for the day for planning and maintenance in addition to accomplishing daily observations.
Provide
Provide training to all staff with responsibility for conducting daily observation on recognizing physical and behavioral concerns, and, the established protocol within the facility for documenting and communicating with the attending veterinarian.
Monitor
Monitor appetite and diet consumption as potential early indicators of concern. Include weekly weight checks in the observation program.