DISEASES OF ANIMAL SYSTEMS: RESPIRATORY DISEASES OF ANIMALS - 2019/0

Module code: MMVM008

Module Overview

Infectious respiratory diseases are a major animal welfare concern, in a diverse variety of animals ranging from companion, to farm animals. For example, respiratory disease in cattle is estimated, conservatively, to cost the UK industry £60 million annually, causing weight loss, and mortality. Some of these diseases are associated with a single aetiological agent, yet others are the result of a complex interaction between various infectious agents (bacterial, viral or both), the environment, and the immunological status of the individual animal. The aim of this module is to provide you with an in-depth understanding of these important infectious diseases in terms of the nature of the pathogens that cause them, the mechanisms of pathogenesis and the control measures that can be put in place to control them.


Module provider

School of Veterinary Medicine

Module Leader

SELEMETAS Nick (Biosc & Med)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 7

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Overall student workload

Independent Learning Hours: 120

Lecture Hours: 25

Laboratory Hours: 2

Practical/Performance Hours: 3

Module Availability

Semester 2

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

N/A

Module content

Indicative content includes:



Comparative anatomy of the respiratory tract



Anatomy of the respiratory tract



Chlamydia/Chlamydophila: an obligate intracellular parasite - diversity of hosts and symptoms     



Classic respiratory bacterial pathogens  Moraxellas  



Classic respiratory bacterial pathogens Burkholderia,  Pseudomonas         



Respiratory viruses Bovine respiratory syncytial virus         



Streptococcus equi    



The Mycoplasmas     



Avian Influenza Virus 



Parasitic pneumonia Dictyocaulus vivparus/filarial & other lung worms (e.g. Angiostrongylus vasorum    



Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus      



Bacillus anthracis-special topic of bioterrorism         



Herpesviruses (IBR and EHV 1 / EHV4 )      



Distemper virus          



Newcastle disease virus        



Multi-agent concept of respiratory disease (e.g. bacterial infection as sequel) e.g. Colisepticaemia/ shipping fever/ kennel cough or rhinitis atrophicans 


Assessment pattern

Assessment type Unit of assessment Weighting
Coursework RAPID REPORT & SHORT PRESENTATION 20
Coursework WRITTEN REPORT (1000 WORDS) 20
Coursework FINAL PRESENTATION 60

Alternative Assessment

N/A

Assessment Strategy

Coursework   comprising:



(i) Two “Rapid Reports”, 1000 words each in which each student will present a written report on a specific topic and present a 5 min overview of the report using no more than five p.p.t. slides and accompanying notes (40%) and



(ii) a major presentation in which each student will select from a ‘hot topics list’ a subject for study and development of a detailed presentation in the form of no more than 12 p.p.t. data slides to be presented verbally and as a paper copy with hand out notes appended (60%) (submission deadlines as timetabled). 



Students will receive verbal feedback during each lecture – this is achieved by the Lecturers asking questions and assessing student responses and input into discussions. The lecturer will then highlight areas of confusion or provide clarity where necessary. Individual one-to-one discussions are also possible with this small group of students. 


Module aims

  • To provide an in-depth understanding of infectious diseases of the respiratory system of animals (nature of the different causative agents, symptoms, detection, treatment and control)
  • To provide an in-depth understanding of the mechanisms of pathogenesis of diseases unique to the respiratory system in animals and with special reference to control measures that can limit their spread. 

Learning outcomes

Attributes Developed
1 Demonstrate a detailed understanding of the main infectious agents of the respiratory system of animals and their mechanisms of pathogenesis. K
2 Demonstrate a detailed understanding of the respiratory system as a niche and the impact of health status on infection. K
3 Discuss how infectious agents are adapted to this niche and cause the pathology that is induced. K
4 Evaluate methods of disease transmission also with reference to humans (zoonoses). K
5 Consider the role and limitations of diagnostics and reference laboratory activity in the description and control of respiratory system related diseases. K
6 Evaluate options, mechanisms and biological limitations for the control of infectious agents in this niche K
7 Evaluate considerations relating pathogen and niche C
8 Evaluate considerations relating to diagnosis and control C
9 Work independently demonstrating initiative, self-organisation and time management T
10 Communicate effectively orally and in written work T
11 Participate in group discussions and on group assignments T
12 Investigate and analyse problems T

Attributes Developed

C - Cognitive/analytical

K - Subject knowledge

T - Transferable skills

P - Professional/Practical skills

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:



Develop Cognitive Skills:



  Evaluate considerations relating pathogen and niche



  Evaluate considerations relating to diagnosis and control



Develop Key / Transferable skills:



 Work independently demonstrating initiative, self-organisation and time management



 Communicate effectively orally and in written work



 Participate in group discussions and in group assignments



 Investigate and analyse problems



The learning and teaching methods include:



•           Lectures from University staff



•           Lectures from external experts



•           Group presentations by student



•           Practical elements/Lab classes 


Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: MMVM008

Programmes this module appears in

Programme Semester Classification Qualifying conditions
Veterinary Microbiology MSc 2 Compulsory A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2019/0 academic year.