r-------------{ Environment (Disease) Fig. 1. A schematic presentation of the interplay between the external environment, pathogen and animal, which influences resistance to infectious disease. Disturbance in equilibrium results in infection and disease skin and the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. These tissues are in contact with the environment, and direct injury to them facilitate entry of pathogenic microorganisms through these important natural barriers. Sunburn and frostbite are examples of such adverse effects. Climatic factors such as heat and cold may also act as physiological stress factors which affect the specific and non-specific responses of the body to infection. 1.1.2 Pathogen Survival Climatic factors may affect dispersal, spread and survival of pathogenic micro­ organisms in the environment. This is also true for arthropod vectors such as mosquitos and ticks (Smith 1970; Ferguson and Branagan 1972). The density of the animal population is an important factor determining the concentration of patho­ gens in the environment. Population density can be influenced by weather condi­ tions, as animals respond to heat and cold by typical changes in behaviour. For example, in cold weather they tend to huddle together. This behaviour results in increased population density, which in turn involves an increased risk of the spread of airborne infections.

Inhalt

Human Melanoma and Ultraviolet Radiation.- 1 Introduction.- 2 Melanoma and Solar Ultraviolet Radiation.- 3 The Ozone Layer Problem and Melanoma.- 4 Artificial Sources of Ultraviolet Radiation and Melanoma.- 5 Conclusions.- References.- Maintaining Health of Farm Animals in Adverse Environments.- 1 Introduction.- 2 Field Observations.- 3 Experimental Observations.- 4 Survival of Airborne Microorganisms.- 5 Host Defence..- 6 General Discussion and Conclusions.- References.- Thermoelectric Methods for Measurement of Sap Flow in Plants.- 1 Introduction.- 2 Theory.- 3 Calibration or Verification of the Methods.- 4 Application of the Methods in Research Studies.- 5 Conclusions.- References.- Laser Remote Sensing of Vegetation.- 1 Introduction.- 2 Remote Laser Spectrofluorometry of Vegetation.- 3 Laser Remote Sensing of the Geometrical Structure of the Plant Canopy.- 4 Conclusions.- References.- Global Monitoring of Forests with Radar.- 1 Introduction.- 2 Radar Systems.- 3 Forestry Studies.- References.