Successful parasite management is essential to maintaining a healthy goat herd. While parasites are naturally present in most goats, they become disruptive to health and productivity in large quantities. Goat owners can prevent parasitism by keeping a clean environment and frequently rotating pastures. Working with a veterinarian to analyze fecal samples, deworming strategies … [Read more...]
Unique research collaboration studies immunity in feedyards
The labels have always read, “for the vaccination of healthy animals” but based on convenience, tradition and a perception of urgency, feedyards often vaccinate calves with modified live virus (MLV) vaccines upon arrival, after they’ve been weaned, commingled, loaded, shipped, shrunk and stressed. Delayed viral vaccination, along with use of an immunostimulant, could help … [Read more...]
Texas expands fever tick quarantine zone
Fever ticks carry Babesia protozoa, which cause cattle fever. It is characterized by acute anemia, high fever, and enlargement of the spleen and liver, ultimately causing death for many infected cattle. Last summer, animal health officials confirmed that the fever ticks, which can carry the protozoa Babesia bovis or B. bigemina, have spread outside the permanent quarantine area … [Read more...]
Respiratory disease part of cold weather aftermath
Cold temperatures often bring an increase in sick calves. There are physiologic reasons why it increases the risk of respiratory disease. This should prompt caretakers to further tune in more to the health of their calves. Early detection and treatment is important to calves’ immediate health as well as to long-term production. Source: Dairy Herd Management, January 14, … [Read more...]
Producers turning to vaccines, biosecurity
A Brakke study conducted among beef, dairy, swine and poultry producers in late 2016 found that vaccination protocols and improved sanitation were the top two strategies for 70 percent or more of all producers in response to the loss of shared use antibiotics. Source: WattAgNet.com, January 12, 2017, (partial access). The study found that, among the changes in feed … [Read more...]
NYC cat-astrophe – 100’s of cats quarantined
A rare strain of bird flu has flown through New York City’s animal shelters. So far, 500 cats have been quarantined and 386 of the them have tested positive for the H7N2 virus — the first time the disease has even been found in cats, officials said. Source: New York Post, January 12, 2017. Collecting cats from shelters in all corners of the city, city officials have locked … [Read more...]
Manage to minimize lameness
Marcia Endres, dairy specialist at the University of Minnesota, acknowledges lameness will never fully be eliminated from dairy herds, but producers need to be proactive to reduce its incidence. Review this article and discuss it with producers during on-farm calls or planning meetings. Studies referenced show dairy farmers only identify about 25 percent of lameness. Source: … [Read more...]
Cornell University launches vector-borne disease center
To better understand, prevent and treat diseases passed from insects to people, the Cornell University-led Northeast Regional Center for Excellence in Vector Borne Diseases will launch later this month, thanks to a $10 million grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Source: Bovine Veterinarian, January 11, 2017. The center will have six applied research … [Read more...]
Start 2017 safe
Evaluating existing practices often kicks off the new year for animal health pros. Safety training for veterinary practice employees, as well as retail, distributor and manufacturer personnel is essential to reduce risks to ourselves and customers. AAHA has a resource for safety meetings. Source: AAHA Red, January 13, 2017. Regular safety meetings provide an opportunity to … [Read more...]
Pig producers are VFD ready
In a survey conducted by the National Pork Board in November, 95 percent of pig farmers surveyed said that they were ready to be fully compliant by the time the rules took effect on Jan. 1, 2017. Source: National Hog Farmer, January 9, 2017. Jan Archer, NPB president and a pig farmer from Goldsboro, N.C. noted a key hurdle in complying with new FDA rules is ensuring that … [Read more...]
Monthly preventives are not 100-percent effective on worms
Richard Gerhold, veterinary parasitologist, sets the record straight about monthly preventive medications and the possibility of pets still picking up parasites. He discusses a case where a dog picked up hookworms, even though the client was believed to be compliant on a monthly preventive regimen. Source: DVM360, January 3, 2017. The preventive effectiveness and the … [Read more...]
Embrace dentistry
There’s no shortage of dental opportunities says one veterinarian. "The incidence of dental disease is 100 percent in cats and dogs," says Dr. Dave Nicol, BVMS, Cert. Mgmt. MRCVS. Matthew Lemmons, DVM, DAVDC, agrees. “Veterinary dentistry is almost an instant gratification for our patients.” Each veterinarian makes the case for pet dentistry in these two … [Read more...]
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria found on sow farm
In early December, a research team from The Ohio State University announced that they had discovered the first transmissible carbapenem-resistant enterobactericeae in U.S. livestock on a farrow-to-finish operation. This discovery is a stark reminder of the importance of having the veterinary-client-patient relationship in order as the deadline for the VFD implementation looms … [Read more...]
Veterinary well-being focus of summit
Educators, students and veterinary practitioners focused on veterinary well-being at the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges Veterinary Health and Wellness Summit at Colorado State University last month. Michele Gaspar, DVM, DABVP, MA, LPC, a feline veterinarian, licensed counselor and former chaplain, challenged school administrators to consider how they may … [Read more...]
Microbiome may hold key to antibiotic alternatives
Microbiome describes the community of microorganisms that live on the skin and mucosal surfaces of animals. Kansas State University researchers are studying the microbiome in a PRRS-endemic swineherd. As our industry seeks new alternatives to antibiotics, the microbiome holds potential for discovery. The gut microbiome houses the majority of these microorganisms and is critical … [Read more...]
Verify clostridia before implementing prevention strategies
Sheila McGuirk, University of Wisconsin emeritus professor of veterinary medicine discussed clostridial disease during a recent Dairy Girl Network winter calf webinar. She explained that clostridial disease in calves almost always is caused by an overgrowth of Clostridium perfringens. She said calves sometimes die even before they develop diarrhea. If diarrhea does break, it … [Read more...]
Blood test basics video
One of my best veterinary hospital experiences included the use of an educational video. In an AVMA video, Dr. Joyce Ashamalla covers the basics of why blood tests are needed and what they help find. Source: AVMA SmartBrief, December 1, 2016. … [Read more...]
VFD, the law every DVM needs to know
The title,“VFD: The law every food doc needs to know,” is true. But, many suburban veterinarians will be affected by this law thanks to the many acreages and the increasing popularity of goats. Even beekeepers are subject to VFD regulations. Source: DVM 360, November 2016, page 18. The new regulations go into effect on January 1, 2017. INSIGHTS: The scramble to be … [Read more...]
6 holiday horse care tips
The busy holiday season and winter’s short days directs much of our attention to families, friends and work. Remember the horses are not “out to pasture” and need winter care. Source: Ride with Equo, November 18, 2016. Equo shares various horse care tips to follow for this holiday season to successfully look out for horses in the busiest time of the year: Find time to … [Read more...]
High-tech horseshoes are here
It’s a new world in horseshoes as new materials and methods address hoof and lameness problems. Nail-free, glue-on, shock-absorbing padding, synthetics and the newest nail materials are reviewed by Elaine Pascoe. Source: Practical Horseman, December 2016, page 46. … [Read more...]
Lentivirus update for small ruminants
Caprine arthritis encephalitis virus (CAEV) is probably the most talked about and contentious disease of goats. CAEV is a lentivirus, in the same family as the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which infects goats and sheep. Once infected, the goat remains infected for its lifetime and be a carrier even if it is not sick. Source: HoofPrint, Fall 2014. CAEV has five major … [Read more...]
BQA injection guidelines reviewed
As the cattle industry scurries to get the paper trails in place for the upcoming VFD requirements, it is a good time to review the importance of proper injection site practices for vaccines, vitamins, minerals, injectable antibiotics and NSAIDs. This article will make good content for blogs, newsletters and websites. Source: Beef, November 2016. Be systematic about how you … [Read more...]
Volunteers help monitor foreign animal diseases
Risk management is a critical element of swine production. Kevin Schulz reviews the work and challenges of managing and prioritizing the Swine Disease Matrix that provides a global view of swine pathogens. The matrix is a result of work from the newly formed Swine Health Information Center’s volunteers who comprise the Swine Health Monitoring and Analysis Working … [Read more...]
Keep pets safe this Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a week from today. It’s a great holiday, but it can also present hazards for pets. AVMA offers home, party and travel advice that’s ready to go in clinic counter material, blogs and newsletters. Source: AVMA. Holiday food needs to be kept away from pets, and pet owners who travel need to either transport their pets safely or find safe accommodations for them … [Read more...]
Prep older horses for winter
Fall will soon turn into winter. Horses older than 15 years need special attention to prepare them for the cold months. Prevention is the focus of these tips. Source: Equus, November 15, 2015. Here are five ways to make sure aged horses are ready for the cold weather months: Establish a healthy body weight Have his teeth checked Address his arthritis Ensure … [Read more...]
Just add water, plenty of it
Cattle need adequate water in winter to process additional feed that keeps them warm during winter. This article is a good topic to help gin up lively discussions. Source: Beef, October 31, 2016. 'In winter, we often don’t think about water requirements for cattle, but the body’s demand for water is important whether it’s hot or cold,' says Terry Mader, Mader Consulting, … [Read more...]
New insight into Senecavirus in swine
A recent study of Senecavirus A offers valuable new insights into this disease pathogen that affects the U.S. pork industry. The study finds tonsil tissue is one primary target. The researchers found virus shedding between days 1 to 28 post-inoculation in oral and nasal secretions and feces. Source: The Pig Site, November 10, 2016. 'We have shown that SVA has a predilection … [Read more...]
Winter brings lousy conditions, literally
“Lice are the forgotten winter parasite,” Jerry Bertoldo said. “They tend to ‘bloom’ during the initial surge of cold weather. Lice will be more obvious after calves are weaned, although their exposure may have happened as early as the calving pen,” he said. Source: Dairy Herd Management, November 10, 2016. Bertoldo said visual diagnosis of lice is challenging because they … [Read more...]
Behavior drugs, nothing to fear
Veterinary teams are slowly getting over their concerns about using behavior drugs. The debate about animal anxiety continues but, “it should have been dead decades ago,” says Nicholas H. Dodman, BVMS, Dipl. ACVA, Dipl. ACVB. Client acceptance is stronger now as more humans use anti-anxiety and depression medications. Source: Veterinary Practice News, November 8, … [Read more...]
It’s the fans — no pun intended
Ventilation is a critical component to the health of a swine herd. As veterinarians and representatives working with swine productions personnel, consider the importance of discussing ventilation and filtration as part of the herd health strategies. Source: National Hog Farmer, September 23, 2016. Barry Kerkaert, veterinarian with Pipestone Veterinary Services in Minnesota, … [Read more...]