A male longhorned tick is a rarity. Reproducing by parthenogenesis, females clone themselves laying hundreds of eggs and individually creating an entire population in any given area. Considered a pest, there is no evidence that Asian longhorned ticks transmit any infection to people or dogs here in the U.S. However, they can transmit disease to cattle, farm animals and … [Read more...]
Fly control. Getting the timing right
Drovers’ 2025 Fly Control eBook provides every animal health pro with up-to-date information on controlling these costly buzzing nuisances. Even suburban and city dwellers may find something actionable as they deal with flies in backyards feasting on dog feces or pestering backyard flocks. In the free eBook, leading entomologists and veterinarians share: 4 proven steps … [Read more...]
Dairy industry’s “efficient” calf feeding gospel is flawed logic and costly to future profits
This Bullvine article challenges long-held beliefs about early calf feeding and how changes to the approach in the first 60 days make a significant long-term gain in lifetime revenue. The audio discussion is helpful to understand the various benefits from the article. Modern genetics and strategic nutrition can cut feed costs by $251 per cow.” Source: The Bullvine, July 6, … [Read more...]
3 livestock skin concerns to watch for this summer
Maci Guay reminds us of the importance of monitoring skin conditions in cattle in this article, focusing on the effects the weather has on the cows’ skin. She zeroes in on a) photosensitization, noting the effect of toxic plants, b) rain rot and c) summer sores caused by parasitic worms transmitted by flies. Source: BEEF, July 10, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Rural versus well water: What’s the impact on nursery pig performance?
Pipestone researchers found striking differences between rural and well water when used in pig nurseries. The use of rural water resulted in better health outcomes and more efficient growth. Pigs on rural water showed a 5 percent higher full-value rate and had a mortality rate of just 2.3 percent, compared to a 6 percent mortality rate in the group on well water. Source: … [Read more...]
Mexican Border closed again, New World screwworm comes within 370 miles of the U.S.
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins shut down cattle, bison and equine trade at the U.S. Mexico border due to new northward detection of the New World screwworm in Mexico. Source: Bovine Veterinarian, July 10, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
2025 World Hereford Conference to convene in Kansas City, MO
The Kansas City Marriott Downtown is the host hotel for the World Hereford Conference, October 22 – 26, 2025. Registration will close on September 1, 2025. This global event will bring together Hereford enthusiasts, breeders and industry leaders from across the world. Source: Hereford Headlines, July 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Staph. aureus increasingly responsible for subclinical mastitis
Justine Britten, PhD, said she is surprised that veterinarians and consultants don’t know that Staphylococcus aureus is present in at least one cow on every dairy during a recent “Have You Herd” podcast <Link>. The bacterium is responsible for subclinical mastitis. Britten recommends a monthly bulk tank culture as the bare minimum a dairy can do to monitor Staph. aureus … [Read more...]
Stop PI calves before they start: 2 key tips
Commentary and Sponsored Content PI calves are animals that become infected with bovine viral diarrhea virus in utero. For more than 40 years, our industry has worked to reduce or eliminate BVDV. Wayne Bechtel’s article shared here is a stark reminder that animal health pros must keep working to educate every producer on the importance of biosecurity and proper … [Read more...]
Day-old calf nonnegotiables
We know colostrum is the key to healthy calves and quality makes a difference. Kimberly Egan and Catherine Thrasher stress the importance of nonnegotiable protocols essential for ensuring effective colostrum handling and for getting calves off to a healthy start. They share their top five non-negotiables in this article: Follow proper cleaning and drying protocols … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – July 10, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, July 3, 2025. Link. Most read posts from July 3, 2025 AHD Bulletin – WOAH, invest in vaccines to defend against growing disease threats. Link. Redesigned Secure Beef Supply website, new biosecurity resources. Link. 13 plants that gardening experts say repel mosquitoes. Link. New York judge says a … [Read more...]
New video series targets foreign animal disease preparedness (video)
A new video series from the University of Vermont covers important topics for farm producers and industry allies about foreign animal disease preparedness and response. The 11 animated videos cover topics that are important for anyone involved in animal agriculture to understand. They combine science-based knowledge about disease spread with practical answers on how to … [Read more...]
Redesigned Secure Beef Supply website offers new biosecurity resources
Users can now easily access more than 100 resources, including enhanced and daily biosecurity tools, at https://www.securebeef.org/. Grants have supported the development of new educational materials, including bilingual handouts (English and Spanish) and engaging training videos. Source: BEEF, June 20, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Rethinking calf transport for better health and growth
The decisions made before, during and after transport can have serious impacts on calf health, growth and long-term productivity, explained David Renaud, DVM, PhD, during a MSU Extension webinar. Sharing study results, he asserts producers should look at transportation as a management tool, not a necessary evil. Renaud’s tips for setting calves up for transport success … [Read more...]
Hey doc, the vaccine didn’t work
For more than 30 years, Chris Chase, DVM, MS, PhD, has talked about the difference between vaccination (administering the vaccine) and immunization (developing an immune response). His explanations in this article emphasize a strategic vaccination plan that considers the animal, not the calendar, is still crystal clear. Source: Progressive Dairy, June 19, 2025. Link. Most … [Read more...]
Walmart opens new beef-packing facility in greater Kansas City area
The first Walmart-owned and operated case-ready beef facility in Olathe, Kansas, promises 600 jobs in the KC Corridor. Angus cuts will be packaged at the facility and distributed across 14 surrounding states. During the grand opening celebration, the Walmart Foundation presented $90,000 in grants to local nonprofit organizations making differences in their … [Read more...]
Novel milking speed trait is highly heritable
Commentary While the economics and science are apparent, I can’t help but chuckle at the thought of a discussion about speed milking. The whole topic, albeit valid seems parallel to what makes NASCAR cars winners. The pit stop will be different, though. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, June 23, 2025. Link. Image: Link. … [Read more...]
New World screwworm update and swine perspective
Ann Hess shares an update and perspectives on the advancing risk of the New World screwworm and where the risks exist for swine in the U.S. She includes how the changes in the Darien Gap increase risks. The Darien Gap has served as a biological barrier for keeping New World screwworm away from our border. Source: National Hog Farmer, June 13, 2025. Link. Fly control will be … [Read more...]
Keeping cows cool
We enjoyed the positive responses to last week’s post “Making dairy herds in the shade” <Link>. Recent studies show shade is important for growing beef cattle comfort and efficiency <Link>. Articles like this are reminders of the health and economic benefits of providing shade for cattle as temperatures move above 70°F. Because of that feedback, we’re repeating … [Read more...]
Calf vaccinations: You won’t find all the answers in a bottle
What a great title for Michigan State University veterinarian Angel Abuelo’s presentation he shared during the Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference on February 6th and 7th in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. Bev Berens shared information Abuelo reviewed, including immunology basics, passive immunity and vaccinating cows, vaccinating calves and vaccination programs. The article is a … [Read more...]
Tips for smaller cow-calf operations to optimize profit and build market appeal
Includes AHD Sponsor information A January AHD post shared that 79 percent of farms with beef cows have 49 or fewer cows <Link>. For smaller cow-calf operations, committing to profitability and understanding the market buyer’s needs is key to garnering increased interest in their calves, writes Bruce Derkson. He emphasizes that profit must be the number one goal if a … [Read more...]
Avoid confusion about pinkeye in cattle
Sponsor Content with Commentary If one reads three or more of the articles* recently published about infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis or, pinkeye in cattle, they may be confused about a) what conditions predispose calves to infection(s), b) what vector(s) are responsible for disease transfer and c) what bacteria cause pinkeye infections or may be present as cofactors … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – June 19, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, June 12, 2025. Link. Most read posts from June 12, 2025 AHD Bulletin – Forbes, Can the veterinary industry help with the rising cost of care? Link. A crate training discussion. Cruel or kind? Link. Logic, emotions and decisions. Link. Cattle technology trends that continue to push boundaries. … [Read more...]
Cattle technology trends that continue to push boundaries
Cattle producers are interested in technologies that improve efficiency, reduce labor and provide useful data. Beyond the normal optimism and skepticism, new high-tech tools must be practical, user-friendly and offer a solid return on investment before cattle producers invest. Bruce Derksen reviews six cattle technology trends in this article. Source: BEEF, April 22, … [Read more...]
Study: Seasonal effects on preweaned calves
The research shared in this article is relevant beyond the dairy calf environment in the southeastern U.S. While not the seasonal affective disorder we know effects our own health, weather metrics have a definite impact on calf growth, performance and wellness. Summarizing, Al Kertz, Ph. D., DIPL. ACAN, says, consistency in nutrition, feeding and management is critical for … [Read more...]
Dairy herds are made in the shade!
Research shows that dry cows and bred heifers are just as vulnerable to heat stress, even if the signs are less visible. When a dry cow or bred heifer experiences heat stress, her unborn calf does too writes Taylor Leach who shares the long term effects of heat stress on the dairy herd. Source: Bovine Practitioner, June 2, 2025. Link. While the lactating herd often gets the … [Read more...]
OSU researchers: Asian longhorned tick that can be deadly for cattle
As the Asian longhorned tick moves into new regions, researchers express concerns because ALTs can transmit a protozoan pathogen known as Theileria orientalis, specifically the Ikeda genotype. T. orientalis has similar clinical signs to anaplasmosis but impacts young animals instead of older animals. The Asian Long-horned tick is a three-host tick and reproduces through … [Read more...]
Does it pay to castrate, wean and vaccinate?
Includes Sponsor Content Studying the USDA Market News reports, Andrew Griffith, PhD, says it is clear that a good number of producers still find it easier to sell bull calves instead of castrating them prior to selling them. He shares the economics of selling calves straight off the cow versus after preconditioning and applying management protocols in this article. During … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – June 12, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, June 5, 2025. Link. Most read posts from June 5 2025 AHD Bulletin – Strategies for culling cows this year. Link. Orange cats, freak of nature? Link. Plain speak. Link. AVMA’s New World screwworm resource for veterinarians. Link. DocTalk . . . Embryos and reproductive technologies. Link. … [Read more...]
AVMA develops New World screwworm resource for veterinarians
New World screwworm is a serious cause for concern. AVMA’s New World screwworm webpage delivers the key information veterinary teams need to stay ahead of this emerging threat. Veterinary teams will play a critical role in frontline defenses. The situation calls for vigilance and immediate response. Source: AVMA@Work, June 3, 3025. Link. … [Read more...]