Dairies, kennels, catteries, swine operations, racetracks, feedyards, even backyard poultry coops, no matter how well-run, took an animal welfare hit when video footage of abuse at Fair Oaks Farms became public. Purdue University’s Candace Croney, PhD, is correct when she said, “. . . events like this can happen anywhere. What is most important is the response to them.” She … [Read more...]
Study explores DVM attitudes regarding euthanasia
Patricia Wuest summarizes a recent study that found 69 percent of veterinarian respondents said they had felt moderate to severe distress about not being able to give animals what they thought was the right care. Almost two-thirds were bothered by inappropriate requests for euthanasia. The study exposes animal health pros to the challenges of being the point of service for … [Read more...]
Opinion – virulent Newcastle disease in CA; lessons in contagious containment
An estimated 100,000 backyard chicken locations are at risk as Newcastle disease spreads in California. Efforts to educate owners have mostly failed. This has created the need to euthanize all chickens in entire neighborhoods to stop the spread of the disease. All of L.A. County and parts of San Bernardino and Riverside counties have been under quarantine for months . . . To … [Read more...]
The relationship between cattle and wildlife
Often, ranchers and environmentalists are at odds with each other; each having a set of conservationist viewpoints that don’t necessarily match up, writes Amanda Radke. She explains why ruminant animals and wildlife can co-exist and thrive in the same environment. Source: BEEF, May 31, 2019. Link. The agricultural community has much to gain by taking pride in our … [Read more...]
Porcupines can cause prickly problems for cows, horses
Heather Smith Thomas shares information about porcupines, discusses various quill removal myths and reveals the challenges of removing quills from cattle and horses. The best way to remove quills is to immobilize the animal while the quills are pulled out with needle-nosed pliers. A straight, quick jerk works best. - Robert Cope, DVM Source: Countryside Magazine, June 2, … [Read more...]
Understanding those chatty chickens
Chickens are extremely chatty. Most chicken owners will be able to identify certain calls, however the motivations behind some chicken noises is less clear. Tamsin Cooper helps decipher intention and emotion in chicken language. Source: Backyard Poultry, June 3, 2019. Link. Chickens are highly social beings. They rely on body language and vocal calls to communicate … [Read more...]
Anthrax, a risk in wet or dry conditions
Dr. Susan Keller reminds producers and veterinarians to remain vigilant and vaccinate cattle against anthrax, especially where the disease has occurred in the past. Spores of the bacteria Bacillus anthracis cause anthrax when consumed and they can survive in the soil for years. In both dry and wet conditions anthrax spores can be transported and become available for cattle to … [Read more...]
Synchronizing cows not as simple as a shot
Bethany Johnston and Aaron Berger explain the fundamentals of shortening the calving season using estrus synchronization. While simple in practice, producers need to remember that a number of factors affect pregnancy rate including cow body condition score, plane of nutrition, cattle health and bull fertility. Utilizing natural service with estrus synchronization requires … [Read more...]
Preweaning BRD is the leading cause of mortality in young calves
Presentations during the recent Academy of Veterinary Consultants meeting reviewed research with BRD-caused mortality in young calves. The mix of pathogens involved in preweaning BRD is similar to older calves. Diagnostics labs find Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, Histophilus somni, mycoplasma and coronavirus, usually in association with at least one other … [Read more...]
Bats are nature’s pest control
As we sat on the deck during a recent evening, bats from behind the neighbor’s chimney awoke to fly over the neighboring yards. After counting 36 of them, I stopped as they went about their insect control. Amanda Radke writes about the pros and stigmas concerning promoting bat populations for pest control. Source: BEEF, May 20, 2019. Link. Bats may have a negative … [Read more...]
Foreign animal diseases beyond ASF can wreak havoc
While ASF is currently getting all the attention, are other infectious agents could have similar economic effects and cripple the U.S. pork industry and exports, writes Attila Farkas, DVM. She discusses other diseases that have potential to hurt swine production in the U.S. Source: National Hog Farmer, May 28, 2019. Link. In modern day swine production, free trade … [Read more...]
Calf rescued from badger hole (includes ‘feel-good’ video)
In what he calls the most bizarre incident in his career, Brad Osadczuk, an Alberta, Canada, rancher rescued a calf that had fallen into a badger hole. The cow kept telling him something was wrong. Source: Drovers, May 21, 2019. Link. “She kept on going back to this spot. When you walk up, you couldn’t see anything. It just was prairie grass. I happened to walk up to a … [Read more...]
Get serious about kidding time
Goat popularity continues to rise. As people learn to raise them, it is inevitable they will experience kidding time. Durvet’s Kassie Miller assembled a goat kidding kit to help prepare for that magical phase. This is a good list to help goat raisers be prepared. Source: Durvet. Link. Advanced prepping and quick access ensures access will ensure you will have all the tools … [Read more...]
Backyard chickens have caused 21-state salmonella outbreaks
Fifty-two people in 21 states have contracted salmonella from backyard poultry according to the CDC. Five patients have been hospitalized and 28 percent of those sickened by these home-based chicks and ducklings are children under age 5. Don’t kiss your chickens! < link > Source: USA Today, May 17, 2019. Link. Epidemiologic and laboratory evidence indicate that contact … [Read more...]
Microbiome; it’s a bug eat bug world
“The microbiome is a collection of different microorganisms that we find in the intestinal tract of animals, and we know these microorganisms are essential to immune development,” says Christopher Chase, DVM. “Understanding how they interact with the gut, and particularly the epithelium of the gut, is really important.” In the last decade, research has shown the epithelial … [Read more...]
Lifetime value of clients helps determine marketing spend
What is the most you can spend to acquire a new client for your veterinary practice and still be profitable? If you do not know, you're not alone. I developed a formula that helps determine what you can afford to pay to gain a new client based on its lifetime value of to your practice. Calculate your number to eliminate any marketing efforts that aren't profitable. Source: … [Read more...]
Collegiate meat judging featured by Sports Illustrated
Comparing the core components to NCAA athletics, Mike Piellucci goes in-depth into the recruitment, rivalries, commitment, competitions and impact of this intercollegiate meat judging. The skill set of a champion meat judge is both eminently teachable and difficult to master: quick decision making, critical reasoning, self-assurance and, above all, the ability to quiet one’s … [Read more...]
May is National Beef Month
There’s plenty to appreciate when it comes to beef. It’s in the hamburger you cook on your grill, the gelatin that makes up the marshmallow you roast, the gum you chew, the medicines you take, the soap you wash with and in many other products. Beef and its by-products have an immense impact on our society and around the world. Source: Kansas Farm Food Connection. Link. . . . … [Read more...]
Trim chicken beaks, claws and spurs
Chickens’ spurs, toenails and beaks are made of keratin continually grow says Gail Damerow. Like dogs, chickens naturally wear down toenails and beaks unless their environment reduces the scratching and surface contact needed. Then its time to trim. The diagrams provided will be familiar to animal health pros, they simply feature chickens instead of dogs or cats. Source: … [Read more...]
Goats are cute, but they aren’t easy pets
Brian Barth wonders if 2019 will be the year that goats join dogs, cats and parrots in the pantheon of animals that have gone from wild to domesticated. Barbara Jamison, owner of Puget Sound Goat Rescue, shares goat husbandry requirements about this farm animal trying to become a pet. They include: Most importantly, you must adopt at least two. Herd animals are profoundly … [Read more...]
Rural infrastructures declining, negatively affecting agriculture (includes video)
Safe, efficient transportation methods are crucial to successful agriculture. Aging of roads, bridges, railroads, waterway technologies and ports challenges how we will move ag products around our country and the world. Natalina Sents investigates the decline in rural infrastructure and what can be done to fix it. Source: Successful Farming, May 6, 2019. Link. The … [Read more...]
3 top posts in April show diversity of interests by AHD users
Cranky cats, clinic access and dairy consolidation were hot topics last month. Take a look, or re-look, at the three posts that were the most read last month. Finicky feline eaters: born or made? Link. Multiple reasons prevent access to veterinary care Link. Consolidation continues as nearly 3,000 U.S. dairy farms closed in 2018. Link. INSIGHTS: We’ll look at what … [Read more...]
U.S – Mexican border cattle ranches dealing with tick fever, quarantine
Two closely related tick species, one called the cattle tick, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) annulatus, and another called the southern cattle tick, R. microplus are responsible for bovine babesiosis in border counties in Texas. A disease without a cure, tick fever is managed with strict quarantines. Fever ticks can carry parasites that infect and destroy the red blood cells of … [Read more...]
Poisonous plants for cattle, horses, dogs, cats
Spring brings a flowery green up but, plants toxic t0 our critters may lurk among the blooms. We compiled some resources for cattle, horses, dogs and cats below. Use them on social media and to solve problems with animal owners. Source: Plants toxic to cats, ASPCA. Link. Source: Plants toxic to dogs, ASPCA. Link. Source: Poisonous plants that can kill cattle, BEEF, … [Read more...]
Jan Pol, DVM on ‘What I Know Now’
At a young 76 years old, Jan Pol is the star of The Incredible Dr. Pol on Nat Geo Wild. The reality show is the channel’s number-one series and is now in its 14th season. Pol shares what he feels all creatures, even humans, need most. Source: AARP The Magazine, April/May 2019. Link. Nat Geo Wild has always been 100 percent dedicated to animals and the people who love them, … [Read more...]
Biosecurity beyond the farm is important
Kansas State University researchers are identifying if and how feed mill biosecurity could be involved with disease transmission. The efforts are important as U.S. swine producers brace for possible African swine fever challenges. Source: National Hog Farmer, April, 24, 2019. Link. A lot of what we have learned about how to assess biosecurity and personnel compliance has … [Read more...]
Spring can cause somatic cell counts to spike
The wet weather and warmer temperatures of spring provide the perfect opportunity for bacteria to breed and wreak havoc on milk quality, writes Taylor Leach. To stay ahead of a springtime somatic cell count spike; focus on cow comfort, cow cleanliness and precise milking protocols. Source: Dairy Herd Management, April 29, 2019. Link. Leach shares good reminders about cow … [Read more...]
Understanding sexlink hybrid chickens
Don Schrider delves into chicken breeds, crossbreeding and explains how sexlink chickens produce dependable gender offspring for retail locations to sell. He includes a good history of breeds and crossbreds to expand your chicken knowledge if you are unfamiliar with commercial or backyard chicken production. His information is useful for veterinary teams and retailers … [Read more...]
Depression among customers hurts us all
Production agriculture can be isolating. This tends to intensify feelings like grief, depression, anger, blame, resentment and a feeling of failure, writes Amanda Radke. She curated a series of articles on mental health issues with farmers and ranchers. Beyond our own issues with high veterinary suicide rates, some of our better customers are also hurting. Mental health issues … [Read more...]
Goat packing revisited
We first posted content about pack goats in September 2016. < link > Theresa Miller shares her experience with pack goats and discusses how they carry gear for camping, hunting and trail maintenance into the Rocky Mountains. Goats are well suited to the high country. Their surefooted nature makes them able to navigate steeper, rougher, and less-maintained trails than … [Read more...]