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...]
Fly control essential to pinkeye prevention
Fall’s short days and cool nights combined with the grouping of cattle, increases the risk of pinkeye. Fly control is essential to reduce the risk of pinkeye, says A.J. Tarpoff, Kansas State University beef veterinarian. Effective fly control plans may include insecticide sprays, special ear tags or cattle rubs. “Flies work to cause pinkeye in two different ways,” he said. … [Read more...]
Screwworms in Florida after 30-year absence
Some of us have vivid memories of screwworm larvae burrowed into the flesh of livestock. A full-grown screwworm looks like any other fly. It is an insect small in size, dark, six-legged and compound-eyed. Its life cycle is quite different than other flies, however. A pregnant screwworm seeks out the bodies of much larger animals. Upon finding an open wound or other fleshy … [Read more...]
Raccoons pose roundworm threat
The roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis,) can be found anywhere raccoons live in the U.S. People, especially children, can be infected by it. Infection with Baylisascaris procyonis can have severe outcomes such as, blindness and death if not treated promptly. Source: Medical Research, September 12, 2016. Humans become infected with Baylisascaris procyonis by ingesting … [Read more...]
Tick warning from up north
Cooler weather is ahead or here. Veterinarians from Prince Edward Island reminded pet owners that fall is clearly still tick season. You should warn your clients, too! Source: CBC.ca (Canada), September 15, 2016, via AVMA SmartBrief. The cooler weather may have some pet owners thinking they can ease back on flea and tick treatments for their animals. But P.E.I. … [Read more...]
Sponsored Content – Videos help explain mosquito control and heartworm prevention
AHD sponsor CEVA created a video series in which parasitology experts discuss vector control and the multimodal approach to heartworm prevention. Presenters in the videos share results from studies by John McCall, MS, PhD, which examine the effects of topical repellent-insecticide plus oral heartworm preventive on development of heartworm disease. Videos like these are … [Read more...]
It’s a lousy time of year
Cooler weather brings a greater risk of lice. The USDA estimates that U.S. livestock producers lose $125 million each year to it. Protecting cattle includes understanding the life cycle of lice, recognizing the potential damage and using effective methods of control. If not controlled, a single adult female in September can result in approximately 1 million lice by … [Read more...]
Control feral hogs successfully
There’s more focus on wildlife control as we continue to encroach on remote areas. Much attention is given to elk, whitetail deer and other species. Yet, feral hogs are terribly invasive. They also pose a serious disease threat to domestic livestock operations, pets and people. A coordinated effort in Missouri seeks to eradicate feral hogs. New technology is promising … [Read more...]
Mosquitos and horse health from AQHA sponsors
The AQHA Daily health archive contains two articles about mosquitoes and West Nile virus provided by AQHA sponsors. Horse owners should read these. Animal health pros who interact with horse owners should be familiar with information like this. Source: AQHA Daily, July 2016. Equine west nile threat increases during peak mosquito season, July 31, 2016. What horse … [Read more...]
Anaplasmosis becoming more prevalent across the U.S.
Anaplasmosis, associated with the bacteria Anaplasma marginale, is a tick-vectored disease that can be spread by biting insects, such as flies and ticks, and mechanically from syringe needles. Infection occurs through blood transfer, primarily from ticks, which serve as the primary vector. The disease has spread from its traditional area in the Gulf coast into the Midwest and … [Read more...]