This has been an unprecedented year for hurricanes. A total of three Category 4 storms made landfall in the US. Hurricanes are rated using the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Category 4 hurricanes have sustained winds of 130 to 156 mph. While the scale can give you an idea of just how strong the storm is, Continue Reading
Foot and Mouth Disease
Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease of over 70 species of wild and domestic cloven-hoofed mammals. From the OIE Technical Disease Cards, the early signs include “vesicles on the tongue, dental pad, buccal mucosa, cheeks, gums, hard and soft palate, nostrils, muzzle, feet, corium of dewclaws, interdigital spaces, or teats”. Continue Reading
Pasteurization of Milk
In the Introduction to Raw Milk blog, we briefly touched on pasteurization. Here, we will cover the specifics of the process, and why it is a vital step in ensuring the safety of the foods you consume. Pasteurized foods can become contaminated after the process if they are not handled properly (including kept refrigerated).
Introduction to Raw Milk
There have been a few articles in the news recently involving cases of human illness from drinking raw (unpasteurized) milk or consuming dairy products made with unpasteurized milk. A few of the more common bacteria associated with raw milk are Listeria, Salmonella, E. coli, Q fever, and Campylobacter. Brucella is a less common, but severe Continue Reading
Bovine Vaccines
Cattle herds of all sizes benefit from the protection of herd immunity. This is achieved by annual vaccination of all animals against diseases that are prevalent in the area. It is especially important for any cattle that will be comingled with other herds, such as show calves or cattle that are grazed in open range Continue Reading
Let’s get Candid about Rancid
Have you ever tasted something that was rancid? Not fun! Chances are you have eaten something rancid and not known that rancidity was the cause. What about a stale tortilla chip? Ever had a chip that tasted okay but had an almost “soapy” overtone? That is also rancidity. Here we will discuss what rancidity is, Continue Reading