In our last podcast, we introduced our listeners to the basics of farmed Pacific white shrimp. But, with any commercial livestock operation comes increased risk of disease. The first disease we discussed was infectious hypodermal and haematopoietic necrosis virus (IHHNV). First reported this year, IHHNV was not the first shrimp FAD to occur in the […]
Continue ReadingThe Other Side of an FAD
When we discuss foreign animal diseases, we usually think of mammals, with the occasional bird outbreak. But, in the field of veterinary medicine, we treat all species. Texas has extremely varied geographic terrain, allowing many different species to call this home. Farmed Pacific white shrimp offers a sustainable source of fresh shrimp to many areas […]
Continue ReadingBugs for Breakfast?
We are at the peak of summer equine activities: fairs, rodeos, trail rides, weekend ropings. Unfortunately, many horse owners elect to stay home to protect their horses. Vesicular stomatitis virus is sweeping across the western United States. According to the USDA Situation Report, 209 premises have been identified across 4 states. If you live in […]
Continue ReadingAnthrax
If you prefer to listen to podcasts, feel free to play the audio version of this blog by clicking on the player above. Podcast: AnthraxLength: 4:22 minutesWritten and read by the author
Continue ReadingVaccinating the Un-Vaccinatable
Imagine a story. Earth’s population faces extinction from a predator that takes no prisoners. Every fortress invaded; the population dies… to the last individual. No survivors, no mercy, and no solution. Then an outsider steps forth from obscurity with a gift providing hope. Sounds like a great novel doesn’t it? In some ways, the story […]
Continue ReadingTo Pet or to Fret
I love capers! When I see these tasty little delicacies included in the description of a savory dish, my mouth is already watering. Being a native Californian, I also have a love for all things avocado. In my experience whether it is a pickled flower bud or a green protein- and potassium-rich single-seeded berry, they […]
Continue ReadingOptional Goat Vaccines
One of my all-time favorite TV shows is Frasier from the ’90s. In one episode, Frasier’s brother Niles reminds us of the axiom, “Less is more,” to which Frasier quips, “Yes but if ‘less is more,’ think how much more, more would be!” In our last podcast, we discussed the importance of rabies vaccines in […]
Continue ReadingWhy Should I Vaccinate My Goat for Rabies?
Have you been recommended to have your goat vaccinated for rabies? Perhaps you don’t have a goat but own other livestock or even pets. Have you wondered if rabies vaccines are just a bit silly in today’s age? After all, where are these rabid goat herds? Could this all be a money scam? Nearly into […]
Continue ReadingWhy Being the Most Powerful Can Be a Weakness
“Thou shouldst say regarding him: ‘One having a gaping wound in his head penetrating to the bone, perforating the sutures of his skull; he has developed ‘ty,’ his mouth is bound, (and) he suffers from stiffness in his neck. An ailment not to be treated.’” This is an excerpt from the oldest known surgical treatise […]
Continue ReadingFoot Rot Prevention
It has been raining here for almost 36 hours. This has been one of the wettest fall/winter seasons in recent years. While good news for pasture regrowth, any livestock in confinement are at risk of foot rot. Similar to thrush or white line disease in horses, foot rot in ruminants results from a wet environment […]
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