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Continue ReadingWho is C. chauvoei?
Weaning will be upon us sooner than expected. Are your calves ready? Are they protected from blackleg? All breeds of calves are susceptible to blackleg, not just black ones. Beef cattle have a slightly higher risk, do to heavier muscling. Clostridium chauvoei causes an emphysematous swelling in muscles, affecting cattle and sheep. Also referred to […]
Continue ReadingQ Fever
With a name like Q fever, you would expect this disease to be obscure and rare. In fact, it is found worldwide (except in New Zealand) and can be transmitted to many species in many ways. The name comes from “query” fever because the true cause of the disease was unknown for many years. It […]
Continue ReadingFoot 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 ReadingBovine 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 ReadingBiosecurity
Biosecurity is a very important aspect of any size operation, from a handful of chickens in the backyard to large commercial swine operations. The purpose of biosecurity is to prevent infectious diseases from coming into the herd or flock. There are many ways that disease can enter a premises. Bacteria and viruses can be […]
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