Animal health
Much of the West, Southwest and upper Midwest could use more moisture. Beef and dairy producers and their veterinarians might want to do some contingency planning for what’s shaping up to be a dry spring.
K-State beef systems specialist researching the effects on stocker cattle performance.
Hans Coetzee’s work has been instrumental in clearing the way for the first regulatory approval of livestock analgesics, or pain relief medicine, that have eased the pain of millions of animals.
Learning why and how some calves navigate life challenges better than others can provide clues into how to support individual animals to achieve better welfare and performance, particularly with the aid of precision livestock technologies.
In the world of dairy farming, maximizing milk quality and cow comfort is paramount. Dr. Andy Johnson, famously known as ‘The Udder Doctor,’ has been at the forefront of this mission. With experience ranging from small farms with 20 cows to large-scale operations with 22,000 cows, Dr. Johnson’s insights have reached dairies across 30 countries and 47 states.
The current One Health crisis brought about by the challenge of viral diseases and the need to improve the level of biosecurity practiced across species has spurred the AVMA to take a big step forward to protect animals.
USDA APHIS announced protocols to ensure safe movement of animals while mitigating the threat of New World Screwworm.
Toothless guidelines, inadequate testing and long delays in releasing data -- echoes of the missteps during the Covid-19 pandemic -- have squandered opportunities for containing the outbreak.
Sec. Mike Naig says the U.S. government is using what he describes as a three-legged stool approach to address the virus in the dairy and poultry industries.
Cold, snow, wind, and more – winter in the northern climates brings extra challenges for dairies and their animals.
Topics include genetic modifications in livestock, yield grades and a beef industry economic outlook.
One recipient is a dual-degree veterinary student at the University of Minnesota, pursuing both a doctorate in veterinary medicine and a doctorate in population medicine.
Outgoing USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack sent a letter to Mexico’s Secretary of Agriculture acknowledging the progress made in reopening cattle trade between the two countries following the detection of New World Screwworm, but says more action is needed to resume trade.
While rare in most cowherds, retained placentas jeopardize reproductive efficiency and can rob operations of profit potential.
The increased use of aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) to treat pyrexia and pain in dairy cattle infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 prompted FDA to issue a warning to producers and veterinarians in October.
The report echoes calls by other scientists to ramp up the surveillance of felines, which are susceptible to the virus and have a high mortality rate. The AVMA says several cases in cats linked to poultry or wild bird exposure had been reported before the outbreak began in dairy cows last spring.
The pest can travel on humans, vehicles, pets, livestock and even on some wildlife species — all of which increase the likelihood it could eventually enter our country.
Any existing herd health problems are amplified by HPAI H5N1, practitioners report. Some are asking regulatory agencies for more consistent testing and reporting protocols. They are also encouraging producers to invest dollars in better nutrition and cow comfort resources.
Scientists are ringing bells of warning about this virus, telling us to take action now. I hope we’re listening.
The CR includes nearly $110 billion in disaster and farmer aid, which includes $10 billion in farmer aid and $21 billion ag disaster aid. $2 billion of that disaster aid is specifically for livestock producers. The measure also includes a one-year extension of the 2018 Farm Bill.
Nearly half of all farmworkers are undocumented, and industries such as dairy and meatpacking plants are especially vulnerable to labor shortages.
Here are five ways to help producers think through and process the decision to remove an animal from the herd.
NCBA Policy director urges cattle producers to be diligent and watch for New World screwworm flies.
Vigilance with vaccination protocols and calf management can help prevent BRD on the dairy.
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USDA approves funding to bolster efforts to prevent further spread through surveillance, animal health checkpoints and domestic preparedness.
Strategically planning a dairy cow’s transition out of the herd can maximize meat quality, carcass yield, and overall profitability.
The annual award, sponsored by Zoetis, recognizes outstanding achievements by a veterinarian in beef-cattle medicine.
Two weeks after the pest was detected in a Mexican cow, U.S. officials remain focused on the health and wellness of U.S. livestock.
The program is open to association members who graduated between 2017-24. The event is set for Feb. 14-15 in Norman, Okla.