Diseases & Disorders

All Diseases & Disorders Content

Black beef cattle grazing forages in summer pasture.

High Nitrates and Pregnant Cows

Drought poses many challenges to the beef cow herd. When considering grazing pregnant females, it’s important to understand that grazing management is critical to avoid nitrate toxicity and potential abortions.

Tree Pest Alert

From seasonal issues and timely recommendations to disease diagnosis and expert advice, the Tree Pest Alert is a trusted resource for selecting, planting and caring for trees and shrubs all year round.

Wheat plants in a field showing viral symptomology of Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus.

Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus Confirmed in 2026

At the end of April, a winter wheat sample was submitted to the Plant Diagnostic Clinic displaying typical viral symptoms of chlorosis and streaking. Upon testing, this sample was determined to be positive for Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus.

Interior of a swine production facility.

Pseudorabies Detected in Iowa and Texas Swine Farms: Prevention Tips, Clinical Signs, and Testing

For the first time since being eradicated in the U.S. Commercial swine herd in 2004, pseudorabies (PRV) has been confirmed in herds in Iowa and Texas. Responsibility falls on everyone in the industry to ensure that this virus does not gain a foothold again.

External and internal ring rot symptoms on two potato samples.

Bacterial Ring Rot: Yet another devastating disease of potato

Ring rot is primarily a disease of stored tubers and seed potatoes, where it produces black or brown lines just below the surface of the potato.

Husband and wife preparing a healthy meal.

Chronic Disease

Chronic diseases and their consequences can often be prevented or managed effectively through medical management, behavioral change efforts, and sustained patient support.

a person holding a leaf that has yellow, brown and green streaking.

Bacterial Leaf Streak in Wheat Varieties Adapted to South Dakota

Research trial results for Bacterial Leaf Streak tolerance in winter and spring wheat varieties grown in a disease nursery near Volga, South Dakota.

Variety of pepper samples split open to reveal internal rot symptoms.

Pepper Internal Rot: Disease information and research updates

A new disease has been found in South Dakota pepper plants. While plants appear healthy and produce peppers that appear normal, many peppers will have a black mold growing inside. So, what’s going on with these plants?

South Dakota Pest Management Guides

The South Dakota Pest Management guides are now available for free. The guides offer recommendations for controlling weeds, insects, and diseases in a variety of South Dakota crops.

Left: Ponderosa pine tree growing on rangeland. Right: Long, skinny, green needles on Ponderosa pine branch.

Pine Needles: Another Possible Threat to Beef Cow Pregnancies

For at least the past 50 years, consumption of Ponderosa Pine tree needles (and those from a few other pine tree species) by pregnant cattle has been recognized as a cause of abortions during the last trimester (three months) of gestation.