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Animal Health

All Animal Health Content

A black angus calf grazing in a green pasture.

Calf Implants: Use/Don’t Use At Grass Time?

While the performance benefits of implanting calves through the suckling phase is well documented, many cattlemen choose not to employ this management practice in their operations.

Three photos of blister beetles. The first is a black colored blister beetle on a purple flower. The second is a gray colored blister beetle on yellow flowers. The third is an orange-brown colored blister beetle feeding on a green leaf.

Check Alfalfa for Blister Beetle Activity

Blister beetles are becoming more common as we progress through the growing season. Recently, there have been multiple reports of blister beetles showing up in alfalfa fields.

Entrance to the Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory at South Dakota State University.

How Would Veterinary Diagnostic Labs Test for African Swine Fever?

What would African Swine Fever testing look like through the lens of our veterinary diagnostic laboratories? Interestingly, we know exactly what it looks like, because it’s already being done at sites such as the Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory at South Dakota State University.

An aerial view of a dairy operation.

Dealing With Heat Stress in Dairy Cows

Alleviating heat stress is critical to milk production. Heat stress from high environmental temperatures can be compounded by mistakes in managing and feeding cows. Water is your first concern during periods of high temperatures.

A dog in the cab of a pickup truck as rain falls.

Preparing to Keep Pets Safe and Healthy During Flood Conditions

As is the case with providing for the care of livestock and other large animals during flooding, a little forward planning for the care of pets can really pay off when considering the disruptions that spring flooding can bring.

Two young swine drinking water in a wean-to-finish facility.

Nursery Pig Performance Impacted by Total Dissolved Solids in Water

Because water quality can vary considerably between production sites, it is important to identify the qualities of water that impact the growth performance of nursery pigs.

A large swine barn at the edge of a field.

Pork Producers and the One Health Movement: Actions at the State Level

The term “One Health” has been coined to describe the concept that the health of people, animals and their environment are inextricably linked. The most commonly considered examples of One Health in practice are zoonotic diseases. For pork producers, influenza strains that originate in pigs, but pass to people are a pertinent example.

two white pigs with pink ears and noses.

What Would African Swine Fever Look Like if it Hit the US?

The incursion and expansion of African Swine Fever (ASF) into China has raised concerns among producers and regulatory officials about the threat the disease may pose to the U.S. swine industry.

veterinarian using a stethoscope on a horse

Another Piece of the Puzzle? Understanding South Dakota Veterinarian's Response to the Opioid Epidemic

Researchers at South Dakota State University (SDSU) wanted to understand the extent of this problem in South Dakota in order to better prepare veterinary clinics to deal with this epidemic.

a father and son inspecting a show goat in a competition.

Bringing Home Your 4-H Goat Project

Sales and transport is a stressful time for any animal. Reducing stress factors due to transitions start before the actual purchase of your new project. Managing proper nutrition and disease management are just a couple factors to help your project get off to a great start.