Beef Herd Health and Quality Assurance

How Are COVID-19 Vaccines Different From Those We Use in Animals?

Animal caretakers understand the concept of vaccines, whether they’re used to keep groups of livestock healthy or pets safe from diseases. So how are COVID-19 vaccines different from the ones livestock producers are used to?

Veterinary Feed Directive: What You Can’t Do With a VFD

Livestock producers and veterinarians have been adjusting to the Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) rules put into effect on January 1, 2017. With the onset of the rules, producers need to square their previous treatment methods with what a VFD can and can’t do.

Tuberculosis in Cattle: What You Need to Know

Bovine tuberculosis is a chronic and slowly progressive disease of cattle that emerges periodically in the U.S. Cases of bovine tuberculosis are usually diagnosed on the basis of tell-tale abnormalities found on slaughter inspection.

Notes From the ADRDL: Yersinia Infections in Beef Cattle

Of all the germs associated with cattle illnesses, a pathogen that’s not one of the usual suspects has been identified in several cases of cattle death losses in Eastern South Dakota.

Mycoplasma Bovis in Feedlot Cattle: Treating and Controlling Infections

Mycoplasma bovis is a challenging component of respiratory disease in feedlot calves. Understanding the factors that help it become established is a good first step in formulating a plan with your veterinarian to help diminish its impact on health and productivity.

Mycoplasma Bovis in Feedlot Cattle: Why It’s Different and How It Causes Illness

Mycoplasma bovis is widely distributed throughout feedlot cattle populations. The insidious nature of Mycoplasma infections, and their ability to become well-established by the time they’re observed, create challenges for treatment and prevention.

Toe Abscess (Toe Tip Necrosis) in Feeder Cattle

Toe abscess (toe tip necrosis) is most commonly seen in feedlot cattle and is likely subsequent to excessive abrasive damage to the hoof, especially the toe tip. Feet may become infected when the white line is damaged which opens the claw to bacteria, dirt and manure.

Grain Overloads: A Possible Consequence of Cornstalk Grazing

Corn residues are a great source of winter feed, but in certain situations, cattle producers should be aware of the possibility of grain overloads, which can impact herd health.

Minimizing the Neospora Threat by Using Serology in Beef Replacement Heifer Selection

Neospora caninum is one of the lesser-known causes of infectious reproductive failure in beef herds. It’s always possible for herds to encounter new Neospora infections in a given year, but in herds in which it’s already established, using Neospora serology can be one consideration in choosing replacement heifers.

Johne’s Disease Testing in Beef Herds: Testing Plans and Responses

While still somewhat imperfect, testing herd animals for Johne’s Disease is an appropriate tool for producers and their veterinarians to begin to get a handle on the level of infection and to implement sound strategies for limiting the disease’s effects.