Content by Russ Daly

herd of beef cattle grazing in a pasture

Pre-weaning Pneumonia in South Dakota Beef Herd: A Persistent Problem, Suddenly Gone

This case report describes a southeastern South Dakota cow-calf herd’s experiences with pre-weaning pneumonia. Unlike many beef herds that experience pneumonia in calves on pasture, this herd’s problems were consistent year after year: widespread calf illness was documented in each of 6 consecutive summers. Anecdotally at least, the occurrence of pre-weaning pneumonia in beef herds is more likely to be sporadic and unpredictable from year to year. This herd’s persistent problems were followed by a year in which, after a change in calf vaccination protocol (informed by herd diagnostics), very little pre-weaning pneumonia was observed.

Flock of mosquitoes in front of sunset.

West Nile in South Dakota: Expect Cases Into Early Fall

While it’s true that in South Dakota most West Nile Virus cases occur during August, new human infections are detected well into September in most years.

A small group of cattle grazing in a green pasture.

Anaplasmosis: Is it a problem in the Northern Plains?

Cattle producers have been hearing more and more about a disease called anaplasmosis. This disease recently appears to have become more common in areas not previously affected. The disease is typically associated with cattle herds in warmer areas of the country, but is it ever a problem up here on the Northern Plains?

A series of swine pens at a state fair.

5 Things Hog Producers Should Know: Flu at Swine Exhibitions 

Every year, thousands of youth across the country raise pigs and show them off at local exhibitions and county and state fairs. These experiences allow young people to learn about animal care and management, and also allow the public the rare opportunity to observe pig care and behavior.

A group of mixed cattle feeding in a feedlot.

Neospora-Positive Status: Impact on heifers/cows and their calves

Neospora caninum is a protozoal germ that has the potential to affect reproduction in beef and dairy herds. Neospora-related reproductive problems can arise from two different kinds of infected cattle: 1) cows or heifers that became infected by eating contaminated feed, and 2) cows or heifers that were born with Neospora and pass it on to their offspring in utero.

wildfire smoke rising in the distance over a snowy hill

Wildfire Aftermath: Beef Cattle Health Considerations

Smoke inhalation, burns and thermal injury, exertion, stress, and injuries suffered during escape can all cause longer-term effects on cattle that have survived wildfires or building fires.

closeup of a pig's face, focused on its eyes

Swine Respiratory Health: Detecting Multiple Viruses

Over the past decade, surveillance and diagnosis of respiratory agents have been revolutionized by the use of non-invasive techniques such as oral fluids sampling.

A calving barn.

How Often Should You Check Cows During Calving Season?

The routine “calving check” is one of the most important tasks on the list of beef cattle producers during calving season.

Two dairy calves in a small pen wearing warming jackets.

Dairy Calf Respiratory Disease: Treatment in the Aftermath of Cold Weather

Cold weather is not just hard on the people taking care of animals, it can be tough on the animals themselves. Consider respiratory disease (pneumonia) in dairy calves.

small herd of black angus calves in pen

Johne’s Disease Management: Preventing Manure Contact is Key

The key to decreasing Johne’s Disease transmission is preventing young stock from coming in contact with manure from potentially infected animals.