Every year the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) has a theme for Animal Health Week in October. This year’s theme was “Understanding Zoonosis” — diseases that humans can get from animals. Not one animal-borne disease in recent memory has affected our lives more than COVID-19. There are lots of other diseases ranging from more minor […] Read more
Keeping animal diseases away from humans
Animal Health: Veterinarians are part of the team of essential workers during COVID-19
BSE testing and the positives to your cattle herd
Animal Health with Roy Lewis: Testing is still needed to demonstrate producers' due diligence
In Canada, we have to keep up our BSE testing numbers to maintain and improve our status as a “controlled (low-risk) BSE risk country.” Along with testing to determine if a suspicious or downer animal has BSE, as a side benefit the veterinarian conducting the autopsy and sample collection can also determine the cause of […] Read more
Great information on improved cattle handling
Animal Health with Roy Lewis: Plenty of resources to help reduce stress on people and livestock
We’ve all come a long way in our cattle-handling ability with improved skills, improved methods, and equipment and facilities that have become more refined. Lots of resources have been put into better understanding of proper handling practices. One I suggest checking out is Merck’s Creating Connections website. It can help producers raise healthier cattle and […] Read more
Bison and sheep need to keep their distance
Animal Health: Malignant catarrhal fever can quickly kill mature bison
One of the serious diseases we see in bison but much less frequently in cattle is MCF or Malignant catarrhal fever, usually resulting from some interaction between bison and sheep. The MCF family of diseases is seen in 33 species. Clinical signs are a high fever, lethargy and weakness, with ocular and nasal discharge leading […] Read more
Survey reveals improvement needed in parasite management
Animal Health with Roy Lewis: Internal and external pests need different treatments
Over the last few years there has been a lot written about internal worm control, timing of chemical treatment and parasite resistance. A group of researchers from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon asked producers in 2015 about how they were using internal parasite treatments. The researchers drew some good conclusions from this […] Read more
Adapting management practices to changing times
More online services keep the beef industry operating
While COVID-19 has changed our daily routines, the internet has been able to keep us going. The agricultural community has tapped into it and fortunately, the supply chain for veterinary pharmaceuticals, feed and other services has been maintained pretty well. Internet sales for the purebred bulls and commercial cattle have pretty much saved the spring […] Read more
The many aspects of herd health on pasture
Animal Health: Lots to consider before opening the gate to summer grazing
As pasture readiness nears, there are several things producers should consider before cattle are turned out. Especially when moving cattle to new pastures — new ground you or they are not familiar with — make sure they have been checked for everything such as the condition of fence lines and the potential for noxious weeds […] Read more
A handling system great for cattle and people
Animal Health with Roy Lewis: Easy access and plenty of room for larger animals
I have many “aha” moments when working cattle with producers. One involved working with a new custom-designed laneway system by Rosewillow Manufacturing of Spruce Grove, Alta., which in my books is proving to be a worthwhile investment. I could not find one thing I would improve. The design provides enough room for cattle to easily […] Read more
Coccidiosis still a threat to be monitored
Animal Health with Roy Lewis: Important to control internal and external parasites
Coccidiosis and internal parasitism are two clinical syndromes I thought we had rid from the cattle sector. But although they just about disappeared, they are on the comeback trail. It is important to know why along with new strategies to keep them at bay. Clinical signs, diagnosis and treatment must be periodically reviewed. Direct communication […] Read more
No single measure ensures successful calving season — Part 2
Animal Health with Roy Lewis: Looking after the details will pay dividends later
I wish the more experienced producers could share with others the little things they do and watch for when checking cattle at calving time. Watch for problem signs such as bloody discharge from the vagina, or meconium (first feces) in the water bag, indicating the calf is stressed and needs to be extracted. Some producers […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
