Livestock
U.S. dairy producers are reporting high onset of and high morbidity from Texas Agalactiae Syndrome, with confirmed cases in Texas, Kansas and New Mexico. Lactating cows are considered particularly vulnerable.
Livestock
Dairy farmers urged to be on lookout for U.S. disease
Older, lactating cattle more likely to be severely impacted, effected farmers say
Minnesota goat confirmed infected with bird flu
NDSU advises keeping livestock separate from potentially-infected poultry
A juvenile goat in Minnesota has tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the first confirmed case of bird flu in U.S. livestock.
Veterinary association calls on federal government to address workforce shortage
National testing centre is needed to onboard internationally-trained vets, CVMA says
An organization representing Canadian veterinarians is calling for the federal government to intervene as it faces what it calls a severe workforce shortage.
Klassen: Feeder market adjusts to lower supplies
Western Canadian prices for backgrounded replacements were $2 to $4 higher than last week. Lower flesh yearlings were valued $3 to $8 above week-ago levels. Prices for calves under 800 pounds were up $3 to $7 compared to seven days earlier with noted strength in feeders under 600 pounds.
Bird flu strain raises alarm as virus kills South American wildlife
Mammal-to-mammal transmission of virus likely but unconfirmed, scientists say
The deadly H5N1 bird flu virus has spread more aggressively than ever before in wild birds and marine mammals since arriving in South America in 2022, raising the risk of it evolving into a bigger threat to humans, according to interviews with eight scientists.
Klassen: Yearling price trend stalls while calves ratchet higher
Larger players aggressively securing lightweight calves on expectations of low yearling supplies
Western Canadian feedlots are carrying sufficient numbers for the time being and feeding margins remain deep in red ink on unhedged cattle. Secondly, carcass weights are sharply above year-ago levels and Alberta finishing lots are backed up with market-ready supplies.
Tyson Foods to close Iowa pork plant with 1,200 workers
Packer's pork business saw loss of $128 million in last fiscal year
Tyson Foods will permanently close a pork plant in Perry, Iowa, the meatpacker said on Monday, eliminating jobs for about 1,200 workers.
How to manage in a veterinarian shortage
Hauling an animal to a clinic is one solution, as are larger clinics with satellite sites
There’s huge talk about the shortage of veterinarians — especially large-animal, but also small-animal and emergency animal care. There was a recent announcement that the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM) will raise the number of training seats to 100 from the current 50, when an expansion is completed next year. I would […] Read more
Lower U.S. calf crop supports cattle complex
Conditions are developing that should support record calf prices next fall
The Alberta fed cattle market remains under pressure due to a buildup of market-ready cattle, larger carcass weights and seasonally low demand. During the last week of January, Alberta packers were buying fed cattle on a dressed basis in the range of $360-$365 per hundredweight delivered. Live bids f.o.b. feedlot in southern Alberta were quoted […] Read more
Klassen: Grassers and herd rebuilding confidence keeps feeders elevated
Major grazing regions of Western Canada receive more than double of normal precipitation in last month
The major grazing regions of Western Canada have received over 200 per cent of normal precipitation over the past 30 days. Grassers were red hot. Demand has also increased for herd building heifers which has diminished supplies for finishing feedlots.