Extension Veterinary Medicine

Nation's First Case of Vesicular Stomatitis (VS) for 2009 Detected in Texas

2009-06-22T08:00:00.000-07:00

Cattle Tuberculosis Confirmed in Texas; Check with States of Destination Before Shipping Cattle

2009-06-18T08:09:00.000-07:00

DSHS Offers Hot Weather Precautions

2009-06-15T12:12:00.002-07:00

As many Texas areas mark record high temperatures, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) health officials offer precautions people can take to reduce the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

The elderly, the very young, people with chronic diseases and those without access to air conditioning are those most likely to suffer in extremely hot weather.

Staying in an air-conditioned area, either at home or in a public place such as a mall, library or recreation center, is the most effective way to combat heat. If air conditioning is not available, open the windows, pull the shades down to keep out the sun and use cross-ventilation and fans to cool rooms.

Other heat precautions from DSHS:

· Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle in hot weather, even for a short time.

· Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid drinks with alcohol, caffeine or a lot of sugar. Don't wait until you are thirsty. Start drinking fluids at least 30 minutes before going out.

· Plan strenuous outdoor activity for early morning or evening when it’s cooler.

· Take frequent breaks when working outside.

· At the first signs of heat illness – dizziness, heavy sweating, nausea, headaches, muscle cramps – move to a cooler location, rest a few minutes and slowly drink a cool liquid. Seek medical attention immediately if conditions do not improve.

· Eat more frequently but be sure meals are well balanced, cool and light.

· Check frequently on the elderly, the ill and others who may need help.

· Adjust to the environment. A sudden change in temperature – an early heat wave or travel to a hotter climate – will be stressful to the body. Limit physical activity until you become accustomed to the heat.

· Check with a doctor or pharmacist about the effects of sun and heat when taking prescription medications, especially diuretics or antihistamines.

The best defense against heat-related illness is prevention. Staying cool, drinking plenty of fluids, wearing cool clothing and monitoring outdoor activities are keys to staying healthy in hot weather.

Technical and Financial Assistance to Fight Cattle Fever Tick Available Through USDA-NRCS

2009-06-02T06:19:00.000-07:00

Natural Resources Conservation Service
13434 Leopard St, Suite A14
Corpus Christi, TX 78410

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Melissa Blair, 361-241-0609, melissa.blair@tx.usda.gov
May 29, 2009

Technical and Financial Assistance to Fight Cattle Fever Tick
Available Through USDA-NRCS

The USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is providing technical and financial assistance to ranchers in a 17-county area to help fight the spread of the cattle fever tick. The conservation assistance will be available through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) for the Rio Grande Domestic Animal Stress/Mortality Statewide Resource Concern, since the cattle fever ticks can carry and transmit a tiny blood parasite called, ‘babesia,’ that can be deadly to cattle.

The 17 counties included are Brooks, Cameron, Dimmit, Duval, Frio, Hidalgo, Jim Hogg, Jim Wells, La Salle, Kinney, Maverick, Starr, Val Verde, Webb, Willacy, Zapata, and Zavala.

Livestock producers can voluntarily work with their local NRCS and soil and water conservation district (SWCD) to develop a conservation plan with land management practices that help them meet their land management goals and objectives. The producers will also receive technical assistance to implement the conservation plan and in installing land management practices to fight the spread of cattle fever tick.

Conservation and land management practices that are eligible for financial assistance in the cattle fever tick initiative are cross fencing, trough and livestock pipe, pond, well, brush management, range planting, prescribed burning, prescribed grazing, and wildlife upland habitat management. The installation and implementation of these practices will serve to facilitate livestock handling, prescribed grazing, alter or destroy the cattle fever tick habitat, and also help manage the wildlife, which are potential carriers/hosts of the fever tick.

“We know that in working together with the landowners and other partners to fight the cattle fever ticks, we will be that much closer to eradication,” said Don Gohmert, Texas state conservationist with NRCS. “By utilizing the delivery system already on the ground, NRCS and the SWCDs can work with landowners to develop and implement conservation plans that address the whole property in order to protect their natural resources while disrupting the life cycle of the cattle fever tick.”

Conservation plans will provide landowners the management tools he or she can follow to meet their natural resource management objectives and goals, and provide the mechanism for the management of cattle and wildlife.

Gohmert reminded agricultural producers that a conservation plan is not a contract. Only when the landowner receives financial assistance on practices identified in the plan, will he/she have contracts drawn up for those specific practices. The assistance and services provided through NRCS and the SWCDs are provided without a fee and are available to all agricultural producers.

NRCS is working in partnership with the SWCDs, Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Councils, Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board (TSSWCB), Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC), and the USDA-Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) on this fever tick initiative.

Interested livestock producers should visit their nearest NRCS office for more information about technical and financial assistance available to help them fight the cattle fever tick through conservation planning and implementing land management practices.
###

"The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer."

Pet Talk - Ear Care for Pets

2009-06-01T09:05:00.001-07:00

Ear Ye, Ear Ye

Hot, humid days are rapidly approaching as summer slowly begins. The season means finally diving into the neighborhood swimming pool, children on summer vacation running through the streets, and grass lawns growing at seemingly breakneck speeds. But summer could also mean painful ear infections for your pet. Heat, moisture and even grass clippings could cause serious problems for your furry friend’s ear
canals.

“Allergic skin disease affecting the ears and the ear pinnaes, ear mites, foreign bodies such as plant material like a grass awn, or ectoparasites such as a tick are all probable causes of ear infections,” explains Dr. M.A. Crist, a clinical assistant
professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. “Hair can grow deep in the ear canals causing the build-up of wax and moisture leading to bacterial growth and infection.”

The causes range from a variety of factors, but one fact seems to remain the same. Our pets often contract ear infections on a regular basis. Crist explains why our pets are so susceptible to contracting these problems.

“The basic anatomy of the cat and dog ear canal has a vertical and horizontal section that predisposes them to ear infections. Waxy debris must work its way upward and outward instead of just straight out,” says Crist. “Irritation to the ear usually results in overproduction of waxy debris.”

An ear infection can sometimes go unnoticed, as our pets cannot always tell us when something is wrong. Fortunately, there are a few warning signs that can let pet owners know when an ear infection might be present.

“Early signs that your pet may be developing an ear infection may include them scratching at their ears, shaking their head, redness of the ears, holding one ear flap slightly dropped to one side or the animal may exhibit signs that ear or ears are painful when you pet or touch around the area,” notes Crist. “Debris or a discharge might be noted in the ear canal and an odor from the ears may become
noticeable.”

If symptoms go untreated, ear infections could become very painful and cause the animal to have more severe clinical signs, sometimes requiring the pet to be sedated or put under general anesthesia to have the ears examined.

“Severe infections of the middle ear can lead to facial nerve paralysis, which gives a ‘droopy jaw’ appearance on the affected side of the face,” describes Crist. “Another complication is an aural hematoma and needs to be corrected surgically.”

If you suspect that your pet has an ear infection, it is important to visit your veterinarian to receive a full examination and diagnosis. “If a pet owner believes their animal to have an ear infection, it is recommended that they visit a veterinarian for a general dermatological history and full examination, complete with a thorough physical examination of the ear, otoscopy and cytologic examination,” says Crist. “A sample of the discharge will be obtained, examined and
identified. Once a diagnosis has been made, medications are selected and home treatment is usually continued for several weeks. The ears need to be rechecked to make sure the infection has been resolved.”

Fortunately, there are several preventative measures that can be taken to keep your pet free from pain and your wallet from becoming empty.

“Prevention is key,” urges Crist. “Heat and moisture are enemies of the ear canal and allow bacteria and yeast to flourish. Keeping the animal’s ears clean and dry is important. It is also important to check your pet’s ears regularly as part of their regular grooming routine to avoid ear infections. Giving their ears a quick glance daily could help prevent ear problems from arising.”

While it sounds simple enough, many pet owners are uninformed of the proper methods of ear care and some ignore ear care entirely.

“Routine ear cleaning is a simple method of providing ear therapy,” notes Crist. “A variety of ear cleaners are available and your veterinarian will prescribe the most appropriate ear cleanser for your pet to use during their regular grooming routine. The frequency of cleaning will also be determined by your vet.”

Ear cleaning is easy and can prevent major problems down the road and save your pet from extensive damage to their hearing abilities.

“You want to begin an ear care regimen before your pet keeps you up at night shaking their head, scratching at their ears or before the smell of their ears reaches you before your pet does,” emphasizes Crist. “Every moment that your animal’s ears are inflamed and infected causes damage to the ear canal. It is important to seek
veterinary care right away and to follow through with the treatment regimen.”

Don’t let an ear infection put a damper on your summer fun. Following a few preventative measures and being aware of the warning signs will help ensure that your furry friends are both happy and healthy.

ABOUT PET TALK...

Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Stories can be viewed on the Web at http://tamunews.tamu.edu/.

Pet Talk - Pet Influenza

2009-05-21T11:40:00.000-07:00

Animal Influenza

The recent emergence and spread of the Swine Flu virus, also known as
H1N1, has affected people throughout the world. From school closings to
cancelled vacations, the Swine Flu has caused a lot of concern. These
concerns have led many to take extended precautions for themselves,
their spouses and their children. But what, if any, precautions should
be taken for the furry members of our families? The H1N1 strain may not
affect our animals in the way that it does humans, but similar type A
flu viruses can affect our pets.

In 2005, the first cases of the canine influenza virus were reported in
Florida and have since spread throughout the country. The virus is a
mutant of the H3N8 equine influenza virus and is a contagious
respiratory disease that may mirror signs of kennel cough, including
sneezing, coughing and fever.

“Nearly one-hundred percent of dogs that come in contact with the
virus become infected, regardless of age or vaccination history because
the virus is new to them,” says Dr. Deb Zoran, an associate professor
and Chief of Small Animal Internal Medicine at Texas A&M University
College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CVM). “Of those
infected, an estimated twenty percent of dogs will show no signs of the
disease.”

“Of the eighty percent of dogs that exhibit clinical signs, the
majority will have only mild signs of respiratory illness,” explains
Zoran. “In most dogs, the clinical signs include a low-grade fever,
nasal discharge and a persistent cough that could last up to three
weeks. In dogs that develop severe signs of illness, the clinical signs
include a high fever, increased respiratory rates with difficulty
breathing and other indications of viral pneumonia.”

The testing results for the virus cannot be obtained quickly, as the
diagnosis of canine influenza is made by sending samples for testing to
a laboratory at Cornell University for PCR of the virus. As a result,
your veterinarian may suggest that your dog be quarantined away from
other dogs to prevent the possible spread of this respiratory virus to
other canines.

Fortunately, most cases can be treated with symptomatic or supportive
care, including fluid support, antiviral therapy, bronchodilators and,
if needed, oxygen. If you believe your pet has contracted the virus, it
is important to contact your veterinarian.

“As is the case in any viral infection, antibiotics are not helpful
unless the infection is so severe that secondary bacterial pneumonia is
suspected,” notes Zoran. “Fortunately, treatment even in the most
severely affected dogs has been successful in about ninety-five percent
of cases. The key is early diagnosis and treatment, so if your canine
is showing signs of illness, such as a decreased appetite, lethargy,
fever or a cough, it is important to contact your veterinarian for
further evaluation. Your veterinarian is best qualified to make a
diagnosis and to provide advice for caring for any dogs affected with
the virus.”

There is currently no vaccine for this virus and the disease continues
to affect dogs throughout the country. The best method of protection is
to keep your animal companion away from infected dogs.

Cat owners have fewer flu concerns, as felines appear not to be
susceptible to the class Type A flu viruses and do not develop classic
flu symptoms. Cats have their own versions of respiratory viruses, but
these viruses are not influenza viruses. However, the same cannot be
said for birds, which can be just as susceptible to contracting
influenza as our canine friends.

“Avian influenza is a contagious bird disease,” says Dr. Sharman
Hoppes, an avian specialist at Texas A&M University College of
Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. “It is usually only
infectious to birds, but can occasionally infect pigs and people. The
disease is most common in waterfowl and is often an asymptomatic
infection in ducks.”

Similar to the canine influenza virus, there are two levels of severity
observed in the avian flu.

“There are two main forms of disease: a low virulence form and a high
virulence form,” explains Hoppes. “The low pathogenic form may
manifest as ruffled feathers and a drop in egg production. The high
pathogenic form can cause respiratory and gastrointestinal signs and
sometimes lead to death.”

While uncommon, it is possible for avian influenza to spread to people.
However, this usually occurs only if the individual is in very close
contact with an infected bird.

“If an individual is infected with avian influenza, he or she can
actually become quite sick and the disease can often progress to
pneumonia or death,” cautions Hoppes. “Avian influenza is much more
serious when it crosses over to humans because most people do not have
immunity to the disease. Fortunately, avian flu has not been
transmitted from person to person like the swine flu. However, one of
the concerns of avian influenza is that it will mutate and develop into
a disease that could transmit from person to person.”

At this time, it is highly unlikely that your pet bird will contract
avian influenza, but in the event that your feathered-friend becomes
sick, care is available.

“While unlikely that your pet parrot will develop avian influenza, it
could be possible if you have pet poultry or waterfowl, as they are more
likely to contract the disease,” says Hoppes. “If your pet bird
does get sick, it is more likely to be the low pathogenic form and
supportive care is available. The best way to prevent your bird from
contracting avian influenza is to minimize their contact with waterfowl
and poultry.”

Both the canine influenza virus and the avian influenza disease can
cause detrimental health problems in your pet, but knowing the warning
signs and taking proper precautions could save both you and your
companion the worries of influenza.

ABOUT PET TALK...

Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine &
Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Stories can be viewed on the
Web at http://tamunews.tamu.edu/.

Suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvm.tamu.edu.

Angela G. Clendenin '91, MASCL
Director of Communications and Public Relations
College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences
Texas A&M University
(979) 862-2675
aclendenin@cvm.tamu.edu

2009 Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course Aug. 3-5

2009-05-12T11:49:00.001-07:00

2009 Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course Aug. 3-5

May 12, 2009

Contact(s):Blair Fannin, 979-845-2259,b-fannin@tamu.edu
Dr. Jason Cleere, 979-845-6931, jjcleere@tamu.edu

COLLEGE STATION – The 55th Annual Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course is scheduled Aug. 3-5 at Texas A&M University in College Station.

“Planning committee members from around the state have met with us and helped us put together another outstanding program,” said Dr. Jason Cleere, Texas AgriLife Extension beef cattle specialist and conference coordinator.

Drought, high production costs, emerging diseases and a weakened market have made this a challenging year for cattle producers, Cleere said. The short course, sponsored by Texas AgriLife Extension Service, will address these issues as well as other topics during the three-day event, providing information for both the novice and experienced rancher.

“The short course has become one of the most comprehensive beef cattle educational programs in the U.S. with 20 different educational sessions taught by more than 50 different speakers,” Cleere said.

The Cattleman’s College portion of the short course provides participants with an opportunity to choose workshops based on their level of production experience and the needs of their ranch, Cleere said.

“These concurrent workshops will feature information on ranch management, nutrition, reproduction, genetics, pastures, carcass evaluation, record keeping, brush busting, cattle handling, landowner issues and much more,” he said.

In addition to classroom instruction on Aug. 3-4, participants can attend one of the popular demonstrations on the morning of Aug. 5, said Dr. Larry Boleman, associate vice chancellor for agriculture and life sciences at Texas A&M and conference director.

“There will be demonstrations on chute-side calf working, cattle behavior, penning, selection and brush busting,” Boleman said. “These provide an opportunity for ranchers to see beef cattle production practices put to use.”

Along with the Cattleman’s College, a key general session will be offered on the afternoon of Aug. 3.

“The goal of the Beef Cattle Short Course each year is to provide the most cutting-edge information that is needed by beef cattle producers,” Cleere said. “This year’s program is titled “Ranching for the Future” and will address several hot issues affecting beef cattle producers.”

Participants can receive a pesticide applicator’s license during the short course, and can earn numerous pesticide continuing education units if already licensed.

An industry trade show will be held during the event featuring more than 100 agricultural businesses and service exhibits.

Registration is $140 per person, and includes educational materials, a copy of the 600-page Beef Cattle Short Course proceedings, trade show admittance, admission to the prime rib dinner, meals and daily refreshments.

Registration information and a tentative schedule will be mailed to previous participants in June. It can also be found on the short course Web site where producers can register online at http://beef.tamu.edu or contact Cleere’s office at 979-845-6931.

H1N1 Influenza Information

2009-04-30T09:13:00.000-07:00

For more information regarding H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu) please check out or website at http://aevm.tamu.edu and looking under the title "Swine Flu". The CDC has a check list of what you can do to stay healthy.

What You Can Do to Stay Healthy

* Stay informed.
* Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
* Take everyday actions to stay healthy.
o Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
o Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
o Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
o Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
* Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
* Develop a family emergency plan as a precaution. This should include storing a supply of food, medicines, facemasks, alcohol-based hand rubs and other essential supplies.
* Call 1-800-CDC-INFO for more information.

Springtime Yard Hazards for Pets

2009-04-29T18:59:00.000-07:00

Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Stories can be viewed on the Web at http://tamunews.tamu.edu/.

Springtime is garden time. Spring is when we plant new plants and get our yards ready to shine. While you are preparing your outdoor areas for your family to enjoy just make sure you take the steps to ensure that it is safe for your pets to enjoy as well.

"When planting your garden it is important to note that there are numerous house and garden plants which can be toxic to animals," warns Dr. Murl Bailey, professor of toxicology at the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. "Several that come to mind initially are brunfelsia, lilies, cycads, kolanchoe, and oleander."

Brunfelsia, more commonly known as the yesterday, today & tomorrow plant, causes convulsive seizures in dogs that resemble strychnine poisoning.

"We haven't seen any problems in cats from brunfelsia, as of this date," notes Bailey. "While this plant is mostly a house plant, it could be in sheltered gardens in the southern part of Texas."

Cycads, low growing palm trees which are used both indoors and outdoors, are another type of plant that is toxic to dogs as they tend to chew on the roots. The cycad has a toxin in the root and stems that is toxic to the liver.

"When the liver is affected, the dog's body stops producing the normal, endogenous clotting factors and the dogs start bleeding excessively--to the extent that they can bleed to death," explains Bailey.

While brunfelsia and cycads may not be known to cause problems in cats, lilies are especially harmful to them. Once cats ingest lilies, they develop nausea and vomiting. Then they get depressed, and stop eating.

"Why cats like to eat them I don't know, probably boredom, but once they do these cats must be treated by a veterinarian, preferably within

24 hours and not later than 48 hours," states Bailey. "We do not know which toxin(s) are present in the lilies, but they are very toxic to the kidneys."

Kolanchoe is a type of house plant that is known to be toxic. This plant contains a chemical which is similar to the human heart medication, digoxin.

"The garden plant oleander also contains digoxin-like compounds. Both kolanchoe and oleander can be toxic to all animals, including dogs and cats, if ingested," says Bailey.

While spring is a time to plant beautiful flowers in your yard, it also brings pesky insects out in numbers. Because of this, another potential hazard this time of year is pesticides.

"All pesticides can cause problems in dogs and cats if the chemicals are stored incorrectly and misused," warns Bailey.

Bailey stresses that labels on all chemicals should be read very carefully and followed, especially when used around pets. He notes that animals do not have to eat the toxin; they can also become exposed through the skin and in the case of volatile agents, can be exposed just by breathing the contaminated air.

"If a pesticide is not specifically labeled to be used on dogs and/or cats, the pesticide can cause toxicities," Bailey states. "Some insecticides are labeled specifically for dogs and not for cats so it is important to read the labels thoroughly."

While there are more and more products out there that claim to be environmentally safe or "green," Bailey is not entirely convinced of their worth.

"Many alternative and "so-called" environmentally safe compounds are usually not very effective in controlling fleas, flies and ticks. The best thing for an animal owner to do is follow the labeled instructions," he adds.

Spring is a great time to enhance and enjoy the outdoors. Taking the time to make sure that everything you put in and on your yard is safe for your furry friends will ensure this time is special for the entire family.

Cattle escaping fire death may have secondary injuries

2009-04-20T20:38:00.000-07:00

AgriLife Extension: Consult a veterinarian to identify additional inju
April 14, 2009
Writer(s):

Kay Ledbetter, 806-677-5600,SKledbetter@ag.tamu.edu

Contact(s):Dr. Floron Faries, (979) 845-4353, ffaries@cvn.tamu.edu
Dr. Ted McCollum, (806) 677-5600, tmccollu@ag.tamu.edu
Dr. Ron Gill, (979) 845-1541, rgill@ag.tamu.edu

COLLEGE STATION � Analyzing injuries to cattle following a wildfire is important to minimize losses, said Texas AgriLife Extension Service specialists.

"It might look like they've made it and there was no visible physical damage," said Dr. Floron "Buddy" Faries, AgriLife Extension program leader for veterinary medicine. "However, it's important to have them looked at by a veterinarian as soon as possible because there could be secondary problems that lead to infections and further problems."

Health disorders such as burned eyes, feet, udders, sheaths and testicles, as well as smoke inhalation with lung inflammation and edema, are the most common problems, Faries said.

Wildfires have ripped across thousands of acres of ranchland, trapping cattle and causing injuries, and in some cases death, said Ron Gill, associate department head for animal science and AgriLife Extension livestock specialist in College Station.

In one single wildfire area, producers have lost more than 100 head of cattle. Other producers are reporting secondary problems, such as scorched or burned cattle.

"One of the immediate problems that has to be dealt with within two or three days is damage to the feet and the coronary band above the hoof," Gill said. "It may take 10 days to two weeks for the damage to start showing. The cattle will start sloughing the hoof wall and develop secondary infections and become lame and unable or unwilling to stand."

The main thing AgriLife Extension is working on with veterinarians is what symptoms to look for and what actions to take if lameness begins to appear, Gill said.

Another major concern is for lactating cows and the potential to develop mastitis, he said. Damage to teats and udders will prevent calves from nursing. Calves that survived the fire have a higher risk of becoming �dogie� calves due to the inability to nurse or the loss of their dam.

The fires came at a very inopportune time for ranchers who are beginning the calving season, said Dr. Ted McCollum, AgriLife Extension livestock specialist in Amarillo.

"We probably had a lot of calves that were laying out susceptible to the fire, as fast as it was moving across there," McCollum said. "They had no place to go. Also there will be a lot of mothers with potentially scorched udders. The calves that survived won't be able to suckle the mothers who have sore udders."

�Producers should be looking for bawling calves to provide replacement milk or to sell to someone who can care for these calves,� said Gill.

A veterinarian should be consulted to see if the animal can be treated, Faries said. If not, decisions concerning sending them to market need to be made immediately before secondary complications develop.

�Cattle that have an elevated temperature due to secondary infections or cannot stand or walk cannot be salvaged for slaughter,� Gill said. �If a veterinarian has determined that the prognosis for recovery is poor, the animal should be humanely euthanized and the carcass properly disposed of.�

Faries said animals that were not evacuated and remained in a fire danger zone, even if only for a short time, could suffer injuries. A fire-danger zone is the area where the livestock risk inhaling smoke, and changes according to the wind direction. Smoke can move for miles, and cattle that are not near the flames or heat could suffer some injury.

Contact with burning grass, weeds and brush causes immediate burns; however, inhalation of smoke causes immediate irritation to the lining of the respiratory system, including nasal passages, trachea and lungs, Faries said. This can lead to inflammation, edema and emphysema, with the severity determined by the duration of inhaled smoke.

"The time it takes to cause damage might only have to be a few minutes with high quantities of smoke and may be hours in low quantities of smoke," he said. In addition, the lining of the eyelids and eyeballs can be irritated and lead to secondary infections causing additional illness or even death, Faries said.

Once the fire has passed, a veterinarian should be consulted immediately for any animals with severe burns or direct smoke exposure. Other livestock should also be evaluated for possible health disorders and treatment or determining if the animal can be salvaged for slaughter or should be euthanized, he said.

The prognosis for mild cases may be good with treatment and will be cost-effective, Faries said.

Monitoring should continue for weeks after the event, he said, because of the secondary complications that could be indicated by a cough or cloudy eyes in the animals.

"Before these secondary complications of infection occur, immediate slaughter for human consumption may be the most appropriate, humane procedure," Faries said. "Prior to slaughter, an antemortem inspection will be conducted by veterinary meat inspectors to determine safety and wholesomeness for human food.� -30-

Early Detection of Fire Damage Can Minimize Cattle Losses Due to Fire

2009-04-15T08:40:00.000-07:00

Early Detection of Fire Damage Can Minimize Cattle Losses Due to Fire

Writer: Kay Ledbetter, (806) 677-5608,skledbetter@ag.tamu.edu
Contact: Dr. Floron Faries, (979) 845-4353,ffaries@cvn.tamu.edu
Dr. Ted McCollum, (806) 677-5600,tmccollu@ag.tamu.edu
Dr. Ron Gill, (979) 845-1541,rgill@ag.tamu.edu

COLLEGE STATION – Analyzing injuries to cattle following a wildfire is important to minimize losses, said a Texas AgriLife Extension specialist.

"It might look like they've made it and there was no visible physical damage," said Dr. Floron "Buddy" Faries, Extension program leader for veterinary medicine. "However, it's important to have them looked at by a veterinarian as soon as possible because there could be secondary problems that lead to infections and further problems."

Health disorders such as burned eyes, feet, udders, sheaths and testicles, as well as smoke inhalation with lung inflammation and edema are the most common problems, Faries said.

Wildfires have ripped across thousands of acres of ranchland, trapping cattle and causing injuries, and in some cases (no comma) death, said Ron Gill, Associate Department Head and Extension livestock specialist in College Station.

In one single wildfire area, producers have lost over 100 head of cattle. Other producers are reporting secondary problems, such as scorched or burned cattle.

"One of the immediate problems that has to be dealt with within two or three days is damage to the feet from damage to the coronary band above the hoof," Gill said. "It may take 10 days to two weeks for the damage to start showing. The cattle will start sloughing the hoof wall and develop secondary infections and become lame and unable or unwilling to stand."

The main thing Extension is working on with veterinarians is what symptoms to look for and what actions to take if lameness begins to appear, he said.

"To assure the welfare of the affected animals, veterinarians need to be consulted," Faries said. "If, in the event the animal is not going to be able to be treated, decisions concerning sending them to market need to be made immediately before secondary complications develop."

“Cattle that have an elevated temperature due to secondary infections or cannot stand or walk cannot be salvaged for slaughter, “Gill said. “If a veterinarian has determined that the prognosis for recovery is poor the animal should be humanely euthanized and the carcass properly disposed of.”

Faries advised having an animal evacuation and rescue plan in place and implementing it ahead of a wildfire. The plans should include ways of moving livestock to premises out of the fire danger zone and preventing any damages.

This may include loading the livestock into trailers and hauling them, or opening gates or cutting fences and releasing the livestock to drive them to a safer place, he said.

A fire danger zone is the area where the livestock risk inhaling smoke, he said, and will change according to the wind direction.

Smoke can move for miles, and cattle that are not near the flames or heat could suffer some damage, Faries said.

Contact with burning grass, weeds and brush causes immediate burns, he said. The severity of the burns will be determined by the degree of heat.

However, inhalation of smoke causes immediate irritation to the lining of the respiratory system, including nasal passages, trachea and lungs, Faries said. This can lead to inflammation, edema and emphysema, with the severity determined by the duration of inhaled smoke, he said.

"The time it takes to cause damage might only have to be a few minutes with high quantities of smoke and may be hours in low quantities of smoke," he said.

In addition, the lining of the eyelids and eyeballs can be irritated and lead to secondary infections causing additional illness or even death, Faries said.

Once the fire has passed, a veterinarian should be consulted immediately for any animals with severe burns or direct smoke exposure. Other livestock should also be evaluated for possible health disorders and treatment or determining if the animal can be salvaged for slaughter or should be euthanized, he said.

The prognosis of mild cases may be good with treatment and will be cost-effective, Faries said.

Monitoring should continue for weeks after the event, he said, because of the secondary complications that could be indicated by a cough or cloudy eyes in the animals.

"Before these secondary complications of infection occur, immediate slaughter for human consumption may be the most appropriate humane procedure," Faries said. "Prior to slaughter, an antemortem inspection will be conducted by veterinary meat inspectors to determine safety and wholesomeness for human food."

When is the right time to deworm cattle?

2009-04-07T08:57:00.000-07:00

Short grass is commonly thought of causing wormy cattle by the cattle grazing down where the worms are. But that thought is a misunderstanding. Producers assume that this is the right time to deworm since the cattle look wormy, when actually the poor body and hair coat conditions are related to malnutrition from low intake of roughages on short grass pastures. When grass is short from dry conditions and overgrazing, the worms are not in the soil; the larvae have died from the dryness and sunlight, and also from the heat in the summer.

Don't look at the cattle, look at the ground...any wet grass over a period of weeks?

To be ingested by cattle, the larvae swim up the grass blades while the grass is wet from rain or dew and the soil temperatures are above 55º F. As the grass dries, the larvae go back down with the evaporating moisture. When cattle graze dry grass, they do not ingest larvae, because the larvae cannot crawl up dry grass. While the grass is dry without dew or rain, the cattle do not get worms. After weeks of dry weather, larvae die, and without grass mats for cover, the pastures become free of contamination. Therefore, pastures during drought conditions and under good management practices are not contaminated.

The key is to time the deworming during recent optimal transmission when larvae are developing in the spring or fall or during inhibition of larvae in the summer before the larvae emerge in early fall. While pastures are contaminated with larvae, it may be cost‑effective to worm if the cattle have become exposed to enough larvae during 3‑6 weeks of continuous rains when the larvae are active in soil temperatures of 55‑85º F. If these conditions occur in the spring, summer or fall on contaminated pastures, the timing to deworm the cattle is following 3‑6 weeks of continuous rain. When the timing is right for deworming, the cost-effectiveness is expected in nursing calves and young cattle since they are more susceptible but is not always expected in adults since they are more resistant.

If rains do not come, cost‑effectiveness of deworming cattle is questioned. When it is dry in the spring, do not deworm; wait until the cattle get the worms. Spotty rains this year may be an indication that it is coming for some, but that has not been for many places.

The farms that did not receive rainfall during last fall did not receive pasture contamination going into the winter. Contamination on any farm was lost during the winter due to pasture larvae killed by desiccation if the farm has been under drought conditions. Cattle on drought pastures since last fall do not have worms and do not need deworming at this time. Ones must wait for the right time on their farm. It is understood by science that deworming drought-pastured cattle would not result in economic benefits.

_____________________________________________________
Floron C. Faries, Jr., DVM, MS
Professor and Extension Program Leader for Veterinary Medicine
Texas AgriLife Extension Service
Texas A&M System
2487 TAMU
College Station, TX 77843-2487
979-845-4353
ffaries@cvm.tamu.edu
http://aevm.tamu.edu

CARP - Shelter Function is Available

2009-04-01T11:51:00.001-07:00

I would like to let everyone know that the Community Animal Response Plan (CARP) Guide for Sheltering has been completed and is available at: http://www.tahc.state.tx.us/emergency/Mar2009_ShelterFunction-CARP.pdf.

Texas Cattle Trichomoniasis Program Adopted:

2009-03-16T09:12:00.000-07:00

News Release
Texas Animal Health Commission
Box l2966 * Austin, Texas 78711 * (800) 550-8242 * FAX (512) 719-0719
Bob Hillman, DVM * Executive Director

For info, contact Carla Everett, information officer, at 1-800-550-8242, ext. 710, or ceverett@tahc.state.tx.us
For immediate release---
Texas Cattle Trichomoniasis Program Adopted:
Interstate Rules Effective April 1, 2009; In-State Rules Effective Jan. 1, 2010

Beginning April 1, 2009, breeding bulls entering Texas from any other state must be either 24 months of age or younger and certified as a virgin, or be tested negative for cattle trichomoniasis within 30 days prior to entry. The entry requirements are part of a regulatory package adopted by the commissioners for the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) February 24 to address trichomoniasis, a venereal disease of cattle that causes infertility and abortions, and results in extended breeding seasons and diminished calf crops, which costs livestock producers valuable income. Cattle trichomoniasis is not a human health issue. The second phase of the program, which will address in-state movement of Texas breeding bulls, will go into effect January 1, 2010.

“Industry members had significant input into the development of these regulations,” said TAHC Commissioner Coleman Locke, who represents the beef industry on the commission and headed the Trichomoniasis Working Group, comprised of producers, market operators, veterinarians, laboratory representatives and educators. “The 74 comments we received from associations and individuals regarding the proposed regulations were reviewed carefully, and adaptations to the proposed rules were made in the adopted regulations to make the program workable for the producers.”

“We have worked for months with industry members, veterinarians and the working group, to gather information, develop the proposed regulations, and following the conclusion of the comment period, considered all comments to develop a viable, cost-effective program to address this disease that can drain a cattle producer’s profits,” said Dr. Bob Hillman, executive director of the TAHC, the state’s livestock and poultry health regulatory agency. “Industry associations and
producers asked us to work with them to develop a program that would stop the introduction and unchecked spread of this protozoal disease. At least 15 other states in the western half of the United States have developed similar trichomoniasis programs to address the disease in their states.”

“The regulatory components of the Texas’ Cattle Trichomoniasis Program will focus only on breeding bulls, which, even when infected, continue to appear and act normally. Under the new regulations, Trichomoniasis also becomes a reportable disease in Texas, which will give us more information on where and how much infection already is in the state,” explained Dr. Hillman. “There is no effective treatment or vaccine for bulls, and as they age, the surface of their organs
becomes more hospitable to the protozoa, perpetuating the infection.”

Add one/Cattle Trichomoniasis Regulations Adopted for Texas
“Although the primary impact of the disease is on cows, which can become infected during breeding and lose the fetus, the cow herd is not included in the regulations. The majority of infected cows will clear the infection, if they are given 120 – 150 days of sexual rest. A vaccine also can be administered to infected cows to help control the disease in the cow herd. The majority of producers who commented on the proposed rule and members of the working group recommended that the disease in the cow herd be managed through information and education efforts. Producers with infected herds should consult with their veterinarian to determine the most appropriate measures to employ to eliminate the disease from their herds.”

Dr. Hillman explained that the interstate, or state-to-state movement, phase of the trichomoniasis regulations will begin April 1, 2009. Breeding bulls entering Texas must be officially identified, and may come certified as virgins, provided they are 24 months of age or younger, and have not commingled with female cattle. A breeder’s certificate must accompany the virgin breeding bull, signed by the breeder, and the information also must be included on the certificate of veterinary inspection. Routine documents also are required, including the certificate of veterinary inspection, and other applicable tuberculosis or brucellosis entry requirements must be met, depending on the state of origin, or if the bull is a beef or dairy animal.

Non-virgin breeding bulls or bulls older than 24 months of age entering Texas on and after April 1 must be tested negative for trichomoniasis within 30 days prior to entry. During the test period and prior to shipment, the bulls must have no contact with female cattle. Like virgin bulls, the non-virgin bulls must be officially identified with a breed registry tattoo or brand, a USDA metal ear tag, official RFID tag, official trichomoniasis ear tag from the state of origin, or other official identification. The animal must be accompanied by a completed trichomoniasis test document, certificate of veterinary inspection and other routine health documents.

In-State Breeding Bull Regulations Begin Jan. 1, 2010
The second phase of the Texas Cattle Trichomoniasis Program will begin January 1, 2010, and will require that Texas breeding bulls offered for sale, lease, exchange or otherwise change possession for breeding within the state be certified as virgin bulls or be tested negative prior to selling, loaning, exchanging, giving or otherwise changing the possession of a breeding bull. (No test or certification is required for bulls shipped or sold directly to slaughter.)

“The TAHC Commissioners delayed the implementation of the intrastate, or in-state movement requirements, to January 1, 2010, to provide time to certify veterinarians to perform all components of the Trichomoniasis program, and to ensure producers are familiar with the disease, its implication to herd health, and the requirements for testing or certifying the
virgin status of Texas breeding bulls undergoing change of possession,” noted Dr. Hillman. “We will be working closely with cattle industry organizations, Texas AgriLife Extension Service, the Texas Veterinary Medical Association and the Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratories to develop and deliver an effective information and education effort for cattle producers in Texas. We will be attending and making presentations at local, area and state producer and
veterinary meetings to review the requirements and to ensure that producers are aware of the disease program.

Add two/Cattle Trichomoniasis Regulations Adopted for Texas
When the program is implemented, Texas breeding bulls undergoing change of possession must be officially identified with a USDA ear tag, official RFID tag, or breed registry tattoo or brand. The animals may be certified by the breeder to be virgins until the age of 24 months, as indicated by the presence of the animal’s two permanent central incisors in wear, or more simply, by the birth date recorded on the animals’ breed registry papers. The bull’s virgin status can be extended to 30 months, which was requested by commenters, provided the breeder and the herd’s accredited veterinarian certify on a breeder’s certificate that the bull facility is sufficient to prevent contact with female cattle.

“After carefully considering the comments on the proposed regulations and discussions with the Trichomoniasis Working Group, the testing requirements for non-virgin bulls in Texas were revised to require only one PCR (Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction test) on the non-virgin bull undergoing a change of possession, or alternatively, three consecutive culture tests, each conducted not less than seven days apart.

Dr. Hillman noted that samples for testing must be collected by accredited veterinarians certified to conduct cattle trichomoniasis work, and tests will be run at the Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL). “Seminars will be offered around Texas for accredited veterinarians to become certified, to ensure that the collection methods, paperwork completion, sample submission, disease reporting and management of infected bull herds are uniform
throughout the state,” said Dr. Hillman.

“Payment for sample collection and laboratory costs will be the responsibility of the producer,” explained Dr. Hillman. Bulls of unknown status may be sold for breeding with one negative RT-PCR test or three negative culture tests, each conducted not less than one week apart. The breeding bulls must remain separated from female cattle during the testing. Negative test results will be valid for 30 days, but only if the tested breeding bulls continue to be separated from heifers or cows.

“Infected bulls will be restricted to movement for slaughter only, as there is no effective treatment for this disease,” said Dr. Hillman. “The remaining bulls in the herd will be held, isolated from female cattle, until they are tested, at least once more by PCR test, or twice more by culture, each culture conducted at least a week apart. If the remaining bulls test negative (each non-virgin bull in an infected herd must have at least two consecutive negative RT-PCR tests or at least three consecutive negative culture tests in order to be classified as negative), they are free to move.”

“Producers who have encountered cattle trichomoniasis in their herd know how devastating this disease can be to their calf crop and production,” stressed Dr. Hillman. “This program is directly in response to producer and association requests for help to stop the spread of this insidious disease, and to stop the importation of infected bulls into the state. It is important to note that since this is an industry-requested program, input from the cattle industry is critical to the
effective functioning of the program. To this end the rules contain provisions for the program to be reviewed annually by a broad-based Trichomoniasis Review Working Group, which can make recommendations on changes or even abolishment of the program.”

“By enacting the interstate requirements now, we can address the importation of disease immediately,” he said. “Delaying the intrastate regulations until the first of next year will ensure that everyone can be ‘on board’ to attack this disease and protect their herds.”

Deer Hunters Reminded of South Texas Fever Tick Quarantine

2008-11-05T08:03:00.000-08:00

Good morning. I am forwarding a joint release from the Texas Parks
and Wildlife (TPWD) and Texas Animal Health
Commission (TAHC) regarding fever ticks and hunting.

Carla Everett, director of Public Info, TAHC.
My contact info: 800-550-8242, ext 710
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

State officials are reminding hunters and meat processors in South
Texas that additional precautions are required when handling deer
carcasses due to concerns about spread of fever ticks in the region.
The general deer hunting season opens Nov. 1.

Portions of Zapata, Starr, Jim Hogg, Maverick, Dimmit and Webb
counties are under preventive quarantine for livestock by the Texas
Animal Health Commission due to heightened levels of fever ticks
outside the permanent quarantine zone along the Rio Grande border.
The total affected quarantine area covers more than 1 million
acres. Contact the land owner or manager to determine the current
fever tick status, if you are hunting in these counties.

Cattle, horses, white-tailed deer, nilgai and elk can act as a host
for the tick, perpetuating its population.If not contained, according
to TAHC officials, the fever ticks will continue to spread northward
outside the permanent fever tick quarantine area and could become
re-established in other areas of Texas and throughout much of the
south, southeast and parts of California.

"We're telling hunters to use common sense and take precautions when
handling and transporting deer taken on ranches within the quarantine
zone," said Mike Berger, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department director
of wildlife.

According to the TAHC, fever ticks can affect the condition and
general well-being, but are unlikely to cause death in deer. It is
safe to eat venison from fever tick-infested deer.
Deer harvested on infested, exposed, adjacent and check premises must
be inspected, treated and permitted prior to being removed from the premises.
If you kill a deer on other properties within the temporary
quarantine areas, you have three options:

1. Remove the hide completely and leave it on the ranch. If the skull
is needed for proof of sex, seal it in a bag, then dispose of the
skull away from livestock or wildlife after the carcass is processed.
2. Freeze the hide for 24 hours.
3. Have the hide/cape inspected and treated by the U.S. Department of
Agriculture's Fever Tick Force before removing it from the ranch.

A permit for movement issued by a representative of the Commission
must accompany the shipment of the hide and cape.

"There is too much at stake here to take a chance on inadvertently
carrying this deadly parasite outside the quarantine zone and we are
asking hunters to be vigilant to help keep this tick from spreading,"
Berger stressed.

Fever ticks are capable of carrying and transmitting a protozoa or
tiny blood parasite that destroys red blood cells, causing the deadly
livestock disease, "Texas Fever." Cattle are highly susceptible to
"Texas Fever," and the disease may kill up to 90 percent of infected cattle.

"It took more than 50 years to eradicate fever ticks from the U.S.,"
said Dr. Bob Hillman, TAHC executive director and Texas' state
veterinarian. "We have taken extraordinary precautions against
expansion of fever tick infestation into other counties or other
areas of the Texas. Compliance with these measures is extremely
important to prevent the spread of this dangerous tick." A permanent
fever tick quarantine zone runs through eight South Texas counties
along the Rio Grande to prevent the reintroduction of the ticks into
Texas and the U.S.

Additional information on fever ticks may be found on the TAHC web
site at http://www.tahc.state.tx.us

Protect Your Pets from Food Hazards During the Holidays and Beyond

2008-11-05T07:39:00.000-08:00

Below is an article taken from Pet Talk:

Sweet treats and family meals are a hallmark of the holidays, but
for many of our furry friends, these same indulgences can be
dangerous.Dr. Mark Stickney, Director of General Surgery Services at the
Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical
Sciences, tells us how we can keep our pets safe while enjoying the
holiday season.
One of the major food dangers to our pets during the holidays and
beyond is chocolate. Eating chocolate, especially dark chocolate, can
cause toxicity in dogs and cats, which can result in death.
“While chocolate is toxic to both dogs and cats we see
chocolate toxicity much more often in dogs. This is simply because dogs
are much more likely to eat it. However, it is important to keep it
away from all pets just in case,” notes Stickney.
Although chocolate has long been a known toxin for dogs, other foods
and vegetation can also be very harmful.
“Few people know this, but both grapes and raisins can cause
renal failure in dogs,” states Stickney. “Another thing to note is
that Easter lilies, or really any flower from the lily family, can cause
kidney failure in cats.”
While these foods are especially dangerous, feeding any table
scraps to your pets can cause them harm in the long-run. Because of
this, Stickney stresses the importance of keeping your pet’s diet
regular year-round.
“During the holidays it is common for friends and family
members to slip your pets food under the table. While they think they
are giving them a nice treat, the high fat content of most table scraps
can not only cause weight control problems, but can also cause
pancreatitis,” says Stickney.
In order to avoid these situations, Stickney suggests that you ask
any guests to avoid the temptation of feeding your dogs table scraps and
explain to them the risks associated.
“Most people are more than willing to respect your wishes,
especially when they know the health concerns,” Stickney notes. “Of
course children are another story. The only thing you can do is watch
them like a hawk.”
Even if they are not given food, pets can sometimes find it
themselves. It is not uncommon in the commotion and food preparation of
the holidays to find your animal knee-deep in your trash can.
“It’s important to remember to always keep you trash closed
with a lid or put somewhere your animal cannot reach it,” states
Stickney. “If they do get into it you may have a sick animal on your
hands and no way of knowing what and how much they ate.”
While it is best to keep your animals on their regular diet,
Stickney does say that there are some foods that are safe for pets to
eat.
“If you absolutely have to give them something off of your
plate, hand them a green bean,” says Stickney. “Plain vegetables and
unbuttered, unsalted popcorn are both pretty harmless since they are
mostly fiber and don’t contain a lot of extra calories.”
Although toxic food is a major concern for your pets during the
holiday season, other common substances and smells can also harm them
during this time.
“Birds are very sensitive to anything they can inhale. During
the holidays people like to burn smelly candles and our guests may want
to smoke, but these types of irritants can give our winged companions
the bird version of a cold,” states Stickney.
Another thing to keep in mind, as the weather gets colder and you start
changing your anti-freeze to keep your dogs away from it.
“Anti-freeze has a sweet taste to it that dogs seem to like.
Unfortunately it is extremely toxic and can cause renal failure,”
notes Stickney.
The important thing to remember is that your pets are part of your
family. By keeping an eye out and avoiding over-feeding you can make
sure the entire family is enjoying the season.

ABOUT PET TALK...Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary
Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Stories can be
viewed on the Web at http://tamunews.tamu.edu/.

Summer 2008 VQR now available

2008-09-10T09:21:00.000-07:00

The latest issue of the Veterinary Quarterly Review (VQR) can be found at http://aevm.tamu.edu under VQR. If you have any questions please email me at adement@cvm.tamu.edu

Rabies

2008-08-28T06:50:00.001-07:00

Since we have been seeing more and more cases of rabies I thought that a "refresher" would be appropriate.

The following was taken from "Quick Facts about Foreign and Endemic Animal Diseases". This publication may be found at http://agrilifebookstore.org or on our website at http://aevm.tamu.edu under Publications

What is Rabies?

Rabies, caused by a virus, affects the central nervous system of warm-blooded animals. It is sometimes referred to as hydrophobia. Rabies is considered to be a disease of over-populated wild animal species.

Is the disease a foreign or emerging/endemic disease?

Rabies is endemic to the U.S.

What animals are affected?

Rabies can affect any warm-blooded animal and it is fatal if untreated. Species most commonly affected are skunks, bats, coyotes and foxes. Skunks shed more rabies virus in their saliva than any other species.

How is it transmitted?

The rabies virus is transmitted in the saliva and blood of infected animals. When an infected animal bites or scratches another animal and saliva is deposited on the wound, the virus enters the body and migrates to the brain by traveling up the peripheral nerves.

What is the incubation period of the disease?

The incubation period varies from 3 weeks to 7 months, depending on the species of the animal, the virulence of the strain of the virus, the age of the victim, and the site of the wound.

What are the symptoms?

The best-known symptom is excessive salivation. Other symptoms are:

Anorexia
Apprehension
Nervousness
Irritability
Hyperexitability
Ataxia (failure of muscle coordination)
Altered temperament

Once an animal exhibits symptoms, death usually occurs within 3 to 10 days.

Can people be infected?

Yes. Transmission may occur if an infected animal scratches or bites a person. People who have been bitten by or had contact with a rabid animal should contact a physician to determine if post-exposure prophylactic measures are required.

Is there a vaccine available?

Yes. Animals should be routinely vaccinated to build immunity against the virus.

Is this disease preventable?

Yes. The most effective preventive measure is vaccination. People should not adopt wild animals or allow bats to take up residence in areas where there are people or domestic animals.

Is this a reportable disease?

Yes. It should be reported immediately to state public health officials. Is an animal is suspected of having rabies (i.e., it bites somebody) it should be quarantined for 10 days. Domestic animals that have been in contact with a rabid animal should be destroyed immediately or, if they have been vaccinated, quarantined for 45 to 90 days.

Who should be contacted if rabies is suspected?

Immediately contact a private veterinarian or the state animal health department. Rabies can not be diagnosed in live animals. The head and brain of the animal must be tested.

Fever Ticks Lay Claim to a Million Acres in Texas

2008-07-15T08:29:00.000-07:00

News Release
Texas Animal Health Commission
Box l2966 * Austin, Texas 78711 * (800) 550-8242 * FAX (512) 719-0719
Bob Hillman, DVM * Executive Director
For info, contact Carla Everett, information
officer, at 1-800-550-8242, ext. 710, or ceverett@tahc.state.tx.us

For immediate release---

Fever Ticks Lay Claim to a Million Acres in Texas

The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) marked an ominous anniversary July 3 by expanding the preventive cattle fever tick quarantine area in south Texas by 307,000 acres, after the dangerous livestock pests were detected on cattle outside quarantine areas in Starr and Zapata counties. Fever ticks, capable of carrying and transmitting deadly “tick fever” to cattle, have been detected on livestock or wildlife on 139 Texas pastures during the past 12 months.

“In July 2007, the first preventive quarantine was established--39,325 acres in Starr county--to
enable the US. Department of Agriculture’s Tick Force and the TAHC to inspect and treat livestock moved from the area, get ahead of the fever tick and push it back across the quarantine line,” said Dr. Bob Hillman, Texas’ state veterinarian and head of the Texas Animal Health Commission, the state’s livestock and poultry health regulatory agency. “Now, a year later, we have more than a million acres under preventive quarantines in Starr, Zapata, Jim Hogg, Maverick, Dimmit and Webb counties, in addition to the half-million acres in the permanent fever tick quarantine zone that runs alongside the Rio Grande, from Del Rio to Brownsville.”

The enlarged preventive quarantine includes portions of Starr, Zapata counties and a small area in Jim Hogg County. It is bounded on the north by Texas Highway 16, from its intersection on the west with US Highway 83 to its eastern junction with Ranch Road 649. Ranch Road 649 is
the eastern boundary to its southern intersection with US Highway 83, which is the western boundary stretching northward to the intersection with Texas Highway 16. Maps of this and all
preventive fever tick quarantines are available on the TAHC website at http://www.tahc.state.tx.us or by calling the TAHC at 800-550-8242.

“This is no longer a ‘border war’ against the fever tick,” said Dr. Hillman. “The fever tick has gained a substantial foothold on Texas soil, and without adequate resources to fight this pest, it will spread.” The fever tick, which can survive winters from coast to coast and as far north as Washington, D. C., was successfully pushed back into Mexico in 1943. Periodic tick incursions since then have occurred in Texas, but only one, in the 1970s, eclipsed the current outbreak for the number of premises infested and took six years to eradicate.

“In smaller states, a quarantine area the size of Delaware would raise red flags,” said Dr.
Hillman. “Texas’ vastness and the previous success at keeping the fever tick controlled may
be working against us. Now we need help, with a million more acres to cover and finding about a
dozen infested premises a month.”

“Early this year, the fever tick program received $5.2 million of the $13 million of federal funds
requested to fight the tick, and while appreciated and used, it is not enough to win this battle,” said Dr. Hillman. “Furthermore, there has been no funding for the National Fever Tick Eradication Strategic Plan, developed and approved by USDA in 2006. It called for preventing entry of cattle fever ticks into the U.S., enhancing surveillance, and eradicating infestations resulting from fever tick incursions. The plan also was to identify and procure the tools necessary to keep the U.S. free of fever ticks, and to work with Mexico, where cattle fever ticks are not controlled. The strategic plan has not been implemented.”

“It’s really a ‘pay now or pay later’ scenario, because this tick won’t be stopped with less than
an all-out assault that requires adequate personnel, sufficient treatment products, and enough equipment, such as portable dipping vats or portable spray boxes for cattle, and treatment
equipment for deer and other wildlife hosts,” said Dr. Hillman. “Texas has a ticking time bomb
in south Texas. So far, we have had only two of the three elements for a ‘tick fever’ outbreak--fever ticks and fever tick hosts--including cattle, horses and several species of wildlife. If, however, some of these fever ticks carry babesia, a blood parasite deadly to cattle, the equation would be complete and we could see livestock death losses.”

On the front lines are the ranchers in the preventive quarantine areas who must gather their
cattle for inspection-which in the south Texas brush country usually requires helicopters and
cowboys on horseback. The TAHC and USDA work cooperatively to provide the inspections to
determine the scope of infestation in the area. Cattle, horses and ruminants, including llamas and camels, also must be inspected, treated and permitted prior to leaving the area.

Dr. Hillman encouraged ranchers to comply with the preventive quarantines and asked producers in adjacent counties to have their livestock checked prior to movement out of the area. “In discussions with ranchers, it has been suggested that cattle moving through south Texas livestock markets be inspected and dipped prior to sale,” said Dr. Hillman. “This is being considered, but it, too, requires additional personnel, chemicals and the construction of dipping vats, resources we do not have at this time.”

“We have traced more than 1,000 cattle moved from ranches later found to be tick-infested,”
said Dr. Hillman. “Requesting an inspection prior to movement costs nothing for the rancher,
but it could save us countless hours of tracking cattle, time that could be better used in the
field to fight the ticks. I also encourage ranchers anywhere in Texas to call us if they see tick infestations on their cattle. We can check the animals, and collect and send tick samples to the state-federal laboratory for identification. We do not want to take any chances with these ticks and spread them further.” Ranchers can call their area TAHC office, or the agency headquarters at 800-550-8242.

Ranches where ticks have been detected are quarantined, and cattle are rounded up, inspected
and treated as often as every two weeks, or as seldom as every 28 days, depending on the
treatment method-dipping, spraying or injection with Dectomax, an injectable treatment. The
cattle are repeatedly treated and returned to the pasture to ‘pick up’ ticks on the vegetation,
until the animals are tick-free, indicating that the premises is free of the pests.

Another method of clearing a pasture of ticks involves removing clean, treated cattle and ‘vacating’ the pasture for as long as nine months to starve out the ticks. Recently, this method
has met with less than positive results, as ticks have demonstrated their adaptability to live on
wildlife when cattle hosts are not available.

“Historically, fever ticks preferred cattle, and sometimes, hitched a ride on horses. Now fever
ticks are being detected not only on white-tailed deer and nilgai, but also on aoudad sheep, fallow, axis and red deer, and elk. Fighting fever ticks on a variety of species--especially
free-ranging animals that don’t respect fences--makes this battle much more difficult,” said Dr. Hillman.

Currently, treatment of wildlife or exotic livestock is limited to providing corn treated with an insecticide, or setting up feeding stations equipped with treated posts that transfer pyrethrin, an insecticide, to the animal’s head and neck. Later, as the animal grooms itself, the pyrethrin is distributed across its body, killing the fever ticks. The problem: some products require a 60-day
withdrawal period, so they can’t be used just prior to or during the hunting season. In the
quarantined areas, the hides of harvested animals are either left behind, or inspected and treated prior to being removed from the premises.

“Concerns about fever ticks run deep in Texas, where the TAHC was established in 1893 to fight this pest. A Fever Tick Working Group, with industry and related agency membership, is
working on recommendations for getting ahead of the fever tick, so it can be pushed back to the
border. Likewise, a Wildlife Subcommittee also is working on suggestions for addressing fever
ticks on free-ranging and exotic livestock,” said Dr. Hillman. “Fighting fever ticks may seem
simple, but it’s not easy…and it’s never cheap.”

Pets and Fireworks: Keep The Booms Away From Boomer, Expert Says

2008-07-03T08:56:00.000-07:00

From Pet Talk:

COLLEGE STATION, July 2, 2008 – When it comes to fireworks, animal experts agree: keep those booms far from Boomer.

“It’s not a very wise idea to keep pets anywhere near where fireworks are being set off. The possible dangers and the stress it creates for animals are very real,” says Dr. John August, a professor in Texas A&M University’s College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences.

Animals frightened by fireworks may shake or tremble, have excessive drooling, barking and howling, or may even lose bladder control, notes August.

“Loud noises from fireworks can cause some dogs to have seizures which may develop into a life-threatening situation,” he confirms. “Also, epilepsy can be triggered by loud explosions.”

Animals, especially dogs, can chew on exploded or unexploded fireworks and the ingredients in them are toxic, notes August.

“These chemicals and materials can cause severe stomach and digestive trouble, possibly even death, if ingested.” Additionally, August says that pet hair can easily catch fire, so pets should be kept as far away from the fireworks as possible to prevent burns.

August highly recommends keeping pets indoors if fireworks are being set off nearby.

“It is best to have a television or radio playing because these are familiar sounds to the pet and they will provide a distraction. Your presence may also have a calming effect,” he adds.

If scared, indoor cats can usually find a hiding place under a bed or table, notes August.

“If the animal can’t be kept indoors, provide a place in the yard, such as a dog house. An animal carrier may help your pet feel safer and provide a sense of security and comfort.

The loud noises generated by fireworks can be very upsetting to pets and may cause improper behavior such as destruction of property, hiding, escaping, or extreme anxiety, notes August. In severe cases, pets may need to be sedated.

If you have previously sedated your pet for loud noises and the effects were beneficial, it might be best to continue the practice, notes August. “But this should only be done as a last resort,” he believes.

“Pets and fireworks are not a great combination, so help your pet survive the loud, explosive celebrations in their own retreat, away from the noise.”

ABOUT PET TALK...

Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Stories can be viewed on the Web at http://tamunews.tamu.edu/.

Failure of Passive Transfer

2008-07-03T08:47:00.000-07:00

"Failure of Passive Transfer" is a phrase used in veterinary medicine to explain why the newborn has diarrhea or pneumonia or joint ill or navel ill or other physical problems or developments indicative of some generalized infection or unthrifty condition. By the way, the students on my rotation the other day didn't know what I meant by the terms "joint ill" or "navel ill". I guess these conditions are called by other names now. When "thinkers" are bored they seem to change the name of certain conditions or disease processes if they are suffering from a drought in discovering new diseases. Joint ill is the term I learned when a foal or sometimes a baby calf develops a swollen, tender, warm or hot joint or joints. This happens when germs enter the system (often times through the navel) and "settle out" in the joints. The condition is almost always a death sentence to the affected newborn since treatment can become very expensive and frustrating. Certainly, mama stepping on the leg could produce a similar appearing problem, but if multiple joints are affected, mama probably isn't that clumsy.

What allows these serious infections to occur in such a young, fragile offspring is often related to the baby not nursing the dam soon enough after birth in order to receive the very important colostrum. In some cases, it's possible that the dam's immune system wasn't properly prepared for the germ Mother Nature showed the baby, so although the newborn nursed well and in a timely manner, the colostrum was a little lacking since mama's immune system was deficient in some way. That's what is meant by "failure of passive transfer".

Since the newborn's immune system isn't ready to "take on the world" of germs, mama's milk needs to provide immediate protection. This is a concept we've all been familiar with since basic animal husbandry classes. But what sometimes isn't understood is that the window of opportunity for the absorption of these protectors against disease that are in the colostrum is relatively short. The time frame varies a little depending on whose opinion you're hearing, but I learned within the first 8 hours of birth. Some offer a more narrow window for the best chance of protection.

So what's the big deal? We all can expect the newborn to certainly have an opportunity to nurse within 8 hours. Or maybe not. What about that cow that wasn't culled last year because she's pregnant again and she always does a good job on her calf. The only problem is the several calves she's had and the plentiful milk she provides have caused her teats to be so big the calf can't get them in his mouth. Or maybe only one of her teats is enlarged, but that's the one her calf chooses to try to nurse while he's still wobbly legged. The mare with the nervous disposition that was bred since she wasn't suited for anything else has now gone through pregnancy and labor; she's still nervous and unsettled and won't let her baby even try to nurse.

The other important thing to consider is preparing the dam's immune system with the proper ammunition through a thoughtful, systematic approach to vaccination. If you are uncertain what types of infections and diseases are prevalent in your area, the local veterinarian should have already done the homework for you. He or she is probably happy to share the knowledge. Saving expense by shortcuts on nutrition and proper mineral supplementation, may compromise the vaccination protocol. So don't be too quick to blame 'ol Doc because the vaccine recommended didn't seem to help at all. Those animals need a healthy immune system in order to respond to the vaccination.

There's quiet a lot of stuff that can allow "failure of passive transfer" to occur. The end result is almost always the same, though. The dam's inventory cost is real. Her lack of productivity is too.