Disaster preparedness for livestock
Resources containing information to help prepare livestock for a storm or flood.
New tick species carries new disease that is a threat to cattle.
Anaplasmosis fact sheet
This fact sheet has frequently asked questions about heartworm disease in dogs.
This article discusses the clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of foot rot in cattle
Pinkeye, also known as infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK), is a common disease of beef cattle that causes redness and ulcers in the eye.
Controlling internal parasites in grazing cattle has a significant positive return on investment; in most cases greater than any other management practice.
Although cattle can survive for days without food, a supply of clean, fresh water is essential to keep animals alive following a disaster. Rules of thumb for calculating necessary trough space also included.
Trichomoniasis is a bovine venereal disease that can cause substantial reproductive and economic loss in cow-calf operations that use natural service. Many states, including Louisiana, now have regulations on movement of bulls to prevent the spread of trichomoniasis.
Planning and Protecting Financial Investments, Develop Local, Regional and State Partnerships, Maximize Herd Health, and more.
Discusses the impacts of clinical and subclinical heat stress in beef and dairy cattle.
This fact sheet list talking points about antibiotic use in beef cattle.
Prudent use of pharmaceutical agents in food-producing animals is essential for animal health and welfare, and food safety. This article describes current drug-use regulations so livestock producers can work with their veterinarian to make smart choices.
Performing breeding soundness evaluations on herd bulls is a sound investment for beef cow-calf operations. A bull breeding soundness evaluation (BSE) is a uniform method of assessing a bull’s likelihood of accomplishing pregnancy in an appropriate number of open, healthy, cycling cows or heifers in a defined breeding season.
Information on purchasing healthy bulls, breeding-soundness examinations, disease prevention and nutrition. (PDF format only)
Pseudopregnancy is a common pathological condition characterized by accumulation of fluid in the uterus.
Fact sheet about caseous lymphadentitis in goats and sheep.
The Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) is a new rule by FDA that went into effect January 1, 2017.
Because of their relatively small size compared to cattle and horses, mass evacuation of goats and sheep is possible if plans are made weeks in advance of a potential disaster.
This article provides the latest information about internal parasites in sheep and goats and updated treatment and control recommendations.
Cattle, goats, horses, pigs and sheep surviving hurricanes or other disasters are vulnerable to several diseases, including infectious diseases and toxicities. (PDF Format Only)
Well in advance of a potential disaster, producers should evaluate their herd health programs with their veterinarian. Horses that undergo evacuation either before or after a disaster will be stressed and are likely to be commingled with other horses and livestock. (PDF Format Only)
Cattle can sometimes have difficulty calving. Cattle producers should be familiar with the stages of labor in cattle and know when to intervene.
This article discusses common diseases in show animals and how to prevent them.
During the late summer and fall is the best time to get ready for potential winter hazards.
Information regarding the updated equine deworming recommendations.
Winter feeding costs are a major expense in cow-calf herds. So, selecting a winter feeding program that is cost-efficient is imperative. However, making sure nutrient requirements are met during this time is critical to future profitability. An investment now can pay dividends for years to come.
One of the most difficult feeding challenges faced by dairy farmers is the dropoff in feed intake and milk production during the summer. To minimize these losses, rations must be specially formulated for hot weather.
What is avian influenza (bird flu)? What are the hosts for avian influenza? How is avian influenza transmitted from bird to bird? What are the signs of avian influenza in birds? Find these answers and more in this one-page fact sheet. (PDF Format Only)
Johne’s (pronounced “Yo-nees”) Disease is a chronic infection caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP).
Have your chickens ever had white lesions that developed into wart-like nodules and then formed dark scabs on their combs and wattles? If so, your chickens had fowl pox, according to LSU AgCenter poultry professor Dr. Theresia Lavergne.
Azaleas are a common ornamental plant in Louisiana. But they can be deadly to livestock, especially goats. This fact sheet explains what can happen when goats consume azaleas.
Biosecurity plans control the introduction and spread of disease by evaluating and addressing the primary routes of disease transmission. An effective biosecurity plan will control several diseases at one time. (PDF Format Only)
Farm animals can carry germs that make people sick, but some simple precautions can keep our kids healthy.
Images of major poisonous plants are presented to assist livestock owners with plant recognition. Toxic effects are also mentioned.
Conscientious owners should be aware that there can be potentially toxic substances in feeds.
Vitamin supplementation in horses is generally not needed since common feeds normally contain adequate amounts. Vitamin deficiencies occur primarily when horses are sick or stressed, or if feed is improperly processed and stored over long periods of time. In these cases, vitamin supplementation may be necessary.
Cattle in all beef herds are subjected to some of the common diseases. Vaccines are available that can induce some degree of protection against several of the major diseases of cattle.
The LSU AgCenter operates 25 weather stations at research stations and other cooperating locations throughout Louisiana. The Louisiana Agriclimatic Information System privides temperature and humidity data that researchers can correlate to livestock and crop production. Each station provides minute-by-minute measurements of air temperature, rainfall, wind speed, wind direction, relative humidity, solar radiation and soil temperature.
Photosensitization, also known as photodermatitis, occurs when the liver is unable to excrete a metabolite of chlorophyll from forages the animal has eaten. The metabolite accumulates in the skin and is activated by sunlight. The reaction yields free radicals that "burn" the skin.
Cattle, goats, horses, pigs and sheep surviving Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita are vulnerable to several diseases, including infectious diseases and toxicities, according to a veterinarian with the LSU AgCenter.
Although there’s not an imminent danger, some scientists say a widespread disease or bioterrorism attack could wipe out significant portions of the U.S. farm animal population. That's where the National Animal Germplasm Program comes in.
As natural as raw pet food diets may seem, these diets have not been shown to be healthier for pets. In addition, they can pose significant risks to humans.
Fact sheet about the safety of antibiotic use in food animals.
The horse industry is alive and well in Louisiana. Purses for racing Thoroughbreds and quarter horses are high, and quality show horses are found in nearly every barn. Knowledge of horse owners and their ability to care for their animals is also increasing. Neurologic diseases and how to best prevent them continue to present challenges to our horses as well as their humans.