This is a summary of a longer blog article posted on BeefResearch.ca. Read the full story here. As fall quickly approaches, cattle producers should be mindful about preventing disease as they prepare to transport herds, bring in replacements, pull bulls, or make other adjustments for the changing seasons. When focusing on the logistics of bringing… Read More
Category: Biosecurity
When it comes to biosecurity and livestock, we’re often focused on hogs or poultry. But what about cattle? Dr. Julia Herman, beef cattle specialist veterinarian at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), joined RealAg Radio to discuss why biosecurity should be more of a conversation on the ranch. When thinking about biosecurity and cattle, Dr…. Read More
The governments of Canada and Ontario will deliver $3 million over three initiatives to enhance biosecurity and support the provincial pork sector’s African swine fever (ASF) prevention and emergency preparedness efforts, the province says. Starting November 5, 2021, and under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, processors and other agri-businesses can access an intake to support training,… Read More
Turkey Farmers of Ontario has received funding of nearly $560,000 to finalize and launch a new insurance product to protect Ontario turkey producers from losses associated with outbreaks of avian influenza. The funding is through the federal government’s AgriRisk Initiatives. This new insurance product will be mandatory for all turkey farmers in Ontario and, once it… Read More
Those who trespass on Alberta farms will potentially face stiffer fines, as Premier Jason Kenney has announced upcoming changes to the provincial petty-trespass act in the upcoming fall session. “Alberta’s farmers and ranchers treat their animals well, and they have a right to run their operations without illegal harassment from militant trespassers. I’ve asked Minister… Read More
Alberta Pork has confirmed a fourth case of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDv) in the province, while a fifth case was also detected. The highly contagious virus that affects hogs, was first discovered in Alberta back in January. Since then, the province has recorded a case once a month, aside from this recent discovery of… Read More
It’s an unfortunate reality for many farmers — the very frightening possibility of activists targeting them on their private property, where their homes are, where they care for their livestock and raise their children. Last weekend, Ontario dairy farmers were left shaken when activists trespassed on private property, entered barns without permission, and reportedly, even… Read More
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) this week offered an update to the bovine tuberculosis (bovine TB) case found in British Columbia late last year. The disease was found in the southern interior region of the province on October 26, 2018, and was announced publicly in November 2018. The investigation is on-going, says CFIA, and the agency… Read More
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has announced it’s investigating a case of bovine tuberculosis (bovine TB) in the southern interior of British Columbia. Dr. Debbie Barr, director of animal health, welfare & biosecurity division CFIA, says the mature cow was sent to a slaughter house on Oct. 26, 2018. Post mortem examination showed signs… Read More
A virus unique only to pigs is spreading at an alarming rate in China and this latest swine disease has become even more concerning for those at the global pork table. Dr. Egan Brockhoff, of Prairie Swine Health Services and veterinary counsellor for the Canadian Pork Council, explains African Swine Fever (ASF) can go after… Read More
Where can Canadians find everything they need to know about farming all wrapped into a neat 60-page package? It’s all in The Real Dirt on Farming. Farm & Food Care Ontario officially unveiled the newest version of its flagship public outreach publication last month. This new Real Dirt is the fourth edition since the project’s inception in… Read More
Recent positive rabies cases on a few farms in Ontario’s Perth County are a stark reminder of this ever-present, reportable disease in livestock. While livestock cases of rabies are rare, it’s safe to assume the virus circulates in wildlife nearly constantly, albeit at a low level. Exposed livestock, likely from a bite, tend to exhibit… Read More
A lot of angst is simmering in farm circles about the potential for disease to spread between wildlife and domestic livestock, such as poultry. The concerns are warranted, given how quickly disease can race through a herd and create huge losses. But new research from the University of Guelph into the health status of Ontario… Read More
The word “biosecurity” can conjure up some interesting images, not limited to an overabundance of showers, hard-drives of paperwork and hazmat suits. But, ensuring good levels of on-farm biosecurity doesn’t have to be overwhelming. “There’s been so much focus on biosecurity as a word,” says Franklyn Garry, professor at Colorado State University, “that it does, it… Read More
As with other aspects of farming, automation is finding its way into the process of managing mortalities. Dutch Industries, based at Pilot Butte, Saskatchewan, has designed what looks like a big top-heavy green box that it calls the “BioMulcher.” The unit heats, grinds and mixes, composting up to 2,500 pounds of material per batch. “After… Read More