With more than 20 cases of African Swine Fever (ASF) reported overseas, Canadian hog producers are taking note of this serious disease. Stewart Skinner, a hog producer from near Listowel, Ont., says he’s worried it will come to Canada through person-to-person, or rather, farm-to-farm contact. “Without sounding alarmist, if we did have a case in… Read more »
Category: Disease outbreaks
Two environmental samples test positive for PEDv in Saskatchewan
What we know A tweet posted July 26th by Dr. Egan Brockhoff, DVM, stated that two environmental samples (not livestock) in Saskatchewan had tested positive for PEDv. Heads up! PED Virus +ve environmental samples. Saskatchewan has found a #livestock trailer and #truckwash positive for the virus. Direct connection to US transportation identified as the… Read more »
Emerging avian virus found in wild ducks in Ontario
Questions are being raised about the connection between wild ducks in Ontario, an emerging avian virus, and egg production drop in a turkey breeder flock in the province. A research team, including Ontario Veterinary College pathobiology professor Claire Jardine, found 22 per cent of almost 400 live wild ducks sampled from 23 Ontario lakes tested… Read more »
Blood and milk test for TB, Johne’s makes steps to commercialization
Saskatoon will soon be host to a UK company that develops rapid bacteria detection tests using blood and milk samples. Announced today, PBD Biotech has chosen Saskatoon, SK, as the headquarters for its Canadian subsidiary. The company’s Actiphage technology is a “highly sensitive and specific assay” that detects live bacteria in the blood or milk of… Read more »
Ontario tweaks rabies vaccination rules for livestock
At issue Ontario is set to introduce new rules and regulations as of July 1, 2018, regarding requirements for livestock rabies vaccination. All animals that will interact with the public will be required to maintain up-to-date vaccinations. Why is this a concern? Rabies isn’t fun, you guys. But also, the changes to rabies immunization requirements for… Read more »
Agribition Showcases Canadian Cattle Genetics to the World
The Canadian Western Agribition happens each November in Regina, Sask. When the middle of the city’s Evraz Place becomes a riding arena and the barns fill with the fluffiest, meatiest cattle Canadian ranchers have to offer. Shaun Haney and Kelvin Heppner are touring said barns this week, and Shaun caught up with Chad McPherson, general… Read more »
Categorizing, Treating and Preventing Neonatal Scours in Calves
You go out to check the cows, and you see a calf with scours — what do you do? For many producers, the first course of action involves a bolus gun. But, it’s actions like this that have led Franklyn Garry, professor at Colorado State University, to unabashedly assert that “we grossly overuse antibiotics.” Neonatal Scours… Read more »
Sheep Producers Warned to Watch for Bluetongue; Virus Found in Ontario Cattle Herd
The Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency (OSMA) is warning sheep producers that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed a positive case of Bluetongue virus in an Ontario cattle herd. Bluetongue disease is caused by the Bluetongue virus, and transmitted from animal to animal by the Culicoides midge. The virus attacks the lining of blood… Read more »
British Columbia Now Considered Free of Avian Influenza
Canada has officially notified the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) that British Columbia is now considered free of avian influenza. On June 3, B.C. successfully completed three months of surveillance following eradication of the disease. Related: Third Oxford County Farm Presumed Infected with H5 Avian Influenza; Within 2nd Quarantine Zone Avian Influenza Threat Forces… Read more »
Saskatchewan’s New Premises ID Database for Livestock Launched Online
The Saskatchewan Premises Identification (PID) Database was launched as a new online resource to help improve livestock emergency prevention and response. “The benefits of the Premises Identification Database are far-reaching,” said Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart. “Knowing where our province’s livestock is located allows us to be more effective in handling everything from flooding to disease… Read more »
Stopping H5N2: Biosecurity Tips for Non-Poultry Producers
You may not be a poultry producer in Ontario, but you still play a role in decreasing the risk of spreading avian influenza within the province. So far confirmed on two farms and suspected on a third in Oxford County, the highly pathogenic H5N2 avian influenza is incredibly deadly to birds and very easy to… Read more »
Third Oxford County Farm Presumed Infected with H5 Avian Influenza; Within 2nd Quarantine Zone
Updated April 28, 2015: CFIA confirms that the third farm is infected with the highly pathogenic H5N2 strain. Humane depopulation of the premises was concluded April 26. A turkey farm in Oxford County has been named as “presumed” positive for H5 avian influenza, according to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). The 8,000 head turkey… Read more »