Even very young calves appear to benefit from immunization.


Beef 911: Vaccinating young calves

More vaccines are happening earlier and while performing other procedures

There has been lots of trial work over the years regarding vaccinations of calves and when is the most ideal time. Immunologists debate this but as situations on farms changed and herds got larger, trends changed. Herd owners no longer boostered vaccines at four to six weeks apart, as was often recommended. Summer pneumonias cropped

Nose-to-nose contact is a primary means for transmission of respiratory diseases between horses.

Biosecurity practices for horses

Horse Health: Infectious organisms are effective 'hitchhikers' so avoid sharing water buckets and equipment at shows

Biosecurity measures do not need to be complicated or expensive undertakings to be effective. In fact the simplest of practices can make the most difference. Infectious and contagious diseases are not random events, rather the disease requires a chain of events to manifest — like the perfect storm. The viral, bacterial, parasitic or fungal pathogens


pig and piglets

Genetics tool sought for hogs

Breeding pigs to have better immune responses means using fewer antibiotics and other medications

New research being led by the University of Guelph could help reduce the amount of medical intervention required in swine production. As part of a $9.8-million national research project aimed at enhancing Canada’s pork industry, a team of researchers will work to develop genomics tools that select pigs able to resist multiple diseases, improve animal

Beef 911: Rectal palpation versus ultrasound for pregnant cows

Beef 911: Rectal palpation versus ultrasound for pregnant cows

Both methods have advantages, but the key is having reproductive exams at least once a year

Both rectal palpation and ultrasounding for pregnancy have advantages depending on their intended application, and both require a skilled veterinarian performing the pregnancy exam to get accurate results. I will outline the pros and cons of each method so you can see how to best fit them into your farming operation, and dispel some myths

Widespread antibiotic use reduced disease levels in herds but also sent resistance levels soaring.


Antimicrobial resistance in cattle means big changes coming

An alarming rise in resistance even has drug companies calling for producers to change their ways


Multi-drug resistance to disease-causing bacteria is quickly becoming a complete “game changer” that could cripple the cattle industry’s ability to manage common bovine diseases. “We are really slamming into the end of the antibiotic era,” said Dr. Trisha Dowling, a professor of veterinary pharmacology at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine. “I’ve got 24 different


Horses are prone to allergic reactions

Horses are prone to allergic reactions

Horse Health: There are multiple triggers that can cause either skin or respiratory reaction

Horses, just like humans, can and do get allergies. Although allergies in horses are not fully understood, we do know that the root cause lies in the immune system. The body becomes hypersensitive and appears to “overreact” to seemingly innocuous substances called allergens. Histamine, a naturally occurring hormone in the body, reaches overly high levels,

cow receiving a vaccination

Beef 911: Preventing negative side-effects of cattle vaccinations

It is good practice to take a walk through any recently vaccinated cattle to check for reactions

There are now a multitude of vaccines on the market for all facets of the beef and dairy industry. Vaccinating has become part of the biosecurity program on your farm, ranch or dairy. It is good for our industry as it controls disease, minimizes antibiotic use, improves production, and decreases death or losses from abortion.

overhead view of cattle auction

Antimicrobial use in feedlots could be slashed, say experts

Simple management changes, like pre-weaning vaccinations, can greatly increase immunity in cattle

The livestock sector could significantly reduce and in some cases, eliminate, antimicrobial use with simple changes in management practices, say veterinarians. And that would reduce the threat of antimicrobial resistance and boost consumer confidence in the cattle industry. “The key is to have animals that are properly vaccinated,” said Craig Dorin of Veterinary Agri-Health Services.