REGIONAL
What happens to livestock lost during bad weather?
USDA's Farm Service Agency recently reminded ranchers to maintain good livestock records.
The FSA's livestock indemnity program provides benefits to farmers who lose livestock due to eligible adverse weather, predation, or disease, regardless of the animal.
NATIONAL
Mounting tick concerns on both sides of the US
In the fall, large numbers of East Asian “bush” ticks were found among a New Jersey sheep flock (all life stages), and researchers will be back this spring to survey following last year’s treatment.
It is unclear whether or not this species of tick could transmit the same diseases as US native ticks.
Meanwhile, ticks in San Diego, CA have tested positive for tularemia, and the local county health department is conducting outreach, warning people of ticks and informing how to avoid them.
INTERNATIONAL
Why does New Zealand hate rabbits right now?
Wild rabbits in NZ are in for a world of hurt, as NZ officials prepare to unleash a new strain of the Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV) on the proliferative lagomorphs.
In New Zealand, rabbits are abundant pests because they can compete with livestock production and destroy land with all of their indiscriminate burrowing.
The virus was previously introduced to New Zealand, affecting only rabbits, but after time the rabbits have become immune to it.
Jacob Devries
Jacob is a veterinary resident at the Center for Animal Health and Food Safety at the University of Minnesota. Jacob received is DVM from the Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine, and has worked as a field Veterinary Medical Officer for USDA-APHIS Veterinary Services in Des Moines, Iowa. Jacob’s focus is on delivering public health information to a variety of audiences and participate in animal health related research. In addition, he is a amateur herpetologist and avid outdoorsman.