Farm & Ranch
Blue Green Algae
By Barry Whitworth, DVM / Area Food/Animal Quality and Health Specialist for Eastern Oklahoma
This year an Oklahoma cattle producer in Payne County found seven dead cows and one dead deer in close proximity to a pond. The owner suspected something was wrong with the water. An analysis of the water was performed. “The analysis revealed that it was positive for blue-green algae and was above the lethal threshold,” according to Oklahoma State University Payne County Ag Educator Nathan Anderson.
This year there have been reports of similar unexplained deaths by ponds. This would not be much of a surprise if these had occurred in late summer, but this incident took place in early spring. This should be a warning to livestock producers to inspect ponds for blue-green algae accumulation when conditions are right no matter what time of the year it is.
To read more pick up a copy of the June 2020 NTFR issue. To subscribe call 940-872-5922.
By Barry Whitworth, DVM
Having backyard poultry is a popular agriculture enterprise. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, 0.8 percent of all households in the United States have chickens. People keep chickens for a variety of reasons with table eggs being one of the more common reasons.
Unfortunately, some of these poultry producers are not aware of the hazards that come with keeping poultry because many times they carry pathogens but appear healthy.
Chickens are carriers of several zoonotic diseases. These are diseases that can be passed from animals to humans. According to a recent survey in Pennsylvania, a majority of backyard poultry producers were aware of the dangers of avian influenza. However, this study also revealed that far fewer producers were aware of the risk of possible exposure to Salmonella and Campylobacter.
The lack of knowledge about the hazards of raising poultry likely contributes to the continued issues of Salmonella outbreaks associated with backyard poultry. In 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 1,072 illnesses of Salmonella linked to backyard poultry, and 272 of those patients required hospitalization. Oklahoma reported 43 individuals with the disease.
To read more, pick up a copy of the April issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
By Tressa Lawrence
Babies are tucked away in every nook and cranny. Many ranchers across Wyoming have baby animals popping up all over this time of year.
By Lindsey Monk
Another load of grain in to keep feeding the calves until the green grass can really start popping.
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