Farm & Ranch
Rhodococcus Infections in the Foal
By Lauren Lamb, DVM
Rhodococcus pneumonia is one of the most common causes of pneumonia in foals one to four months of age. Rhodococcus equi (R. equi) is the bacterial that causes an infection in foals. R. equi infections are usually localized to the lungs and cause abscess formation within the lungs. Although rare, R. equi can also cause infection in other body systems such as the eye, bone, joints and abdomen (diarrhea or abscess). Adult horses rarely develop a R. equi, unless there is an underlying severe immunodeficiency present.
R. equi can be found on most horse farms globally. The R. equi can survive in the environment for long periods of time and withstand some of the harshest climates. Just because the bacteria is present in the soil does not automatically result in a foal becoming infected with R. equi. High stocking densities, low soil moisture and low pasture height can also increase the risk of a foal developing a R. Equi infection.
Rhodococcus equi has a relatively simple lifecycle. The bacteria is inhaled from the environment, usually in the form of dust. The airborne bacteria is transported to the lungs, where several abscesses are formed and the pneumonia begins. A secondary route of infection is via ingestion of bacteria, followed by entry of the bacteria into the blood stream. Once the bacteria is in the blood stream it will seed the lungs.
To read more pick up a copy of the April 2018 issue. To subscribe call 940-872-5922.
Foal’s lungs showing small abscesses throughout the lung field. (Photo courtesy of askjpg.org)
Radiographs of a three-month-old foals lungs infected with R. equi. (Photo courtesy of veteriankey.com)
By Barry Whitworth, DVM, MPH
With the prolonged drought, most pastures in Oklahoma end up in poor condition. With the lack of available forage, animals may go in search of alternative foods.
If oak trees are in the pastures, acorns may be a favorite meal for some livestock in the fall. This may result in oak poisoning.
Oak leaves, twigs, buds, and acorns may be toxic to some animals when consumed.
To read more, pick up a copy of the November edition of North Texas Farm & Ranch magazine, available digitally and in print. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
By: Tony Dean
There are a handful of grasses on North Texas grazing lands ranchers need to know, not because they are highly desirable, but rather because they are not of much value. I call them “decom” plants, which is am acronym for “Don’t Ever Count On Me.” Silver bluestem is a “decom” grass.
Silver bluestem is a perennial which grows in all areas of Texas. It can survive in almost all soil types, and in full sun conditions or in semi shade. It grows up to three feet tall and is easily recognized with the presence of the white fuzzy seed head. Also, one of the identifying characteristics of Silver bluestem is a bend in the stems at each node, causing the plants to take on a rounded shape as they mature.
To read more, pick up a copy of the November edition of North Texas Farm & Ranch magazine, available digitally and in print. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
By: Rayford Pullen
Fall is here which means winter is closing in on us and before we officially get into winter, we need to make sure our factories are either producing or will be producing in a few months.
We have been pregnancy testing our cows this fall and if they are not bred or nursing a calf, we are bidding them adios. With annual costs somewhere between $900.00 and $1,000.00 per cow, those cows not producing a live weaned calf are costing us quite a bit.
To read more, pick up a copy of the November edition of North Texas Farm & Ranch magazine, available digitally and in print. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
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