Farm & Ranch
Bovine Papillomavirus (Cattle Warts)
By Barry Whitworth, DVM
Bovine warts are the ire of cattle producers. These unsightly masses typically appear on the head, neck and body of the animals. Although these masses are usually more of a cosmetic issue than a medical concern, they can cause problems for producers. Warts reduce the value of animals through loss in sales, reduced weight gain and loss of milk production. The warts also create havoc with cattle exhibitors since cattle shows bar any animals with contagious conditions from entering the show ring.
Cattle warts are caused by the bovine papillomavirus which is a member of the Papillomaviridae family. BPV is found throughout the world wherever cattle are present. Several different genotypes of BPV have been found.
Most of the genotypes are species specific which means cattle warts are not contagious to other species like humans. A few exceptions have been found. For example, BPV can infect horses resulting in equine sarcoid tumors.
To read more pick up a copy of NTFR magazine. 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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