Tag: Veterinary science
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O Strain Detected in Smuggled FMD Vaccines: SA Lab Confirms Inactivated O Strain
Introduction: A Concerning Find in the Fight Against FMD Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) remains one of the world’s most disruptive livestock diseases, affecting cattle, sheep, goats, and other cloven-hoofed animals. While the O field strain has never been officially recorded in South Africa, recent laboratory analysis has identified inactivated O strain material in a shipment of…
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Robo-vaccination Machine: A New Tool Against Bovine TB
Introduction: A Robotic Solution to a Persistent Problem The fight against bovine tuberculosis (TB) has long challenged farmers, veterinarians, and policymakers. Traditional vaccination and testing methods can be labor-intensive, stressful for cattle, and sometimes slow to adapt to large herds. An inventor recently proposed a novel approach: a robo-vaccination machine designed to immunize cattle with…
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Tiger Heart Syndrome: Sudden Calf Deaths in SA Beef Farming
Overview: Sudden Calf Deaths Shock South African Beef Farmers Beef farmers across South Africa are reporting unexpected, rapid deaths in suckling calves. Veterinarians are investigating a troubling pattern that has been described in some circles as “tiger heart” syndrome. The condition is associated with cardiac complications in young calves that become infected with the foot-and-mouth…
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Tiger Heart Syndrome in Calves: FMD Risk on South Africa’s Beef Farms
Overview: What is tiger heart syndrome? Farmers across South Africa have reported a worrying pattern: sudden deaths among suckling calves. Veterinarians explain that these incidents are often attributed to a condition informally known as tiger heart syndrome, which can occur when calves are infected with the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) virus. While the term may evoke…
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Trichomoniasis in Cattle: Genetics, Heifers and Bull Management
Understanding Trichomoniasis in cattle Trichomoniasis, caused by the protozoan parasite Tritrichomonas foetus, remains a notable reproductive disease affecting cattle herds globally. While clinical signs are often subtle, the impact on calving intervals and calf survival can be substantial. Recent research hints point to a complex mix of genetics, heifer exposure, and bull management as key…
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Trichomoniasis in Cattle: Genetics, Heifers, and Bull Management
Understanding Trichomoniasis and Its Link to Cattle Health Trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted disease caused by the protozoan parasite Trichomonas foetus, remains a significant concern for cattle producers. While the disease is often discussed in terms of reproductive losses and extended calving intervals, recent research hints at deeper connections involving genetics, heifer and bull management, and…