Veterinarians featured at workshop on drought-related topics

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Cattle producers may want to mark their calendars for Sept. 18 workshop at the Function Junction, south of Erie, geared to help farmers and ranchers optimize their cow-calf operations.

The continued drought has many concerned about the unknown implications.

Veterinarian Dr. Larry Hollis, K-State Research and Extension beef vet, will discuss forage and water concerns, performance issues and how farmers and ranchers can best work through the drought.

Bovine trichomoniasis, or "trich," has been gathering a lot of attention recently as an important reproductive disease of beef cattle. Veterinarian Dr. Cody Garten, U.S. Department of Agriculture, will highlight trich including symptoms, testing requirements, transportation regulations, prevention and control methods.

Veterinarian Dr. Don Coover, SEK Genetics, will cover a new topic for most -- neospora abortions and what should be known. First recognized in 1988, and linked to dogs in 1998, this parasite causes an infection called neosporosis.

According to the IDEXX website, neospora caninum is a protozoal parasite considered to be a major cause of abortion in cattle, a news release said.

Producers in attendance will receive a voucher for 5 free BioPRYN blood pregnancy tests, or 5 free IDEXX PI BVD tests, or 5 free IDEXX Neospora tests.

The complementary meal and program starts at 6 p.m. Event sponsors are K-State Research and Extension, Pfizer Animal Health, Idexx Labs and SEK Genetics. For more information and to register, contact SEK Genetics at (800) 443-6389.