Canada has a growing nation-wide shortage of veterinarians, particularly in rural and remote areas. An Ontario start-up has launched a solution aimed to lessen the burden on struggling veterinary practices and make services available to more farmers. Colin Yates and his father, Glen, who has been a mixed practice veterinarian for more than 45 years, […] Read more
Tag Archives veterinary medicine
Digital medicine gives farmers easier access to veterinary care
VETSon provides veterinary clinics with option to provide remote service
Veterinary association calls on federal government to address workforce shortage
National testing centre is needed to onboard internationally-trained vets, CVMA says
An organization representing Canadian veterinarians is calling for the federal government to intervene as it faces what it calls a severe workforce shortage.
Preventing lameness in dairy cattle
Experts weigh in on useful strategies
Cow comfort is king in the battle against lameness. That’s the opinion of Mark Gerber, Zinpro dairy technical sales and master trimmer. He was a panelist at the Grey Bruce Farmers’ Week Dairy Day held earlier this month, and spoke on the importance of dairy cow hoof health. “If that cow doesn’t have a comfortable […] Read more
Quick test could improve treatment decisions in cattle
Researchers use water troughs to monitor resistant bacteria
Researchers are seeking ways to manage antimicrobial-resistant bacteria on farms, including quicker evaluation of bacteria so treatment can be better targeted. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) and University of Saskatchewan veterinary school researchers are studying feedlot water troughs, hoping the water can tell them what sort of anti-microbial resistant bacteria are present. Why it matters: […] Read more
Colombia opens small ruminant export opportunities
Frozen semen can now be exported from flocks not on scrapie program
Canadian sheep and goat farmers have more access to export markets due to recent approval to ship frozen semen to Colombia without the need for scrapie risk certification. That’s in addition to the agreement two years ago that allows embryos and live small ruminant access to Colombia. Live animals and embryos have to come from […] Read more
Veterinarian shortage complicates FMD plans
Producers worry about how country’s shortage of veterinarians will affect surveillance against foot-and-mouth disease
Glacier FarmMedia – The shortage of veterinarians is a problem Canadian beef industry and government officials must tackle as they develop a contingency plan in case of a foot-and-mouth outbreak, said an expert. “We know that’s the reality, so we have to work with that reality,” said senior director Bob Burden of Serecon, a consulting […] Read more
Uncontrolled ground current remains a silent killer for livestock
Progress on mitigating the issue issue has stalled after 2022 report
As a five-year-old, Larry Davis remembers an intense tingling that shot up his arm when he cleaned the dairy barn water bowls. “I just said, ‘I can’t do it, I can’t put my hand in there, it stings my whole arm’,” recalls the Ontario Federation of Agriculture director and co-chair of OFA’s Uncontrolled Electricity Working […] Read more
Enzyme can switch off livestock drugs
An antimicrobial gene in bacteria creates an enzyme that can deactivate certain medications used to treat livestock
Glacier FarmMedia – Scientists have found that an antimicrobial resistance gene in bacteria collected at a western Canadian feedlot creates an enzyme that can deactivate drugs used to treat diseases in cattle and other livestock. The EstT enzyme can affect macrolides antibiotic drugs such as tylosin, also sold as Tylan, which is a common additive […] Read more
Oregano oil bolus packs a positive punch for calf gut health
DOSTO Caps offer cattle industry a ‘next-generation’ health tool
An all-natural oregano oil feed additive product is gaining popularity in Canada as a health and performance booster for calves. DOSTO Caps are designed to support calf health and performance while mitigating disease risk. The health tool was featured at the recent Beef Industry Convention in London last month. “(Beef producers) don’t have a lot […] Read more
Salmonella Dublin poses serious risks in cattle and humans
Infection classed as “emerging disease” in Ontario
For cattle farmers who see a spike in calf mortality but not the typical diarrhea that accompanies common bacterial infections, Quebec-based veterinarian Dr. Frédéric Beaulac says Salmonella Dublin should be top of mind. And if there is an outbreak, it could be a long road to recovery for the farm. Why it matters: Salmonella Dublin […] Read more
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