Calves, Kids, and Lambs in Winter 

Hereford calf tucks into mom as it snows.

You will need clean, dry, warm areas for your new babies, especially in cold and wet weather. Winter can make it especially difficult to monitor young animals’ health status, and bringing them inside may be necessary. While cattle are hardier than sheep and goats, calves are still susceptible to the cold. Having areas sheltered from the … Read more

Now available as downloadable PDFs: Overviews of organic/alternative animal health  

Photo of the course section of The Livestock Project website.

In June 2022, The Livestock Project introduced the first part of a continuing education series focused on organic and alternative animal health. As we come to the close of this year, we wanted to let you know the Overview courses are now widely available as downloadable PDFs and that we will have six new courses … Read more

Planning for Winter: Livestock 

A group of highland cattle lay on a snowy area while others eat from a round bale feeder near snow covered trees.

As we head into winter, there are many considerations for livestock owners to make. Making preparations for winter can save you time, money, and stress. Depending on where you live, winter can be harsh on you and your livestock. Taking small steps to prepare can prevent unnecessary stress and difficulties. Check out a few tips … Read more

Meet the Vet – Dr. Lainie Kringen Scholtz, DVM, cVMA

Dr. Lainie Kringen-Scholtz poses for a photo with a young calf

Organic and alternative livestock farmers often struggle to find veterinarians who practice non-conventional medicine. The Livestock Project recognizes the importance of giving a shout-out to veterinarians doing just that! This week, we would like to introduce you to Dr. Alaina Kringen-Scholtz (Dr. Lainie) of Twin Lakes Animal Clinic in Madison, South Dakota.  Background Dr. Lainie … Read more

Direct contact and disease spread

Two sheep touch noses on a pasture.

No matter the size of your herd or flock, diseases can be spread by animals in contact with each other and with you.   How are diseases spread through direct contact?  For a disease to be spread through direct contact, there must be a disease agent in the environment on an infected animal. Animals become exposed … Read more

Monkeypox

Monkey sits on a branch in a leafy area.

A disease you may have heard about in the news recently is Monkeypox. Monkeypox is rare and relatively unknown in the U.S. If you work with non-human primates, you may be more familiar with this disease. There are currently 460 reported cases of Monkeypox in the U.S. as of July 1, 2022. Health officials are … Read more

Four practices to protect herd health on organic/alternative farms

Man holds black lamb while sheep graze on pasture in the background.

Animals can be exposed to diseases due to various factors and agents. Diseases can be spread from animal to animal, to and from humans, and from the environment. Diseases that can spread between animals and humans are called zoonotic diseases.     Regardless of the source of the disease, there are many ways the disease can … Read more

Vectors and disease spread in humans and animals

The left picture shows a young, tan calf laying down with flies on its face. The right picture shows a tick on the end of a blade of grass.

As we move into summer and the weather gets warmer, we tend to see an increase in vector-borne diseases (VBD). Vectors are insects, rodents, birds, or other animals that can carry disease pathogens. The most common vectors are insects that suck blood, such as mosquitoes and ticks. VBDs occur in both animals and humans. Every … Read more