WSDA: Monitor Livestock Moving Into Colder Months

With the Northwest moving into the colder time of year, the Washington State Department of Agriculture is reminding livestock owners to keep an eye on the herd.  WSDA assistant state veterinarian Dr. Scott Haskell said this is when most respiratory problems reveal themselves.  He said what may sound as a simple breathing problem can turn into pneumonia, chronic sinus infections and more.  He added it’s important you walk through the herd several times of week to ensure there are no problems.

“Stopping when you’re out with the stock, and looking and listening, is coughing going on is heavy breathing going on?  Have animals removed themselves from the herd?  Those are your problem animals.”

Haskell added it’s not only livestock that needs to be monitored this time of year.  He said Avian Influenza is still a risk here in the Northwest.

“Absolutely.  We’ve ramped up substantially, we too realize these are the months for bird flu.  And avian influenza, being a zoonotic disease, meaning it affects both humans and animals is top of our priority list.”

Haskell added WSDA has trained with their colleagues in Oregon to prepare the region should bird flu cases return for the winter months.  He adds regardless of the herd, flock or animal, proactive care is vital as we transition from stable warm weather to the colder, wetter time of season.

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