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Small Pests, Bigger Threats: Flies and Gnats Spread Swine Rotaviruses and Sapovirus

Annoying. Bothersome. Irritating. Inconvenience. Pest. No matter how you describe Musca domestica, aka the house fly, and its friend the gnat, one thing's for sure - they are a nuisance and pose a threat to your swine herd.

Everyone knows the small stature of flies and gnats and their ability to fly allows them to easily enter and exit barns and vehicles while bringing with them viral, bacterial and parasitic pathogens. For the first time ever, a study led by Allison Knox of the Walcott Veterinary Clinic in Walcott, Iowa, shows the ability of house flies and gnats to transmit rotavirus and sapovirus in swine nurseries.

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Follow the Egg Farmer

Video: Follow the Egg Farmer

In this virtual farm tour, students learn:

How laying hens are cared for to keep them healthy — including what they eat, drink, and their living environment How eggs are processed and packaged before reaching local grocery stores

The nutritional benefits of eggs

And many more interesting facts about egg farming!