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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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Drought-Stressed Ponds - Is Your Cattle Water Safe?

Video: Drought-Stressed Ponds - Is Your Cattle Water Safe?

Water quality for cattle is especially important during drought, when ponds become stressed and water conditions can change. In this video, David Lalman, OSU Extension beef cattle specialist, offers guidance on checking water quality in drought-stressed ponds and what producers should consider for their livestock.