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VIDO scientists are working on new foot rot vaccine

Researchers at the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) are working on developing a single-shot vaccine that will provide broader protection against foot rot in beef and dairy cattle. 

Foot rot is a hoof infection that can be transmitted to other animals, and is considered to be one of the most frequent infectious diseases found in beef cattle. 

Dr. Jose Perez-Casal is leading VIDO's project team in their effort to develop a single-dose multivalent vaccine.

"So that will save substantial dollars to the producers and also with long-term immunity. So that you give it once and maybe for three or four months, you don't have to worry about it."

He says the current vaccine is based on only one of four common bacteria that causes foot rot.

"Our approach is to take fresh lesions and then isolate the bacteria that are there. And produce a vaccine that contains not only antigens for the same bacteria that is in the current vaccine, but also antigens for the other bacteria that are not in the current vaccine."

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The Hunt for New Life: Fall Calving at Pride Ranch Episode 1

Video: The Hunt for New Life: Fall Calving at Pride Ranch Episode 1

Fall calving season is officially underway here at Pride Ranch. Today I’m walking the pastures, checking udders, watching behavior, and hoping to find the first newborn of the season. Some cows look close… others are still holding out.

That’s ranch life. A lot of patience. A lot of walking. And sometimes, no calves when you expect them.

In this episode:

• Pasture checks and cow behavior

• Signs a calf is getting close

• Where cows like to hide newborns

• The first official hunt of the season