Russ Daly, Freelance Journalist Profile

Articles

Animal Health Matters: The US can learn from Hungary's Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak

3 weeks ago | farmforum.net | Russ Daly

It’s easy to dismiss developments occurring halfway around the world, even if they affect animals and operations similar to ours. But the emergence of an animal disease in Hungary should garner our attention. Hungary is half a world away. It’s about the size of Indiana, both in land mass and in population. Their agriculture looks similar to ours, too: cattle, pigs, and poultry for livestock; wheat, corn, and sunflowers for crops.
Animal Health Matters: Keep an eye on grazing animals during rapid pasture growth

1 month ago | farmforum.net | Russ Daly

One of the most treasured signs of spring is the emergence of lush green grass. After the white and brown dormancy of winter, it’s a real sight for sore eyes. For cattle producers it also signals the potential end of daily feeding chores as their animals get turned out to pasture. It’s difficult to imagine any negative aspects to this rich source of bovine nutrients. However, rapid pasture growth presents risks that producers should be aware of. One of those is grass tetany.
Animal Health Matters: The most important tool in equine dentistry

Mar 7, 2025 | farmforum.net | Russ Daly

The variety of subjects our South Dakota legislators need to be knowledgeable about is extensive and impressive: prisons, property taxes, pipelines… This year, add to that list a subject few legislators likely pondered before now: horse teeth. A bill that would allow any individual to charge a fee for performing dentistry procedures on horses was introduced, and at the time of this writing, was winding its way through the session.
Animal Health Matters: Pine needle abortion

Oct 30, 2024 | farmforum.net | Russ Daly

The success of this summer’s beef cow breeding season is being evaluated as we speak. Pregnancy-testing is a common to-do list item that gets checked off the list after harvest and calf weaning. Veterinarians are busy hauling cattle chutes around the country, prepping their OB sleeves and giving a thumbs-up or thumbs-down to the pregnancy status of each cow that comes through the chute.
Understand tricky cause of reproductive failure

Aug 10, 2024 | agupdate.com | Russ Daly

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Animal Health Matters: Tags and traceability

Aug 7, 2024 | farmforum.net | Russ Daly

"43VWX7235."This cryptic code scrawled in big red letters on the whiteboard in the animal health board office seemed like it was taunting Dr. Jacobson. The code was taken from a steel tag that up until two weeks ago had resided in the ear of a cow. That particular cow set off a multi-state investigation after her slaughter inspection at the cull cow plant revealed tuberculosis. Dr. Jacobson was feeling the stress.
Ergot: A Potential Livestock Poisoning Problem

Aug 6, 2024 | m.farms.com | Russ Daly

By Russ DalyWeather conditions common to many spring and summer seasons in our region can be favorable for a certain kind of poisoning that can affect cattle on pasture. Cool, damp spring weather followed by warmer temperatures favors grasses becoming infected with ergot bodies. About Ergot BodiesErgot bodies appear as dark-brown to black growths replacing the seed heads of grasses and grains (Figure 1). The growths vary from the size of a seed kernel to several times its size.
Trichomoniasis: A Tricky Cause of Reproductive Failure in Beef Cattle

Jul 15, 2024 | m.farms.com | Russ Daly

By Russ DalyReproductive success for a cow-calf herd depends on the optimal convergence of many different factors during the breeding season, including bull fertility, cow nutrition, and environmental influences, as well as pressure from infectious diseases that adversely affect the cow’s reproductive tract or the developing fetus.
Animal Health Matters: Even the hardy bison can get sick

Jul 10, 2024 | farmforum.net | Russ Daly

It’s hard to imagine any animal hardier than a buffalo. The massive critters can measure six feet high at the shoulder, ten feet long from head to tail and weigh over a ton. They’re tough-hided and shaggy with massive heads and sharp horns. Over millennia, these resilient beasts have adapted to some of the harshest environments on Earth. But even the mighty American Bison can get sick.
Animal Health Issues: Cats and influenza

May 1, 2024 | petnews2day.com | Russ Daly

About UsPet News 2Day is an online platform for the latest news, expert guides, and heart warming stories about pets from around the world. Our mission is to educate, entertain, and inspire pet owners and enthusiasts alike, providing them with up-to-date information and valuable insights about their beloved furry, feathery, and scaly companions.