Veterinary Diagnostic Lab Confirms 10 West Nile Virus Cases

Aug 29, 2016

The Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory known as WADDL [pronounced, “waddle”], has confirmed 10 cases of West Nile Fever in horses since August 9.

The laboratory, located within Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, tested only 38 horses since Jan. 1; a number far below their capacity for testing. All 10 cases confirmed positive recently were in unvaccinated horses in Spokane, Lincoln, and Pend Oreille counties in Washington and Boundary County in northern Idaho. All 10 also had neurological disease that occurs with West Nile encephalitis characterized by inflammation of the central nervous system.

The West Nile Fever cases reported here are unrelated to the Equine Herpes Virus-1 case confirmed by WADDL last week in a hospitalized horse at WSU’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital. The EHV-1 horse has since been humanely euthanized.

The exact reason for the spike in West Nile cases is unknown, however these most recent cases are located further north than detections in previous years. Veterinarians in WADDL are urging horse owners to contact their veterinarians and seek their advice on vaccination and how to eliminate mosquitoes where they keep horses.

Source: wsu.edu

Video: Sorting Ewes & Rams | Breeding Time On The Farm!

In this episode, we’re sorting ewes into their breeding groups and introducing them to unrelated rams. Moving rams between barns always comes with challenges, but once the boys meet their ewes, everyone was eager to settle in!

We also welcome back a returning customer who purchased a Suffolk ram from us last year. This season, she chose a Dorset cross ram, now named Benny, to strengthen her flock’s genetics. It’s always rewarding to see repeat customers who value the quality of our breeding stock.

Arnie then tours the crop fields as harvest season approaches. Despite drought conditions this summer, the crops are looking surprisingly good. We close the day with evening feedings and one last look at the rams with their new breeding groups.

?? Join us daily for life on a working sheep farm, from flock management and breeding strategies to crops, chores, and the everyday rhythm of farm life.