5 www.SmallFarmCanada.ca TOP: ANNE - ADOBE STOCK | BOTTOM: OOSTENDORP-PEOPLEIMAGES.COM - ADOBE STOCK NEWS & NOTES INFLUENZA D – A GROWING ONE‑HEALTH CONCERN Influenza D virus (IDV), first identified in pigs in 2011, is now recognized as a multi‑species respiratory pathogen affecting cattle, pigs, and a wide range of wildlife. According to reports circulated through ProMED, IDV is now considered a significant contributor to bovine respiratory disease complex, one of the costliest health challenges in North American cattle herds. Recent laboratory research suggests that influenza D can replicate efficiently in human airway tissue, raising concerns about potential zoonotic spillover. While infectious virus has not been isolated from humans, multiple studies show very high antibody levels among cattle and dairy workers, indicating frequent exposure. In some studies, over 97 per cent of cattle workers carried antibodies, and environmental sampling has detected genetic material in airports and hospital emergency departments, suggesting wider circulation than previously understood. Canadian producers should note that symptoms in cattle may include fever, coughing, nasal discharge, and breathing difficulty, like other respiratory pathogens. Scientists highlight that although human health impacts remain unclear, IDV’s expanding host range and its potential for genetic change warrant continued surveillance and strong biosecurity, especially in cattle operations. The overarching message is clear: influenza D is primarily an animal‑health issue today, but its characteristics make it a virus to watch closely within a One‑Health framework that connects livestock, wildlife, and human health. Source: thesun.co.uk FOREST LOSS IS MAKING WATERSHEDS “LEAKIER” A new global study featuring researchers from UBC Okanagan shows that losing forest cover doesn’t just reduce the number of trees—it changes how entire watersheds store and release water. Drawing on data from 657 watersheds across six continents, the research found that both forest loss and changes in how forests are arranged on the landscape cause watersheds to release more “young water,” the rain and snowmelt that moves through the system within just a few months. This means less moisture is retained in soils and groundwater, leaving less available during dry periods. The study highlights that in landscapes with low forest cover (below 40–50 per cent), the pattern of remaining forest—especially the amount of forest edge—has a big influence on water movement. More edges mean more sun, lower humidity and greater evapotranspiration, which ultimately reduce a watershed’s ability to hold water. In contrast, when forest cover is high and contiguous, these edge effects diminish. For regions where forestry and agriculture intersect, the message is clear: how forests are arranged matters just as much as how much is cut. Landscape planning— such as maintaining connected forest blocks—can help reduce the hydrological impacts of harvesting. As climate extremes place increasing pressure on water supplies, understanding the role of forest layout in keeping water on the land will be essential for producers, rural communities and ecosystems alike. Source: UBC VACCINATION PROTECTS MORE THAN ONE HORSE Vaccination is both an individual and a community decision. While vaccines help protect your horse from serious disease, they also reduce the spread of infectious agents within barns, lessons programs, boarding facilities, and show grounds. One under‑vaccinated horse can unknowingly raise risk for many others—especially youngsters, seniors, or immune‑compromised horses. Vaccinating isn’t just about compliance; it’s about collective responsibility within the equine community. Vaccinations can let owners rest easy that their horses are safe while providing social interaction with other horses. Discover how informed vaccination choices can support herd health using Equine Guelph’s Vaccination Equi-planner. Source: Equine Guelph Newsletter
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