Summer Herd Health: Keeping Farm Animals Safe

Herd health is serious business for our team at Switzer Veterinary Clinic. Our mobile unit contains the medical supplies and equipment we need to perform comprehensive herd health visits, general wellness exams, diagnostic testing, and even certain surgeries to help keep your farm animals healthy. Chickens and small goats are welcome at our clinic in Alpena.

In this blog, our team shares important guidance on keeping farm animals healthy this summer and all year long.

Veterinary Herd Health Visits

Routine herd health visits are essential for disease prevention, early detection, and treatment, and can encompass activities like vaccinations, parasite management, reproductive health checks, and biosecurity measures.

Here's a more detailed breakdown of what veterinary herd health visits typically involve:

1. Disease Prevention and Management

• Implementing and maintaining vaccination programs to protect the herd from common and potentially devastating diseases
• Implementing and monitoring parasite control strategies, including deworming and other treatments, to minimize the impact of parasites on herd health
• Assisting with the development and implementation of biosecurity protocols to prevent the introduction and spread of diseases within the herd
• Providing guidance on proper nutrition to ensure animals are healthy and can maintain their immune systems

2. Reproductive Health

• Conducting breeding soundness exams on breeding animals to assess their fertility and reproductive potential
• Performing pregnancy checks, including palpation and ultrasound, to determine pregnancy status and monitor fetal development
• Providing guidance on reproductive management practices, such as estrus synchronization and artificial insemination

3. Individual Animal Health

• Conducting regular health checks on individual animals to identify potential health issues early on
• Equine dental exams and care
• Providing treatment for sick or injured animals, including administering medications and performing procedures
• Addressing lameness issues in animals, including diagnosis, treatment, and prevention

4. Herd Performance and Management

• Advice and recommendations to improve herd health and productivity

Additional Tips to Help Keep Farm Animals Healthy

Between routine herd health visits, there are important measures you can take to help ensure the optimal health and well-being of your animals:

• Provide clean, dry, and spacious shelters to protect animals from harsh weather conditions, and reduce the risk of disease.
• Maintain high standards of hygiene in animal housing and feeding areas to prevent infections and promote well-being.
• Feed animals a nutritionally balanced diet tailored to their specific needs, including access to clean water at all times.
• Frequently observe animals for any signs of illness, injury, or abnormal behavior, and address issues promptly.
• Implement practices to minimize stress, such as avoiding overcrowding, providing enrichment activities, and handling animals gently.
• Adopt biosecurity measures to prevent the introduction and spread of diseases, including controlling the movement of animals and personnel on the farm.

Are your animals due for a herd health visit? Contact our team at (989) 356-4880 to schedule an appointment or if you have questions about our veterinary services for farm animals.