Animal diseases and pests

Prevent Disease Outbreaks

One small breach of protocol can lead to a disease outbreak and financial loss for livestock producers. Learn how to follow protocols that protect animal and human health, food and the environment.

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How to Evaluate & Increase Profit Margin in Sheep and Goat Farming

Event date: Nov. 28, 2023

Event time: | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

The main goal of sheep and goat operations is to maximize profits. Producers must clearly understand input costs and internal and breed production benchmarks to attain this. In this webinar series, we will share tips to enhance the profitability of ...

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Longhorned tick found in 3 areas of Missouri

Published: Monday, April 3, 2023

COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri researchers are tracking the invasive longhorned tick, which causes weight loss, lost pregnancies and even death in cattle.Researchers from the MU College of Veterinary Medicine found the tick on a Linn County ...

MU Extension guide has tips on controlling black vulture damage

Published: Friday, Feb. 24, 2023

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri’s growing population of black vultures has led to increasing attacks on vulnerable livestock. Black vultures often inflict damage to the eyes and tongues of young livestock, kill and feed on domestic fowl and scar animals ...

Veterinary prescriptions required for antibiotics in the coming months

Published: Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Several antibiotics used in cattle and other livestock will require a veterinary prescription in the coming months. This change represents the final phase of the Food and Drug Administration’s efforts to bring all medically ...

Ounce of prevention in fall is best medicine for garden success in spring

Published: Monday, Oct. 3, 2022

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Ben Franklin’s adage of “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” could be gardeners’ theme song for November.Gardeners should close the curtain on this season and begin looking forward to the next, said University ...

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Avian Influenza Biosecurity for Small Flock Owners

Publication date: Feb. 15, 2023

Revised by Maria DashekVeterinary Medical Diagnostic LaboratoryAvian influenza (AI) is an infectious respiratory disease caused by a virus. It readily infects most bird species, including those that are of commercial importance, such as chickens, ...

Basics of AI: Avian Influenza

Publication date: Feb. 15, 2023

Revised by Maria DashekVeterinary Medical Diagnostic LaboratoryAvian influenza (AI) is an infectious respiratory disease that affects a variety of birds. The various strains of virus that cause AI are generally categorized as high or low ...

Control of Poultry Disease Outbreaks

Publication date: Feb. 15, 2023

Reviewed by Maria DashekVeterinary Medical Diagnostic LaboratoryPoultry owners should immediately begin an investigation if a disease is suspected in a flock. Obvious disease signs and symptoms can be identified on the farm, while others may require ...

Prevention of Poultry Disease

Publication date: Feb. 15, 2023

Reviewed by Maria DashekVeterinary Medical Diagnostic LaboratoryAn adequate disease prevention program is essential to a profitable commercial poultry operation. Chronic diseases can reduce efficiency and increase costs. Although a disease prevention ...

Managing Skunk Problems in Missouri

Publication date: Oct. 5, 2022

Robert A. PierceExtension Fish and Wildlife SpecialistRon McNeelyFormerly with Missouri Department of ConservationTwo species of skunks are found in Missouri. The eastern spotted skunk, Spilogale putorius, has white splotches on its back and sides. ...

Managing Woodchuck Problems in Missouri

Publication date: Oct. 5, 2022

The woodchuck (Marmota monax) is one of Missouri's most abundant mammals. Often called a groundhog or whistle-pig, the woodchuck can be found in open pastures, woodlots, cultivated and fallow fields, and along railroad embankments, ditch banks, ...

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Missouri Department of Conservation

Aims to protect and manage the fish, forest and wildlife resources of the state. MDC has resource foresters available to help landowners manage their woodlands, as well as wildlife damage biologists to help landowners and homeowners prevent and ...

U.S. Department of Agriculture APHIS Wildlife Services

Provides information and assistance in resolving human-wildlife damage conflicts, such as those involving migratory birds and feral hogs.

Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management

Provides science-based information on how to manage wildlife damage and responsibly resolve human-wildlife conflicts. Ideas for preventing as well as inspecting and identifying wildlife damage are also available on this website.

Feral Hogs in Missouri - Missouri Department of Conservation

There are a number of signs that indicate the presence of feral hogs. Hogs root around in pursuit of various foods like roots, acorns, and earthworms, plowing the soil to depths of 2 to 8 inches. If several hogs are involved, these rooted areas can ...

APHIS Feral Swine Management

Feral swine are the same species, Sus scrofa, as pigs that are found on farms. Feral swine are descendants of escaped or released pigs. Feral swine are called by many names including; wild boar, wild hog, razorback, piney woods rooter, and Russian or ...

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Featured programs

Urban Entomology

Urban entomology is the study of insects associated with the near environments of humans and their companion animals.

Nuisance Wildlife

In the wrong circumstances, almost any species of wildlife can become a nuisance. Learn how to prevent and solve wildlife damage problems.

Missouri Feral Hog Elimination Partnership

A collaborative educational program conducted in partnership with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and USDA APHIS-Wildlife Services, promotes the adoption of feral hog eradication efforts on private lands in the state for economic and conserv

MU Black Vulture Project

A project to provide educational resources and assistance to livestock producers and clientele on preventing damage caused by black vultures.

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Animal diseases and pests

Prevent Disease Outbreaks

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