African swine fever is a disease caused by the African swine fever virus (ASFV). ASFV is a viral pathogen found primarily in sub-Saharan Africa. Recently, it has spread through China, Mongolia, Vietnam, parts of Europe and has been detected in the western hemisphere for the first time in over 40 years in the Dominican Republic and Haiti. It has never been found in the United States but remains a constant threat. The virus does not infect people but is devastating to domestic and wild pigs and kills up to 100% of infected animals.
Horse owners and managers need a basic understanding of how the equine gastrointestinal tract (GIT) functions to provide ideal nutrition and management for animals in their care. This fact sheet provides practical knowledge of the physiology and function of the equine GIT and its relation to best practices. Fundamental knowledge of the gastrointestinal tract and how it relates to performance and health is essential to making informed decisions about equine feeding.
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. These viruses infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. Disease severity ranges from mild to severe illness and can cause death. The flu infects many different species including humans, pigs, horses, dogs, marine mammals, and birds, including wild birds and domestic poultry (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2017). There are four types of flu: Influenza A, B, C, and D (World Health Organization n.d.).
Ohio has many water resources from small streams and ponds to regional lakes, rivers, and Lake Erie. Harmful algal blooms (HABs) can have a significant impact on water quality, which effects human health, the economy, and recreation. For example, the HAB of 2014 in the Western Basin of Lake Erie resulted in a two-day water ban for 400,000 Toledo residents. The estimated economic impact of this event was $65 million (NOAA n.d.). HABs are now common enough to warrant annual forecasting. Several factors impact algae and water quality.
One of the most significant technological advancements for reduction of pesticide use in orchards and vineyards happened more than four decades ago: a rate controller on a sprayer. These gadgets enabled sprayer operators to keep the application rate constant, regardless of changes in ground speed. They are now a standard component on every new sprayer sold. No other significant developments occurred in spray technology for a couple of decades until the introduction of these innovations:
Did you know arthritis is the leading cause of disability? Fifty-four million Americans (one in four adults) have some form of arthritis. The word arthritis means joint inflammation. The four most common warning signs are pain, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty moving a joint. Although there are over one hundred types of arthritis, the three most common types are outlined below.
While water and other macronutrients, such as carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, make up the majority of the equine diet, micronutrients are no less important. Vitamins and minerals make up a very small portion of the diet; however, they play major roles in important physiological functions including bone and muscle function, digestion, and metabolism. In this fact sheet, we discuss the different micronutrients and the roles they play, along with best practices when incorporating them into horses’ diets.
COVID-19 has altered the lives of most Americans, but changes at home and work have affected working women significantly, particularly working women of color.
Why are you here? What purpose do you serve? What difference do you make? Every organization should ask these key questions. It is equally important, however, for the organization’s members to be aware of answers to these questions. When every member of an organization and its stakeholders, supporters, customers, and funders understand how the organization impacts their lives and their communities, they can capitalize on opportunities to communicate its purpose and value.
