Bird flu has been detected in a backyard flock in Southwest Louisiana after a person exposed to the flock tested positive for the illness.
The SWLA resident was the first person in the state diagnosed with H5N1 and became the first person in the U.S. with a severe case of the disease in the current outbreak. They are hospitalized in Louisiana in critical condition, health officials said Wednesday.
Read MoreTesting has confirmed a case of avian influenza in a backyard flock in Bossier Parish, Louisiana. The backyard flock owner alerted the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry of increased mortality in the backyard flock. Following an investigation by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) and the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the non-commercial backyard flock (non-poultry).
Read MoreA flesh-eating maggot that had been eradicated in the U.S. and parts of Central America is back and could potentially threaten Louisiana cattle, experts in the beef industry are warning.
Due to the reappearance of New World screwworms in Mexico — a type of flesh-eating maggot — the USDA has suspended all cattle and bison imports.
Read MoreClick below for the market report from the latest Red River Livestock Auction.
Read MoreClick below for the market report from the latest Kinder Livestock Auction.
Read MoreAs many know, typical fly larvae, or maggots, only feed on dead tissue. But that is not the case of the New World screwworm larvae, which feed on live tissue. LSU AgCenter extension veterinarian Christine Navarre said this can lead to more severe and potentially deadly consequences, which threaten livestock and wildlife populations.
Read MoreThe year 2024 is coming to a close! This year, like many years in the past, has had its challenges. Weather, price changes, political differences to name a few. One thing that has remained the same this year is prices for our calves, slaughter cows and replacements are higher than last year. As we move into 2025, know that cattle numbers will be lower which should convert to higher prices.
Read MoreUnion Livestock exhibitors showcased their exceptional livestock projects at the State Fair of Louisiana, earning top honors in a highly competitive field. The event, held at the Louisiana State Fairgrounds, saw participants from across the state vying for prestigious titles.
The Union Livestock team demonstrated remarkable skill and passion, making their community proud. Their achievements at the State Fair of Louisiana highlight the importance of youth involvement in agriculture and the positive impact of such programs.
Read MoreThe Southern University Ag Center will host its 82nd Annual Livestock and Poultry Show from Feb. 27 – March 1, 2025, at the Maurice A. Edmond Livestock Arena. In preparation for the show, the Livestock Show Office is now accepting pre-orders of non-processed choice meats from various livestock. All proceeds from the meat sales go directly to the participating youth as a reward for their hard work and financial investment.
Read MoreGrand Prairie-based Dairy MAX, a regional dairy council representing more than 900 dairy farmers across eight states, has named Keira Lombardo of Southlake as its new chief executive officer.
Dairy MAX was founded more than 40 years ago and is one of the leading regional dairy councils in the United States, representing more than 900 dairy farmers and serving communities in eight states: Texas, Colorado, southwest Kansas, Louisiana, Montana, New Mexico, western Oklahoma, and Wyoming.
Read MoreClick below for the market report from the latest Kinder Livestock Auction.
Read MoreClick below for the market report from the latest Red River Livestock Auction.
Read MoreA lot is happening in November 2024. Nov. 3, we set clocks back one hour, Nov. 5 is Election Day, Nov. 11 Veteran’s Day and Nov. 28 Thanksgiving Day.
October 2024 was probably the driest month in Louisiana, depending how much rain we got on Halloween.
Cattle numbers at our local sale barns stayed high as dryer weather forced some producers to reduce their inventory.
Read MoreIf there's one thing 13-year-old Reace Payton knows about raising goats, it's that it isn't easy.
"It's a lot of hard work. You've got to get up early in the morning," Payton said.
But that hard work is more than half the point, and on Tuesday the Minden teenager was among many from around the state hoping all their effort would pay off.
Read MoreThe Acadia Parish 4-H Bee Club meets on the first Wednesday of each month, offering students hands-on activities to help educate them about how bees operate and benefit the environment.
In a recent meeting, students made candles for an upcoming fundraiser aimed at helping them purchase beekeeper suits. Goldie Keller, a member of the 4-H Bee Club, describes the experience as un-bee-lievable.
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