Tuesday March 26 Ag News

As flood waters recede, danger levels increase for farmers/ranchers

Even after the flood waters in Nebraska and Iowa recede, multiple and serious dangers from major flooding will remain.

To assist farm and ranch families with safe flood recovery, members of the Central States Center of Agricultural Safety and Health (CS-CASH) at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Public Health collaborated with the AgriSafe Network to create an on-demand webinar that provides information on farm flood hazards and safe methods of clean-up and recovery.

The webinar can be viewed at: https://attendee.gototraining.com/r/3044877948417814274.

Major safety concerns related to any post-flood event include:
·                     Chemicals released from barns, homes and other on-farm sources and businesses. The chemicals may be found in water or in the form of vapor or fumes. Local authorities can assist with handling chemical spills.
·                     Contaminated well water.
·                     Human and animal communicable disease. Water-borne (hepatitis A), vector-borne (West Nile virus), bacterial (tetanus), and fungal (histoplasmosis) spores found in dust, dirt, animal droppings and animal carcasses are among the disease threats related to flood waters.
·                     Mold, which is part of our natural environment, can be present in high concentrations and occur in unusual areas where flood waters resulted in wet buildings or materials not typically exposed to water. This can result in production of microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs), which emit chemical-like odors and can become noxious respiratory irritants.
·                     In dealing with the extra stress created by conditions left behind from a major flood, anxiety and fatigue levels can become overwhelming, leading to major depression, generalized anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.

“Contaminated well water from exposure to bacteria, sewage, gas or oil, agricultural or industrial waste, chemicals and other substances can cause serious illness,” said Bruce Dvorak, Ph.D., professor, civil engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln. 

“All wells should be checked by a professional testing laboratory before using as a water source. Even if municipal water sources are deemed to be safe for drinking, each individual well must be tested before use.”

Linda Emanuel, community health nurse for AgriSafe, stressed the importance of using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) during cleanup.

Because major flooding such as that seen in Nebraska can result in serious increases in bacterial and fungal populations and high levels of mold, it’s critical to wear safety goggles and N95 (or greater) respirators that fit your face and are approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Waterproof, cut-resistant gloves also are key to working safely, Emanuel said, and people should always work in a properly ventilated area.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides recommendations regarding the proper PPE to wear when entering a home or building that contains mold. This information is found at https://www.cdc.gov/mold/What-to-Wear.html.

If there’s suspicion that chemicals have contaminated any part of the work area, she said it’s important to wear coveralls, liquid and chemical resistant boots or waders, gloves and safety glasses. NIOSH- approved respirators – such as chemical cartridge respirators for organic vapors with an added pre-filter – also are key to protecting yourself from chemical exposure.

Products such as hay bales, especially those that are wrapped, and wet grain in bins can harbor large volumes of dangerous mold, Emanuel said.

Chad Roy, Ph.D., director of infectious disease aerobiology at the Tulane National Primate Research Center, said cooler temperatures during the Nebraska and Iowa flooding events will help subdue microbiological growth, but the level of microbial growth in flooded areas will still be much higher than normal.

“Microbial growth can be a real problem once water recedes, and it may not be readily apparent,” said Dr. Roy, who is professor of microbiology and immunology in the Tulane School of Medicine. “It’s a subtle, hidden hazard until remediation is completed.”

He said the “witch’s brew” in flood waters is that they can potentially contain petroleum, a variety of chemicals, animal waste, human sewage, and other elements that can pose serious health threats to those who come in contact with the water or flood debris.

“Soil has its own wealth of bacteria, which in general is not harmful to us,” Dr. Roy said, “but the presence of ample water causes that bacteria to explode and those higher volumes of bacteria could lead to health issues.”

Avoiding contact with flood water – as much as possible – and diligent use of PPE can help reduce health risks, he stressed. Additional threats to flood remediation come in the form of washed out roads, sink holes, unseen objects buried in water or mud, and damage to buildings that may not be immediately recognizable.

“In flood events like these, we need to think of people first, then livestock,” said Aaron Yoder, Ph.D., associate professor at the UNMC College of Public Health and the Nebraska Extension. “Make the farm site as safe as possible for livestock, but realize that fences and facilities are likely to be damaged and unstable. The main goal with livestock is to get them to a safe place where they can be fed.

“Recovering livestock also can pose a threat to handlers, since the animals are likely to be in a higher state of anxiety and have more intense levels of adrenalin than what’s seen in everyday circumstances.”

He said other common issues with catastrophic floods include inspecting machinery to ensure they’re undamaged and using extra caution with unfamiliar farm machinery that may have been damaged by the flood.

“If there are extra people on site, make sure everyone understands safety practices, such as how to approach a tractor that’s running, not getting caught up in equipment such as generators and being mindful of the potential for hidden debris,” Dr. Yoder said.

Another precaution farmers need to take, he said, is with flood-damaged grain. Professional inspection of the grain bin and the grain is necessary to ensure that a flood-stressed bin doesn’t collapse and that flood-damaged grain is properly managed to avoid contaminating undamaged grain.

“Don’t start aeration fans in a flood-damaged bin,” Dr. Yoder said. “They may be damaged and cause more harm to you or the bin. By the time flood water recedes, grain is usually moldy, which means dangerous toxins are in the bin.”

During flooding, grain bin foundations may be damaged, bolts can be broken or stressed and other aspects of the bin may be compromised, he said.

“Don’t energize anything in the bin or on the farm site before a professional electrician verifies that the site is safe from electrical issues,” Dr. Yoder said. “Consult your insurance carrier before moving grain and obtain the consent of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before reconditioning grain exposed to flood waters.”

If supplemental power – such as a generator – is used, it’s key to avoid fumes or electrical shock related to the generator, he said. PTO (power takeoff) shafts used to power a generator also add a level of injury risk.

Due to wet, muddy conditions caused by flood waters, the risk of slips, trips and falls and subsequent serious injury is greatly increased during remediation or during the time when water remains on a site, Dr. Yoder said. Documenting all aspects of remediation can assist with insurance claims, and reaching out for help as necessary can help flood victims cope with conditions.

“Flood events like these can result in shock, disbelief, disorientation and a deep sense of feeling powerless,” said Tina Chasek, Ph.D., associate professor, department of counseling and school psychology, and director of the Behavioral Health Education Center for Nebraska (BHECN) at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. “Farmers had enough stress before the flood. These kinds of events can easily lead to depression and many types of ill health. Talk to others about what you’re experiencing and ask for help whenever you need it.”

Dr. Chasek also reminds those working with flood recovery to “do things that make you feel in control, spend time with family, friends and other social support. Take care of yourself, sleep eat and exercise. Limit exposure to images of the flooding. Establish routines and find time to do things that you enjoy. Avoid making major life decisions until the major impact has passed. And Ask for help when needed.” 

Farm and ranch flood-related resources are available on the CS-CASH website: https://www.unmc.edu/publichealth/cscash/_documents/2019-Flood-Resources.pdf.



Nebraskans: Protect Yourselves from Unscrupulous Contractors

While compassion and support are customary in the aftermath of a natural disaster, some individuals and businesses may use this opportunity to prey on those in need.

“Taking advantage of those affected by these devastating floods is inexcusable,” said Attorney General Doug Peterson. “But consumers can protect themselves and their property by keeping certain information in mind when selecting a home improvement contractor.”

Consider the following information to protect yourself and your property in the wake of recent flooding in Nebraska and surrounding states:
-    Before allowing anyone to repair your damaged home, verify his or her credentials.
-        Check with the Nebraska Department of Labor to find out whether your contractor is properly registered and insured.  You can search their website here or call 402-471-2239.  Check with city officials to find out whether contractors must be licensed to perform specific work in your area.
-    Never sign any document or pay any contractor before verifying their license and/or registration.
-    Get at least three written estimates and make sure each contractor bids on exactly the same work. Talk with your neighbors about what they are paying for similar work.
-    Ask contractors for references and, if possible, call previous clients.
-    Verify all claims made about insurance coverage with your insurance company. If a contractor tells you certain work is covered by your insurance, call your insurance company to confirm.
-    Get a written estimate and sign a written contract. Make sure it includes a description of the work, the materials included, when the work will be finished, the price, and the contractor’s contact information. Read all contracts and make sure all the blanks are filled in before you sign. Keep a copy of the contract in a safe place.
-    Negotiate a reasonable down payment, and only pay in full when the work is done to your satisfaction. Do not agree to a large down payment.
-    Pay by check or credit card and keep all receipts. Be wary of contractors who ask you to pay them in cash – even for a deposit.
-    If possible, write down the contractor’s vehicle information (make, model, and license plate) as well as their driver’s license number.
-    Know your cancellation rights. You have the right to cancel a contract within three days if you signed it at your home or at a contractor’s temporary location, like a convention center or restaurant.

Those who suspect a home improvement scam should contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at https://protectthegoodlife.nebraska.gov or 800-727-6432.



Disaster Relief Bill Includes Down Payment for Nebraska Flood Recovery

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) issued the following statement today after the Senate Appropriations Committee released the text of the disaster supplemental bill, which includes a down payment to help Nebraskans impacted by the catastrophic flooding:

“Nebraskans are facing the worst natural disaster in our state’s history and that’s why for the past week and a half I’ve worked hard to add Nebraska to this disaster relief bill. The legislation released today includes a down payment to help Nebraska ag producers and communities rebuild and recover from the catastrophic damage. This is a good start, but we have a long road ahead and I’m going to continue to fight for Nebraska every step of the way.”

More information on the programs Nebraska is eligible for under this bill:

The Wildfires and Hurricanes Indemnity Program (WHIP) – This U.S. Department of Agriculture program would make funds available to ag producers for expenses related to losses as a result of the flooding in Nebraska. Ag producers could apply to receive up to $125,000. Some producers could receive a higher payment if ¾ or more of their income is derived from farming or another agriculture-based business.

Economic Development Assistance Programs – Under this program, Nebraska communities, tribes, and organizations could apply for disaster grants that support a wide range of construction and non-construction activities. These dollars would go towards expenses related to flood mitigation, disaster relief, long-term recovery, and restoration of infrastructure.

Click here for information about other programs for which Nebraska has been made eligible in the disaster relief bill.

Last week, following the request of Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts and the support of the Nebraska congressional delegation, President Trump declared a major disaster in the state of Nebraska. This declaration makes Nebraska eligible for federal aid for disaster assistance.



Sasse Statement on Disaster Aid

U.S. Senator Ben Sasse, who spent last week touring Nebraska flood damage and helping initial recovery efforts, issued the following statement regarding disaster aid legislation that was released today that expands eligibility for 2019 flood relief.

“Nebraskans are resilient and tough. We’re going to rebuild by loving our neighbors and rolling up our sleeves. While the most important work is going to happen at home in our communities, it’s good to have federal help. I’m grateful for the initial down payment in this disaster aid bill. Our state has a long road to recovery, but Nebraskans will get the job done.”



Smith Meets with President Trump, Thanks Him for Disaster Declaration

Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) visited the White House on Tuesday for a discussion on the USMCA trade agreement and personally thanked President Trump for approving Nebraska’s disaster declaration in response to harsh weather and historic flooding throughout much of the state. 

“I was happy to visit the White House today and deliver a message of appreciation to President Trump on behalf of Nebraskans. His swift response to our request for a federal disaster declaration will be very helpful to rebuild after historic storms and flooding,” said Smith. “Expanding market access through USMCA will also go a long way toward enabling our farmers, ranchers, and small businesses to recover and thrive in the long term.”

The purpose of Smith’s visit to the White House was to discuss passage of USMCA, or new NAFTA, which is critical to Nebraska’s agricultural economy. 



NDEQ, DHHS Providing Free Water Testing March 28, 29 and April 1, 2 for Private Well Owners Impacted by Flood

The Nebraska Departments of Environmental Quality and Health and Human Services are offering free testing for total coliform and E.coli for those samples submitted during the collection events in Columbus, West Point, Fremont and Ashland.  In addition, information about septic systems and disposal of solid wastes will be available.

Recent flood conditions can pose threats to the quality of private water supplies.  Flooded private water wells or wells suspected of being impacted by flooding should be tested to ensure that they are safe. Cloudiness or a change in taste or smell are signs of possible contamination. However, if there is any indication that the water supply has been breached by flood waters, even without noticeable changes in taste or smell, residents are encouraged to test their well water.  We also advise that residents with wells inundated in flood water contact their local water well professional to shock treat their well or follow well treatment guidance from UNL at https://flood.unl.edu/ followed up by testing.

Staff will be available in:

Columbus – Thursday, March 28 - 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: Nebraska Extension Platte County, 2715 13th Street, Columbus

West Point - Friday, March 29, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: West Point City Municipal Building, 444 S Main Street, West Point

Fremont – Monday, April 1, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: Three Rivers Public Health Department, 2400 N. Lincoln Avenue, Fremont

Ashland – Tuesday, April 2, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: Ashland City Library, 324 Silver Street, Ashland

 Here’s how it works:
 ·    Pick up a testing kit at the locations during the hours specified or from one of the local sites listed below ahead of time.
 ·    Follow the instructions and collect a water sample from the private well.
 ·    Bring the sample back before 5:00 PM to one of the locations during the day noted above to be eligible for free testing.  Samples not brought to the locations will be subject to mailing and processing costs.

Locations where sample kits may be obtained before the event:
 · Nebraska Extension Platte County for Thursday, 2715 13th Street, Columbus
 · Elkhorn Logan Valley Public Health Department for Friday, 2104 21st Circle, Wisner
 · Three Rivers Public Health Department Monday and Tuesday, 2400 N. Lincoln Street, Fremont

Nebraskans can also request kits from the Nebraska Public Health Environmental Laboratory to test for coliform bacteria for $17.00. Order kits online at http://www.nebraska.gov/dhhs/water-test-kits/private.html or by calling (402) 471-3935 between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM Monday through Friday.



Diving into the Changing Nutrient Profile of Distillers Feed Products

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) held the first Distillers Feed Products Nutrition Roundtable, bringing together animal ag partners, animal nutrition experts and ethanol technology providers to discuss the changing number and nutrient profile of distillers feed products.

“Our goal is to start a meaningful dialogue across segments of the supply chain,” said NCGA Director of Market Development Sarah McKay. “This is just one of the many steps to better understanding how new corn fractionation technologies are being deployed in dry mills in the U.S. These technologies create value by separating out the various components of corn to allow improved utilization of the subsequent product streams. While this technology has a lot of potential for early adopters and could increase corn grind, it will require a change in how the value chain views and uses the products of ethanol plants. Gathering stakeholder input and starting a dialog early should help the rollout of this technology proceed smoothly.”

As the profile of distillers feed products change, challenges and opportunities arise. Beef, pork, poultry, and dairy experts, Drs. Dan Loy, Jerry Shurson, Shelia Purdum, and Alvaro Garcia, respectively, gathered to discuss current understanding and key research needs. The afternoon consisted of technical presentations by ICM and Fluid Quip Process Technologies along with a discussion on the next steps and action items to address the changing nutrient profile and value added from these feed products. Other participants included representatives from Green Plains, Flint Hills Resources, National Cattlemen's Beef Association, and Mitch Schweers, a farmer from Wisner, Nebraska and member of NCGA’s Feed, Food and Industrial Action Team.

“The group agreed that more research and outreach would be needed in the future,” Schweers said. “We look forward to continuing these discussions and hope to include other stakeholders, such as regulatory agencies, additional technology providers, importers, and the aquaculture and pet food industries.”



RFA Congratulates KAAPA Ethanol on 15th Anniversary

The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) today congratulated member company KAAPA Ethanol LLC on its 15th anniversary of commencing operations. The company held a celebratory event this week to commemorate the occasion.

The farmer-owned company operates two Nebraska biorefineries. Its Minden plant produces 80 million gallons of ethanol from 27 million bushels of corn per year and has 37 employees. The company’s Ravenna plant produces more than 125 million gallons of ethanol from 42 million bushels of corn per year and has 50 employees. KAAPA is also a major supplier of distillers grains, a valuable animal feed co-product that has helped Nebraska’s beef industry thrive.

KAAPA Ethanol also operates a grain elevator in Elm Creek, Neb., and is in the process of building a new central office in Kearney, Neb., slated to be completed later this year. The company is also the largest stockholder in Guardian Energy, which manages three ethanol plants in Minnesota and Ohio.

“For 15 years, KAAPA Ethanol has been a leading voice and effective advocate for the ethanol industry and value-added agriculture,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper, adding that KAAPA CEO Chuck Woodside formerly served as RFA’s Chairman. “The company is a mainstay in Nebraska’s vibrant agriculture sector, providing high-paying jobs, creating new markets for local farmers, and boosting economic activity across the Cornhusker state. KAAPA Ethanol plays a vital role in an industry that supports more than 29,000 Nebraska jobs and generates $3.9 million in state gross domestic product. Congratulations to KAAPA Ethanol’s visionary leaders, passionate farmer investors, and hardworking employees for reaching this tremendous milestone, and best wishes for many more successful years to come,” he added.



ANNUAL NEBRASKA CHICKEN AND EGGS

Nebraska's layer numbers during 2018 averaged 7.83 million, down 4 percent from the year earlier, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. The annual average production per layer on hand in 2018 was 305 eggs, unchanged from 2017.

Nebraska egg production during the year ending November 30, 2018 totaled 2.39 billion eggs, down 4 percent from 2017.

Total number of chickens on hand on December 1, 2018 (excluding commercial broilers) was 10.2 million birds, up 7 percent from last year.

The total value of all chickens in Nebraska on December 1, 2018 was $41.8 million, up 18 percent from December 1, 2017. The average value increased from $3.70 per bird on December 1, 2017, to $4.10 per bird on December 1, 2018.

United States Average Number of Layers Up 3 Percent:
Layer numbers during 2018 averaged 391 million, up 3 percent from the year earlier. The annual average production per layer on hand in 2018 was 279 eggs, down 1 percent from 2017.

United States Egg Production up 2 percent: Egg production during the year ending November 30, 2018 totaled 109 billion eggs, up 2 percent from 2017. Table egg production, at 95.3 billion eggs, was up 3 percent from the previous year. Hatching egg production, at 13.9 billion eggs, was up 2 percent from 2017.

United States December 1 Chicken Inventory Numbers: The total number of chickens on hand on December 1, 2018 (excluding commercial broilers) was 528 million birds, up 3 percent from last year.

United States Total Value: The total value of all chickens on December 1, 2018 was $2.28 billion, up 7 percent from December 1, 2017. The average value increased from $4.16 per bird on December 1, 2017, to $4.33 per bird on December 1, 2018.



Larry and Bunny Buss Awarded Iowa Master Farmer

Larry and Bunny Buss of Logan, Iowa are among the newly awarded Iowa Master Farmer Class of 2019. Larry currently serves as an Iowa Corn Promotion Board® Director representing district four, chair of the Grassroots Network, Membership and Checkoff and active in the Iowa Corn Growers Association®. He is also president of the Harrison/Crawford County Corn Growers Association, a National Corn Growers Association Risk Management Action Team Member, US Grains Council Middle/East Africa and a member of the Iowa Pest Resistance Management Program Implementation Team.

Alongside his wife, Bunny and their two sons, Troy and Jason, Buss has been farming for over 45 years while continuously making improvements to the land his family operates. Dealing with many different soil types on the farm, Larry and Bunny understand the importance of soil management. They have been no-till farming for 33 years and implement the use of cover crops and other conservation practices.

“Reducing erosion and increasing water infiltration, improving drainage, and enhancing soil health have always been a focus for us,” Buss says in an interview with Wallaces Farmer.

The Iowa Master Farmer Award was started by Henry A. Wallace in 1926 to highlight farmers demonstrating outstanding management of their farming operations and community involvement.  The 83rd class will be honored at the annual awards day at the end of March.



73 Biodiesel Companies, Stakeholders Ask Congress to Immediately Extend the Biodiesel Tax Incentive

Today, the National Biodiesel Board (NBB), its member companies, and stakeholder organizations delivered a letter to House leaders, urging them to make a multiyear extension of the biodiesel and renewable diesel tax incentive an urgent priority. In February 2018, Congress retroactively extended the tax incentive for 2017, leaving it expired for 2018 and beyond. The letter thanks Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) for their bipartisan bill to immediately extend all expired tax incentives.

In the letter, the biodiesel industry stakeholders write, “The future of the credit has been unclear for more than 14 months. That uncertainty is curtailing investments in new plants and capital projects to upgrade existing plants. It is beginning to force some producers, blenders and distributors to cut back purchases of raw materials and deliveries of renewable fuel to consumers, which will have impacts across the economy.”

Congress last addressed the biodiesel tax incentive in February 2018, retroactively extending it for 2017 but leaving it expired for 2018 and beyond.

“The U.S. biodiesel and renewable diesel industry’s continued success is now at stake,” the letter continues. “Tens of thousands of American workers and manufacturers—as well as the millions of Americans who benefit from cleaner air and water—are depending on you to provide our industry the certainty we need to secure investments and continue growing over the next several years.”

The U.S. biodiesel and renewable diesel market grew from about 100 million gallons in 2005, when the incentive was first implemented, to more than 2.6 billion gallons annually since 2016.

Kurt Kovarik, Vice President of Federal Affairs with NBB, added, “The biodiesel industry has long advocated for a multiyear extension of the tax incentive. But because the incentive has been expired for 15 months – the longest period of uncertainty for this policy since its start – it is urgent that Congress act immediately to provide the biodiesel industry certainty for 2018 and 2019.”



Effective parasite control begins with understanding active ingredients

Using parasiticides in cattle without considering the active ingredients in those products presents dangers for an operation. Using different parasiticide active ingredients can extend the effectiveness of parasite control products and play a significant role in the management of healthier cattle.

Some common, yet misguided, management practices can lead to an operation unintentionally increasing resistance in parasites. One type of parasiticide — macrocyclic lactones — saw the first documented case of resistance approximately 14 years ago, and now Cooperia and Haemonchus parasites have been demonstrated as resistant to macrocyclic lactones in more than half of all operations examined.1 Of course parasites must be dealt with, but producers need to find a balance in their management practices.  

Here are three common active ingredient families and how they work to control parasites:

• Benzimidazoles — This active ingredient family depletes energy reserves in parasite cells and inhibits the elimination of waste — actions that appear to play an essential role in having a lethal effect on worms because it prolongs the time the parasite is exposed to the drug.2

• Macrocyclic lactones — Microscopic worms experience paralyzed pharynx, body wall and uterine muscle when exposed to macrocyclic lactones, which leads to death.2 This active ingredient works by binding to receptors that open up parts of the nematode to allow the influx of chemicals that cause the paralysis.

• Imidazothiazoles — This group of parasite control products stimulates muscle contractions in worms that leads to paralysis.2

The judicious use of parasiticides with different modes of action will control parasites in a herd and also help keep products effective longer in the industry. Keep these tips in mind when developing a management plan for parasiticides:

• Dosing is based on accurate weight. Underdosing is a contributing factor to parasite resistance.3 Accurate weights help drive accurate dosing, which can help ensure product efficacy.

• Careful management practices. A growing trend calls for replacing the current practice of repeated dosing of whole groups of animals with a move to targeted selective treatments to animals showing clinical signs or reduced productivity.4

• Use different active ingredients to reduce risk. Most of the commonly used parasiticides are either benzimidazoles, macrocyclic lactones or imidazothiazoles. Thus, resistance to one particular compound may be accompanied by resistance to other members of the same group — also known as side-resistance.4 Theoretically, resistance may be delayed by using products with different modes of action annually between dosing seasons.4

For more information on parasite control products and solutions, talk to your Zoetis representative or visit GetLessParasites.com.



Three advantages to flexible-label mastitis therapy
Juan Rodrigo Pedraza, DVM, Dairy Technical Services, Zoetis

Costs of re-treatments, milk loss and the spread of pathogens associated with mastitis relapse offer tremendous incentive to completely cure the disease. But too often, mastitis treatments end before the infection is completely cured, meaning bacteria may remain in the udder.

What then?

With a flexible-label mastitis treatment, you have the option to treat for up to eight days on-label to help achieve a complete bacteriological cure, which can mean more milk in the tank. Cows with complete mastitis cures gave 8.8 pounds more milk than cows not cured, according to a Cornell University study. 

Stopping treatment because clinical symptoms clear up doesn’t guarantee a complete cure. Using a mastitis treatment with a flexible-label therapy option allows you to treat once daily for up to eight consecutive days, giving you a better chance to reach a bacteriological cure.

Eliminate unnecessary risk and needlessly expensive treatment costs with these three steps:

    Tailor treatment: Examining each cow’s health history can help you and your veterinarian identify the right treatment for those difficult mastitis pathogens. As a triaging procedure, consider culture results, parity of the cow, stage of lactation, number of previous clinical mastitis cases and which quarter was affected, chronicity of the mastitis case and other persistent health issues. Once you’ve reviewed the available health information, you can consider flexible-label mastitis therapy to help tailor treatment duration to the individual case for mastitis when extra days of therapy are needed. Also, keep in mind that not every cow is a candidate for mastitis treatment.

    Achieve a complete bacteriological cure: Even though milk returning to normal signals a clinical cure, it may not equal a bacteriological cure. And the difference between the two is lost productivity and significant cost increases. Relapse that can occur after a clinical cure and before a bacteriological one also increases the risk of spreading mastitis-causing pathogens in the herd. Flexible mastitis therapy that is on-label can sometimes be necessary to achieve a bacteriological cure and help reduce the chance of relapse. SPECTRAMAST® LC (ceftiofur hydrochloride) Sterile Suspension is approved for additional treatments and provides the flexibility to continue once-daily treatment for up to eight consecutive days for more stubborn mastitis cases.

    Reduce milk loss: Without a complete bacteriological cure, mastitis can rob milk production and profit. Avoid additional losses in milk production by choosing a treatment with a label flexible enough to work longer to clear up bacteria lurking in the udder. Additionally, flexible-label therapy offers you approved milk and slaughter withholds for up to eight days of treatment per label directions.

Learn more about how to work toward achieving a complete, or bacteriological, mastitis cure with the flexible-label therapy of SPECTRAMAST LC.

IMPORTANT DIAGNOSTIC INFORMATION: SPECTRAMAST LC is intended for use in lactating dairy cattle only with the specified, labeled pathogens. To assure responsible antimicrobial drug use, it is expected that subclinical mastitis will be diagnosed using a positive culture, or other pathogen-specific test, in addition to any other, appropriate veterinary medical evaluation prior to treatment.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: People with known hypersensitivity to penicillin or cephalosporins should avoid exposure to SPECTRAMAST LC. Product requires a 72-hour milk discard period and a 2-day pre-slaughter withdrawal period following the last treatment. Use of this product in a manner other than indicated on the label, or failure to adhere to proper milk discard period, will result in violative residues.