Organic and Alternative Livestock Health: A Guide for Veterinarians, Animal Health Workers and Animal Owners
No ratings
Katie Steneroden, Iowa State University
Jenna Bjork, Iowa State University
Delaine Quaresma, Iowa State University
Copyright Year:
Publisher: Iowa State University Digital Press
Language: English
Formats Available
Conditions of Use
Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike
CC BY-NC-SA
Table of Contents
- How to Use this Web Book
- Introduction
- 1.0 Introduction to Organic and Alternative Animal Health
- 1.1 Background
- 1.2 Organic and Alternative Farmers and Ranchers
- 1.3 Benefits and Opportunities of Organic/Alternative Agricultural Practices and Products
- 1.4 Historic Roles and Perspectives
- Resources and References
- 2.0 Rules and Regulations for Organic and Alternative Livestock
- 2.1 Organic Agriculture
- 2.2 Organic Stakeholders
- 2.3 Steps in the Certification Process
- 2.4 Navigating NOP Regulations
- 2.5 Enforcement of Organic Rules and Regulations
- 2.6 State Organic Programs and International Agreements
- 2.7 Alternative Livestock Certification Programs
- Resources and References
- 3.0 Prevention: Proactive, Practical Measures that Prioritize Animal Health
- 3.1 Introduction
- 3.2 Foundations of Animal Health
- 3.3 Environmental Enrichment for Livestock
- 3.4 Vaccination
- 3.5 Minimize Exposure to Parasites
- 3.6 Fly Prevention
- 3.7 Minimize Exposure to Disease
- 3.8 Disease Prevention as Practiced by Organic and Alternative Farmers and Ranchers
- 3.9 Organic and Alternative Farms and Reportable and Foreign Animal Diseases
- 3.10 Emergency Preparedness for Organic and Alternative Farmers and Ranchers
- 3.11 Three Steps for Disease Prevention
- 3.12 Cleaning and Disinfection
- Resources and References
- 4.0 Treatments and Modalities Used in Alternative Animal Health
- 4.1 Considerations When Treating Livestock on Organic and Alternative Farms and Ranches
- 4.2 General Considerations When Using Alternatives to Antibiotics
- 4.3 Treatment Modalities
- 4.4 Scenario: Pneumonia on a Small Midwest Organic Dairy Farm
- 4.5 Getting Started
- Resources and References
- 5.0 Communication Considerations for Working with Organic and Alternative Livestock Clients
- 5.1 Good Communication is Linked to Positive Outcomes
- 5.2 Communication Styles – Paternalistic
- 5.3 Communication Style—Relationship Centered
- 5.4 Risk Communication
- 5.5 Types of Communication
- 5.6 Conflict Resolution
- Resources and References
- 6.0 Veterinary Practice Management to Include Organic and Alternative Clients
- 6.1 Introduction
- 6.2 Perspectives on the Veterinarian's Role—From Veterinarians and Producers
- 6.3 Using a Holistic Veterinary Approach
- 6.4 Avenues for Veterinary Influence on Organic and Alternative Farms
- 6.5 Economic Considerations
- 6.6 Finding and Marketing to Clients
- 6.7 Leadership and Managing Relationships
- 6.8 Leadership Skills for Working with Staff and Clients
- Resources and References
- Glossary
- Acknowledgements
About the Book
This open-access book will introduce veterinarians, veterinary technicians and their students, extension professionals, and animal owners to organic and alternative livestock concerns practices. Specific topics include background of organic agriculture, disease prevention, basic treatments, communication, veterinary practice management, and regulations. The basics of alternatively raised livestock are not traditionally taught in veterinary schools. This book provides a starting point for those interested in non-conventional livestock care to learn more about this growing, evolving area of livestock health practice.
About the Contributors
Authors
Katie has practiced conventional and alternative medicine in urban and rural practices, animal shelters, wildlife rehabilitation clinics, and Native American reservations. Switching gears to focus on disease prevention led Katie to participate in infectious and zoonotic disease outbreaks in the UK, Haiti, Egypt, and Azerbaijan. Supporting research on the impact of climate change on livestock resulted in Katie mentoring emerging scientists in Nepal and Sub-Saharan Africa. Training and capacity-building experience and intense curiosity have led to new work with the growing organic and alternative livestock movement in the US. Through it all, Katie has had the opportunity and privilege to work with farmers, welfare inspectors, knackers, scientists, dog breeders, government, and industry.
Ensuring animal, human, and community health is Katie’s true passion. Empowering others is her calling. Cooking, eating, friends and dogs provide balance and enormous gratification. At CSFPH, Katie has the unique privilege to indulge in all of the above.
Dr. Bjork joined CFSPH in September of 2021. Prior to working at CFSPH, Dr. Bjork worked as a Vectorborne Disease Epidemiologist at the Minnesota Department of Health for eight years. In addition, Dr. Bjork has ten years of experience within the veterinary field serving as a companion animal veterinarian, research associate, and veterinary assistant. Dr. Bjork earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science from the University of Minnesota in 2006 and dual DVM/MPH degrees in 2011 from Iowa State University and the University of Iowa. These experiences and education have given her a unique perspective on infectious disease and health education. Dr. Bjork enjoys exploring the interfaces of human, animal, and environmental health and promoting health for all. At CFSPH, Dr. Bjork is intricately involved in several short-term projects as well as maintaining and updating the Transboundary and Emerging Diseases of Animals & Initial Accreditation Training online course for veterinarians and veterinary students.
Dr. Quaresma joined CFSPH in January of 2022. Prior to working at CFSPH, Dr. Quaresma worked as a mixed animal veterinarian in California and Iowa. She possesses a lifetime of experience and knowledge of bovine veterinary and animal health practices from being born and raised on a 3rd generation dairy farm in the Central Valley of California. Dr. Quaresma earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physiological Science from the University of California, Los Angeles in 2014, DVM degree from University of California, Davis in 2018, and Masters in Public Health from the University of Iowa in 2021. Her passion for animal health, education and agriculture led her to pursue a career in public health and she found the perfect fit at CFSPH. Dr. Quaresma’s expertise will be applied towards developing and enhancing bovine materials for the “Day 1 Platform for Veterinary Education” project, which works to improve education in veterinary colleges in the developing world. In addition, she is involved in projects improving organic and alternative farming biosecurity and education, as well as zoonotic and emerging disease educational materials for youth in animal agriculture.