Three Creeks Animal Health Survey Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development Food Safety and Animal Health Division December 1, 2011
Contents Purpose Questionnaire Contents and Distribution Response and Results Survey Comments Conclusion and Future Role
Purpose March 23 rd 2010 - Report to the Office of the Chief Provincial Veterinarian Owner referred to local veterinary practice and the OCPV will assist the veterinary practice Farm visit by ARD veterinarians on April 27 th 2010 Anecdotal reports by this livestock producer that there are other livestock producers in the area affected. April 2010 - February 8 th 2011 No cases reported to local clinic and no reports to OCPV.
Purpose July 2010 A human health survey was recommended during a community meeting. Decision to attach an animal health survey with the human health survey. February 8 th 2011 New complaint by same producer about sick cattle on his farm due to gas emissions. Questionnaire sent out to community last week of March 2011 and deadline for return was May 2011.
Animal Health Questionnaire - Contents Companion Animals (Cats, Dogs and Horses) Basic Pet Information Symptoms during odour episodes Medical history of the pets Comparative health from previous year Livestock (cattle beef cattle) Production records for most recent calving season Medical history for most recent calving season
Questionnaire - Distribution 586 joint human/animal health questionnaires were sent out to the residents and landowners around the affected area. Questionnaire distribution by location: Northern Sunrise County Residents 266 packages delivered (8 homes unoccupied or declined to provide information) Little Buffalo 70 packages sent out. Cadotte Lake 250 packages delivered
Questionnaire - Response 109 animal health surveys were returned 68 surveys were completed 25 surveys were blank 16 surveys mentioned that they did not have pets 67 completed surveys were for companion animals (1 survey also had beef cattle information). 1 survey was completed for beef cattle only. 2 surveys in total with beef cattle information
Questionnaire Details In the 67 companion animal surveys: 151 animals in total 80 dogs 48 cats 22 horses 1 not stated. Out of 151 companion animals 107 animals were kept mostly or always outside 44 animals were mostly or always kept inside the house.
General Health Companion Animals At the time of survey, out of the 151 animals, 118 animals were in very good to excellent health 17 were in good health 9 were in fair health 4 were in poor to very poor health 3 were deceased (June 2010).
Comparative Health Companion Animals Compared to previous year 138 animals had the same or much better health. 10 animals had somewhat worse to much worse health as compared to last year.
Odour Emission Days Companion Animals 119 animals had no symptoms of illness during odour emissions days. 32 animals had symptoms during odour emissions days. Some had multiple symptoms. 3 animals out of 151 required veterinary attention during those days. Most common symptoms observed: Reduced appetite and activity Eye, nose and throat irritation Increased activity and anxiety vomiting and diarrhea Less common symptoms observed: reduced water consumption abdominal pain and increased urination.
Questionnaire Results - Livestock Two beef cattle surveys completed. Cow-calf producer A No abortions 94% live calves 1 calf mortality Cow calf producer B 5 abortions 88.75% live calves (92.5% calving ) 3 calves with birth defects and (cows?) with foot rot and staggering. No veterinary assistance sought
Survey Comments Companion Animals A more comprehensive animal health study be done, suggests a wildlife study should be done as well, wishes there were a place for more general comments on survey. Single respondent: pets general health : "[The animals] all died 1 year [ago] in June. comparative health: "These dogs were healthy about 3 years ago seeing a veterinarian about symptoms during odour episodes: "Too expensive to see vet. Can't afford it."
Survey Comments Beef Cattle most of these problems are related to farming practice 1) too big bulls used 2) calving in cold weather. Why more concerned with animal health & survey than people. I am concerned that reports of a neighbour losing several calves and cows due to smell but the next farm over had one of the best calving seasons ever. Cows walk stiff on front end. When gas is around, cows go off feed for up to two days after gas is gone and are running from nose and some abort at that time.
Conclusion Animal Health issues are not significantly widespread 1 cow-calf farm reported health issues during odour emissions. (183 beef and dairy operations registered within 50km radius). Animal Health issues in companion animals are minor A number of short term, minor health issues in companion animals during odour episodes were reported by their owners.
ARD Future Role ARD will provide assistance through private veterinarian. Cost of veterinary visit and exam will be producer responsibility. Assistance with diagnostic testing for cases referred to private veterinarian will be decided based on case history. ARD will not work directly with producer.