Veterinary Medicine-Large Animal Clinical Sciences

4-H Rabbits, Rabbits, Rabbits: Project Record

Debbie Glauer

A Systematic Approach to Solving Hatchability and Chick Quality Problems

Gary D. Butcher and Amir H. Nilipour

Avian Goiter (Thyroid Hyperplasia or Dysplasia)

Gary D. Butcher and Curtis C. Beck

Best Management Practices for Equines in Natural Disasters

Kelsey M. Irvine and Brandi K. Phillips

Creating personalized emergency plans for evacuating or sheltering-in-place with horses helps horse owners to be as prepared as possible when natural disasters occur. This publication discusses disaster-specific considerations, making a plan, water and feed, documentation, fence and pasture preparations, animal identification, vaccinations, insurance, what to expect at agricultural inspection station stops, and more. Written by Kelsey M. Irvine and Brandi K. Phillips, and published by the UF/IFAS Veterinary Medicine—Large Animal Clinical Sciences Department, February 2023.

Broiler Performance From Cull Eggs

Gary D. Butcher and Amir H. Nilipour

Can GnRH Be Used to Induce Ovulation Early in Lactation and Improve Fertility in Dairy Cows?

Klibs N. Galvão

Chicken Embryo Malpositions and Deformities

Gary D. Butcher and Amir H. Nilipour

Common Freshwater Fish Parasites Pictorial Guide: Acanthocephalans, Cestodes, Leeches, & Pentastomes

Deborah B. Pouder, Eric W. Curtis, and Roy P.E. Yanong

This publication is one in a series of pictorial guides that is designed to assist in the identification of common freshwater fish parasites. The information provided in this guide is not intended to be a complete, detailed description of each parasite or parasite group and its characteristics but rather is intended to assist in the visual identification of some of the most common species or groups of parasites seen in freshwater fish. For further information on each parasite, refer to publications in the “Recommended Reading” and “Reference” sections.

Common Freshwater Fish Parasites Pictorial Guide: Dinoflagellates, Coccidia, Microsporidians, & Myxozoans

Deborah B. Pouder, Eric W. Curtis, and Roy P.E. Yanong

This publication is one in a series of pictorial guides that is designed to assist in the identification of common freshwater fish parasites. The information provided in this guide is not intended to be a complete, detailed description of each parasite or parasite group and its characteristics but rather is intended to assist in the visual identification of some of the most common species or groups of parasites seen in freshwater fish. For further information on each parasite, refer to publications in the “Recommended Reading” and “Reference” sections.

Common Freshwater Fish Parasites Pictorial Guide: Motile Ciliates

Deborah B. Pouder, Eric W. Curtis, and Roy P. E. Yanong

This publication is one in a series of pictorial guides that is designed to assist in the identification of common freshwater fish parasites. The information provided in this guide is not intended to be a complete, detailed description of each parasite or parasite group and its characteristics but rather is intended to assist in the visual identification of some of the most common species or groups of parasites seen in freshwater fish. For further information on each parasite, refer to publications in the “Recommended Reading” and “Reference” sections. 

Common Toxic Plants for Florida Horse Owners

Alyssa Schortinghouse and Brent Sellers

This publication is intended to provide horse owners with critical information about common toxic plants encountered in Florida. Written by Alyssa Schortinghouse and Brent Sellers, and published by the UF/IFAS Veterinary Medicine—Large Animal Clinical Sciences Department, January 2023.

Cryptobia iubilans in Cichlids

Ruth Francis Floyd and Roy Yanong

After many years of diagnostics at the University of Florida and at other laboratories around the country, it appears that Cryptobia iubilans is not uncommon among cichlids, and that environmental and other factors determine the extent of disease.

Diagnosis, Prevention, and Control of French Molt

Gary D. Butcher and Richard M. Miles

Disease Prevention in Commercial Poultry

Gary D. Butcher and Richard D. Miles

Equine Coronavirus: An Infectious Disease Affecting Florida Horses

Sally DeNotta and Linda Mittel

This publication provides an overview of equine coronavirus and discusses prevalence, transmission, clinical disease, diagnostic sampling, testing, and handling, treatment, prognosis, prevention and biosecurity, and potential for transmission to other species. Written by Sally DeNotta and Linda Mittel, and published by the UF/IFAS Veterinary Medicine—Large Animal Clinical Sciences Department, January 2023.

Factors Causing Poor Pigmentation of Brown-Shelled Eggs

Gary D. Butcher and Richard D. Miles

Facts about Wildlife Diseases: Capture Myopathy in Farmed White-Tailed Deer

Juan M. Campos Krauer

This publication discusses causes, clinical signs, and ways to reduce risk of capture myopathy in farmed white-tailed deer. Written by Juan M. Campos Krauer, and published by the Veterinary Medicine—Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, UF/IFAS Extension, January 2024.

Feed Passage in Broilers—A Complex Problem

Gary D. Butcher, Amir H. Nilipour, and Richard D. Miles

Heat Stress Management in Broilers

Gary D. Butcher and Richard Miles

How to Perform a Fetotomy in Cattle: An Illustrated Guide

Myriam Jimenez, Carlos Risco, and Klibs N. Galvão

Infectious Bronchitis and Its Effect on Egg Production and Egg Quality

Gary D. Butcher and Richard Miles

Intestinal Parasites in Backyard Chicken Flocks

Gary D. Butcher and Richard D. Miles

Johne’s Disease in Beef Cattle

Bridget Stice, Lindsey Wiggins, Todd Thrift, and João Bittar

The economic cost of Johne’s disease is substantial due to delayed establishment of pregnancy and even failure during the breeding season, reduced weaning weights, and loss or culling of cows before operations have recouped production costs. This publication aims to inform ranchers, ranch workers, Extension agents, cattle owners, livestock-agricultural students, and interested residents about important Johne’s disease facts. Written by Bridget Stice, Lindsey Wiggins, Todd Thrift, and João Bittar, and published by the Veterinary Medicine—Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, UF/IFAS Extension, October 2023.

Management of Hatching Eggs and Broiler Performance

G. D. Butcher and Amir H. Nilipour

Newcastle and Infectious Bronchitis Vaccine Reactions in Commercial Broilers

Gary D. Butcher, Richard D. Miles, and Amir H. Nilipour

Pigeon Fever in Florida Horses

Sally DeNotta and Amanda House

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for General Public audience(s).

Protecting Florida Horses through Vaccination

Sally DeNotta

Routine vaccination is a critical component of developing a preventative health program for horses. This publication discusses infectious diseases that can be prevented through vaccination and answers questions about equine vaccination. Written by Sally DeNotta, and published by the UF/IFAS Veterinary Medicine—Large Animal Clinical Sciences Department, January 2023.

Rotational Grazing Management for Horses

Laura Bennett

Pasture management is an important aspect of horsekeeping and equine property management. This publication provides an overview of rotational grazing, including practical recommendations and examples for implementation. Written by Laura Bennett, and published by the UF College of Veterinary Medicine, UF/IFAS Extension, February 2025.

Should You Breed Cows during the Summer in the Southeastern United States? An Economic Analysis of a Dairy Herd in Florida

Klibs N. Galvão and Albert De Vries

The Role of Humans in Poultry Disease Outbreaks

Gary Butcher and Mojtaba Yegani

Understanding Pet Bird Nutrition

Gary D. Butcher and Richard D. Miles

Use of Ultrasonography to Age Pregnancy in Early Gestation in Dairy Cows

Klibs N.A. Galvão

What is the Bronson Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (BADDL), and what can BADDL do for cattle producers?

Lauren Butler, Christa Kirby, Bridget Stice, Todd Thrift, Lindsey Wiggins, and João Bittar

For years, cattle producers have acted as unofficial researchers and detectives. As caregivers to domesticated animals, cattle producers and veterinarians sometimes need more pieces of information to solve a puzzle. This publication discusses the Bronson Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (BADDL), which exists to help with more difficult diagnoses. Written by Lauren Butler, Christa Kirby, Bridget Stice, Todd Thrift, Lindsey Wiggins, and João Bittar, and published by the Veterinary Medicine—Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, UF/IFAS Extension, October 2023.

A Primer on Genetic Testing for Horse Owners and Breeders

Julia L. Ciosek, Carissa Wickens, and Samantha A. Brooks

With the increasing development of genetic testing and advanced genomic technologies, horse owners and breeders have more opportunities than ever before to learn more about the genetic background of their horses. This publication provides information to help horse owners and breeders understand what genetic testing services are, which genetic tests are available for their horses, and how to locate genetic testing services. Written by Julia L. Ciosek, Carissa Wickens, and Samantha A. Brooks, and published by the Veterinary Medicine—Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, UF/IFAS Extension, April 2024.

An Overview of the Bovine Leukemia Virus

Kaitlyn K. Renegar, Ameer A. Megahed, Ahmadreza Mirzaei, and João H. Jabur Bittar

This publication discusses bovine leukemia virus and its prevalence, economic implications, transmission, clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and control. Written by Kaitlyn K. Renegar, Ameer A. Megahed, Ahmadreza Mirzaei, and João H. Jabur Bittar, and published by the Veterinary Medicine—Large Animal Clinical Sciences Department, UF/IFAS Extension, May 2023.

Avian Necropsy Techniques

Gary D. Butcher and Richard D. Miles

Biosecurity for the Poultry Industry

Gary Butcher and Mojtaba Yegani

Broiler Production Goals—Important Numbers

Gary D. Butcher and Amir H. Nilipour

Causes and Prevention of Wet Litter in Broiler Houses

Gary D. Butcher and Richard D. Miles

Colic in Horses

Sally DeNotta and Amanda House

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for General Public audience(s).

Common Freshwater Fish Parasites Pictorial Guide: Crustaceans

Deborah B. Pouder, Eric W. Curtis, and Roy P.E. Yanong

This publication is one in a series of pictorial guides that is designed to assist in the identification of common freshwater fish parasites. The information provided in this guide is not intended to be a complete, detailed description of each parasite or parasite group and its characteristics but rather is intended to assist in the visual identification of some of the most common species or groups of parasites seen in freshwater fish. For further information on each parasite, refer to publications in the “Recommended Reading” and “Reference” sections. 

Common Freshwater Fish Parasites Pictorial Guide: Flagellates

Deborah B. Pouder, Eric W. Curtis, and Roy P. E. Yanong

This publication is one in a series of pictorial guides that is designed to assist in the identification of common freshwater fish parasites. The information provided in this guide is not intended to be a complete, detailed description of each parasite or parasite group and its characteristics but rather is intended to assist in the visual identification of some of the most common species or groups of parasites seen in freshwater fish. For further information on each parasite, refer to publications in the “Recommended Reading” and “Reference” sections. 

Common Freshwater Fish Parasites Pictorial Guide: Nematodes

Deborah B. Pouder, Eric W. Curtis, and Roy P.E. Yanong

This publication is one in a series of pictorial guides that is designed to assist in the identification of common freshwater fish parasites. The information provided in this guide is not intended to be a complete, detailed description of each parasite or parasite group and its characteristics but rather is intended to assist in the visual identification of some of the most common species or groups of parasites seen in freshwater fish. For further information on each parasite, refer to publications in the “Recommended Reading” and “Reference” sections.

Comparing Waterbeds and Sand Beds for Cows: A Study at the UF/IFAS Dairy Unit

Klibs N. Galvão and Ori Eizenberg

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet.

Data Collection: Poultry Integrations

Gary D. Butcher and Amir H. Nilipour

Diagnostic and Monitoring Serology in Commercial Poultry Integrations: Practical Applications

Gary D. Butcher

Egg Specific Gravity—Designing a Monitoring Program

Gary D. Butcher and Richard D. Miles

Equine Piroplasmosis: An emerging threat to Florida horses

Sally DeNotta and Amanda House

This article reviews the clinical signs, transmission, and prevention strategies for equine piroplasmosis (EP) in horses for non-veterinary audiences.

Factors to Consider in Serologic Testing for Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) and Mycoplasma synoviae (MS)

Gary D. Butcher

Facts about Wildlife Diseases: Malignant Catarrhal Fever (MCF)

Braxton Sizemore and Juan Manuel Campos Krauer

Malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) is a viral infection of a wide variety of ruminant species and, in rare cases, swine. This publication discusses common clinical signs of MCF as well as prevention and treatment of MCF infection. Written by Braxton Sizemore and Juan Manuel Campos Krauer, and published by the UF College of Veterinary Medicine, UF/IFAS Extension, February 2025.

Fowl Adenovirus Hepatitis (IBH and HHS): An Emerging Poultry Disease

Gary D. Butcher and Mohamed Hossiny

The intended audience for this publication is commercial poultry producers and poultry veterinarians. This publication aims to provide an update and summary of fowl adenovirus hepatitis. Written by Gary D. Butcher and Mohamed Hossiny, and published by the UF College of Veterinary Medicine, UF/IFAS Extension, July 2024.

Hoof Care for Florida Horses

Jennifer Bearden and Caitlin Justesen

Maintaining the health and integrity of the hoof structures is critical to the overall health of the horse. This publication is intended to help Florida horse owners care for their horses’ hooves. Written by Jennifer Bearden and Caitlin Justesen, and published by the UF College of Veterinary Medicine, UF/IFAS Extension, September 2024.

Identifying and Treating Uterine Disease in Dairy Cows

Klibs N. Galvão, Carlos Risco, and Jose E.P. Santos

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet.

Infectious Bursal Disease (Gumboro) in Commercial Broilers

Gary D. Butcher and Richard D. Miles

Investigating Vaccination Failure in Poultry Flocks

Gary D. Butcher and Mojtaba Yegani

Knemidokiptic Mange in Pet Birds: Scaly Face and Scaly Leg Disease

Gary D. Butcher and Curtis Beck

Minimizing Microbial Contamination in Feed Mills Producing Poultry Feed

Gary D. Butcher and Richard D. Miles

Numbers for Successful Poultry Production

Gary D. Butcher and Amir H. Nilipour

Preparing Your Own Fish Feeds

Juli-Anne B. Royes and Frank Chapman

Rabbits, Rabbits, Rabbits, Member Manual

Norman D. Long

Rabbits, Rabbits, Rabbits: Member's Manual (4H RAM 10) is an animal sciences publication suggested for 4-H members ages 9 and up. The purpose of the 4-H rabbit project is to teach members proper ways to feed, manage and show rabbits. This manual is a tool designed to help members complete the accompanying Rabbits, Rabbits, Rabbits: Record Book (4H RAR 10). The accompanying leaders guide is (4H RAL 20).

Salmonella Control and Molting of Egg-Laying Flocks—Are They Compatible?

Gary D. Butcher and Richard Miles

St. Louis Encephalitis—The Role of Chickens

Gary D. Butcher and Richard Miles

Tips on Determining the Cause of Death in the Beef Cattle Operation

Taylor Davis, Lauren Butler, Christa Kirby, Bridget Stice, Todd Thrift, Lindsey Wiggins, and João Bittar

Dealing with death losses on the ranch can be disheartening. After all, a beef cattle operation’s success is measured in pounds of live weight sold. This publication discusses ways to determine causes of death in a beef cattle operation. Written by Taylor Davis, Lauren Butler, Christa Kirby, Bridget Stice, Todd Thrift, Lindsey Wiggins, and João Bittar, and published by the Veterinary Medicine—Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, UF/IFAS Extension, October 2023.

Use of Antibiotics in Ornamental Fish Aquaculture

Roy P. E. Yanong

Antibiotics are very useful additions to any fishhealth manager’s toolbox, but they are only tools and not “magic bullets.” The ability of antibiotics to help eliminate a fish disease depends on a number of factors.

Uterine Microbiology of Healthy Cows and Cows That Develop Uterine Disease

Klibs N. Galvão

When Should We Stop Breeding Dairy Cows?

Klibs N. Galvão and Albert De Vries

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Animal Systems

A Research-Based Summary on Trace Minerals for Cattle

João H. Jabur Bittar and Roberto A. Palomares

Producers can utilize mineral supplementation to improve cattle production and herd health, which has the potential to reduce antibiotic usage. This publication presents a summary on trace minerals for cattle. Written by João H. Jabur Bittar and Roberto A. Palomares, and published by the UF/IFAS Veterinary Medicine—Large Animal Clinical Sciences Department, October 2021.

Association between Immune Function and Development of Uterine Disease in Dairy Cows

Klibs N. Galvão

Besnoitiosis in Donkeys in the United States

Sally DeNotta

Besnoitiosis is a skin condition affecting donkeys in Florida and throughout the United States. This publication discusses the condition as well as clinical findings, diagnosis, prevention, and therapy. Written by Sally DeNotta, and published by the UF/IFAS Veterinary Medicine—Large Animal Clinical Sciences Department, January 2023.

Broiler Management—The First 24 Hours

Gary D. Butcher, Amir H. Nilipour, and Richard D. Miles

Can Calcium Propionate Help Maintain Calcium Concentrations and Prevent Metritis in Dairy Cows with Dystocia?

Klibs N. Galvao, Mauricio Benzaquen, and Carlos A. Risco

Chicken Anemia Agent (CAA)

Gary D. Butcher

Common Consumer Misconceptions about Eggs

Gary D. Butcher

This publication provides information to consumers of eggs and explains a few of the common consumer misconceptions about eggs. Written by Gary D. Butcher and published by the UF College of Veterinary Medicine, May 2024.

Common Freshwater Fish Parasites Pictorial Guide: Digenean Trematodes

Deborah B. Pouder, Eric W. Curtis, and Roy P.E. Yanong

This publication is one in a series of pictorial guides that is designed to assist in the identification of common freshwater fish parasites. The information provided in this guide is not intended to be a complete, detailed description of each parasite or parasite group and its characteristics but rather is intended to assist in the visual identification of some of the most common species or groups of parasites seen in freshwater fish. For further information on each parasite, refer to publications in the “Recommended Reading” and “Reference” sections.

Common Freshwater Fish Parasites Pictorial Guide: Monogeneans

Deborah B. Pouder, Eric W. Curtis, and Roy P.E. Yanong

This publication is one in a series of pictorial guides that is designed to assist in the identification of common freshwater fish parasites. The information provided in this guide is not intended to be a complete, detailed description of each parasite or parasite group and its characteristics but rather is intended to assist in the visual identification of some of the most common species or groups of parasites seen in freshwater fish. For further information on each parasite, refer to publications in the “Recommended Reading” and “Reference” sections.

Common Freshwater Fish Parasites Pictorial Guide: Sessile Ciliates

Deborah B. Pouder, Eric W. Curtis, and Roy P. E. Yanong

This publication is one in a series of pictorial guides that is designed to assist in the identification of common freshwater fish parasites. The information provided in this guide is not intended to be a complete, detailed description of each parasite or parasite group and its characteristics but rather is intended to assist in the visual identification of some of the most common species or groups of parasites seen in freshwater fish. For further information on each parasite, refer to publications in the “Recommended Reading” and “Reference” sections.

Concepts of Eggshell Quality

Gary D. Butcher and Richard Miles

Developing a Deworming Program for Florida Horses

Jennifer Bearden, Brittany Justesen, and Sally DeNotta

This publication reviews the most common parasites in horses and provides horse owners with recommendations for parasite prevention. Written by Jennifer Bearden, Brittany Justesen, and Sally DeNotta, and published by the UF/IFAS Veterinary Medicine—Large Animal Clinical Sciences Department, February 2023.

Disease Prevention in Commercial Aviaries

Gary D. Butcher and Richard D. Miles

Emergency Considerations for Beef Cattle

Max Irsik and Todd Thrift

Equine Strangles: Management and Prevention

Sally DeNotta and Amanda House

This article reviews the clinical signs, diagnosis, and management of strangles in horses for non-veterinary audiences.

Facts about Wildlife Diseases: Antler Infections and Cranial Abscess Disease in White-Tailed Deer

Michael A. Lyons, Amira M. Richardson, Merrie P. Urban, and Juan M. Campos Krauer

This article provides valuable insights into antler infections and cranial abscess disease in white-tailed deer. It emphasizes the importance of addressing these concerns for the species’ conservation and well-being. Written by Michael A. Lyons, Amira M. Richardson, Merrie P. Urban, and Juan M. Campos Krauer, and published by the Veterinary Medicine—Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, UF/IFAS Extension, January 2024.

Facts about Wildlife Diseases: Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus Serotype 2 (RHDV2)

Catherine E. Dixon and Juan M. Campos Krauer

This publication provides information on rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus serotype 2 (RHDV2) and discusses infection, clinical signs, treatment, prevention, and reporting. Written by Catherine E. Dixon and Juan M. Campos Krauer, and published by the UF College of Veterinary Medicine, April 2022.

Guide to Performing McMaster’s Fecal Egg Count for Small Ruminants

Bridget Stice, Laura H. Bennett, Christa L. Kirby, Allison L. Williams, and Brittany N. Diehl

This article is meant to serve as a general guide to perform quantitative fecal egg counts on grazing small ruminants, specifically sheep and goats. This tool is utilized to estimate the extent of pasture parasite burden as well as individual animal parasite burden, and to determine the efficacy of dewormer or anthelmintic treatment. Written by Bridget Stice, Laura H. Bennett, Christa L. Kirby, Allison L. Williams, and Brittany N. Diehl, and published by the UF College of Veterinary Medicine, UF/IFAS Extension, December 2024.

How to Evaluate Quality of Newly Hatched Chicks

Gary D. Butcher and Iyva Gage

This publication aims to assist poultry owners in recognizing what is normal and abnormal and in evaluating quality when examining chicks. Written by Gary D. Butcher and Iyva Gage, and published by the Veterinary Medicine—Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, UF/IFAS Extension, February 2025.

Improved Aviculture Management May Prevent Candidiasis in Birds

Gary D. Butcher and Richard D. Miles

Interrelationship between Nutrition and Immunity

Gary D. Butcher and Richard D. Miles

Is it coping or is it a vice? Understanding stereotypic behaviors in horses

Carissa Wickens and Camie Heleski

This article will share what science has revealed about stereotypic behaviors, and how this information can be applied to better manage and thus improve the welfare of horses with stereotypic behavior. Written by Carissa Wickens and Camie Heleski, and published by the Veterinary Medicine—Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, UF/IFAS Extension, January 2024.

Livestock Vaccines: Principles, Types, and Important Factors to Consider

Juan M. Campos Krauer and João H. J. Bittar

This publication presents information on the basic mechanisms and types of livestock vaccines available, as well as a few best practices for vaccine management. This information can help improve your herd health and success in your next herd vaccination. Written by Juan M. Campos Krauer and João H. J. Bittar, and published by the Veterinary Medicine—Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, UF/IFAS Extension, January 2024.

Myeloid Leukosis (J-virus)—An International Broiler Industry Concern

Gary D. Butcher, and Richard D. Miles

Pigeon Canker

G. D. Butcher

Prevention and Control of Fowl Pox in Backyard Chicken Flocks

Gary D. Butcher and Fred Rossi

Risk Factors for Uterine Disease in Dairy Cows

Klibs N.A. Galvão

Selection of Sheep Meat Breeds in Florida

Laura H. Bennett and Brittany N. Diehl

This article is meant to serve as a general overview guide to the breeds of sheep that are most likely to have success in surviving in the harsh Florida climate. Written by Laura H. Bennett and Brittany N. Diehl, and published by the UF College of Veterinary Medicine, July 2024.

The Avian Immune System

Gary D. Butcher and Richard D. Miles

Understanding Equine Asthma (Heaves)

Sally DeNotta and Amanda M. House

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for General Public audience(s).

Use of Formalin to Control Fish Parasites

Ruth Francis-Floyd and Deborah B. Pouder

A UF/IFAS numbered Management.

Vaccine Failure in Poultry: Factors to Consider

Gary D. Butcher and Richard D. Miles