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Study: Horses Not Responsible For COVID-19 Transmission

New research shows that horses and other livestock most likely did not play a role in the transmission of COVID-19. Scientists at Colorado State University and the University of Queensland in Australia, lead by Dr. Angela Bosco-Lauth, infected alpacas, cattle, goats, one horse, rabbits and sheep with the COVID-19 virus intranasally.

None of the animals used in the study had the virus detectable in their saliva, through nasal secretions, or through their feces throughout the study period. However, one calf, two goats, and a rabbit did show viral RNA in nasal and oral swabs, which suggests they may be minimally permissive to infection.

None of the animals displayed clinical signs of infection or had a fever after being infected with COVID-19.

The study team concluded that domestic livestock are unlikely to contribute to the spread of COVID-19 and also that they are unlikely to be involved in reverse zoonosis, or the infection of animals by humans.

Potentially Life-Threatening COVID “Cure” Sees Dewormer Sales Surging

Though the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have repeatedly warned the public against using ivermectin as a COVID-19 “cure,” the United States is seeing a massive increase in dewormer purchases from livestock farm and feed stores.

Many stores that sell dewormer have added verbiage to the products that indicate that they are not safe for human consumption and are an unproven cure for COVID-19; other stores have removed ivermectin products from their shelves completely.

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Ivermectin first came on the radar as a possible “cure” for COVID in 2020, when Monash University researchers reported that the drug could kill coronavirus in 48 hours in a lab setting. Though researchers at the Australian institution stressed that further testing was needed to establish the effectiveness and dosage of the drug, the public began seeking out ivermectin.

To date, completed studies on the efficacy of ivermectin are small and not considered of sufficient quality by researchers, though there are several studies currently underway. Reliable evidence doesn't support ivermectin use as a treatment or prophylactically for COVID-19.

Human-grade ivermectin is approved by the FDA for treatment of some parasitic worms and of some external parasites. Animal-grade ivermectin is not approved or dosed for humans and should never be ingested by humans. Side effects of taking livestock-grade ivermectin include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, skin rash, facial or limb swelling, decreased blood pressure, liver problems and neurologic issues like dizziness and seizures.

Kentucky Legislature Broadens Definition Of Property Destruction To Include Livestock

The Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP), Kentucky's equine economic advocate, released the following statement regarding the Kentucky Legislature's passage of HB 229:

“We applaud the Kentucky Legislature's passage of HB 229. By broadening the definition of property destruction crime to include livestock, this legislation is a big step forward in further deterring the abuse of horses. KEEP has long been a leader in advocating for the health and welfare of Kentucky's horses and is wholeheartedly supportive of this legislation.

“KEEP is grateful to Representative Matt Koch for his work to advance this legislation. Representative Koch is a champion for Kentucky's horse industry and community and we appreciate his work to ensure that the horse industry's $5.2 billion economic impact on the state continues to grow.”

ABOUT KEEP
The Kentucky Equine Education Project, Kentucky's equine economic advocate, is a not-for-profit grassroots organization created in 2004 to preserve, promote and protect Kentucky's signature multi-breed horse industry. KEEP is committed to ensuring Kentucky remains the horse capital of the world, including educating Kentuckians and elected officials of the importance of the horse industry to the state. KEEP was the driving force in the establishment of the Kentucky Breeders Incentive Fund, which has paid out more than $177 million to Kentucky breeders since its inception in 2006, and pari-mutuel wagering on historical horse racing, which has been responsible for more than $50 million to purses and more than $24 million to the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund.

KEEP works to strengthen the horse economy in Kentucky through our statewide network of citizen advocates. To learn more about how you can become a member or support our work, please visit www.horseswork.com.

The post Kentucky Legislature Broadens Definition Of Property Destruction To Include Livestock appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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Swarms Of Mosquitoes Kill Horses And Livestock After Hurricane Laura

The mosquito population in Louisiana exploded after the rains from Hurricane Laura receded. Thousands of the insects attacked horses, cows, deer and other livestock, causing them to pace or run in the heat until they were exhausted.

Some areas of the state faced massive clouds of the bloodsucking insects in the days after Hurricane Laura made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane on Aug. 27, reported a Louisiana State University AgCenter veterinarian. Spraying efforts have since brought the mosquito population under control.

Though residents in the area are used to mosquito population spikes after heavy rains, the amount of mosquitoes seen after Huricane Laura were unprecedented. It is estimated that farmers located near where the hurricane made landfall lost between 300 and 400 head of cattle, said Dr. Craig Fontenot, a vet based in Ville Platte.

Thankfully, the species of mosquito involved in the outbreak doesn't transmit human disease easily, but people are still urged to take precautions. At the height of the outbreak, any exposed skin was immediately covered in insects. Though humans could wear long pants and sleeves, livestock were unable to get away from the insects, many of them pacing or running until they were exhausted, leaving them susceptible to weight loss and disease.