Veterinary Medicine-Large Animal Clinical Sciences

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.

Gary D. Butcher and Amir H. Nilipour

Klibs N. Galvão

Gary D. Butcher and Curtis C. Beck

Gary D. Butcher and Richard D. Miles

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.

Kelsey M. Irvine yBrandi 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.

Lillian G. Maxwell yJuan M. Campos Krauer

For captive and farmed cervids across the U.S., artificial insemination (AI) is among the most common reproductive practices. This technique enables greater genetic exchange and diversity without the need to transport animals between farms or states. Currently, there are no standard protocols for AI in cervids, and most research relies on advances from other small ruminants, such as sheep and goats. This publication provides best practices for artificial insemination (AI) in captive white-tailed deer and aims to inform managers and farmers on what to consider when choosing a reproductive strategy. Written by Lillian G. Maxwell and Juan M. Campos Krauer, and published by the UF College of Veterinary Medicine, UF/IFAS Extension, July 2026.

Gary Butcher and Mojtaba Yegani

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

Gary D. Butcher and Amir H. Nilipour

Gary D. Butcher and Amir H. Nilipour

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

Klibs N. Galvão

Klibs N. Galvao

Gary D. Butcher and Richard D. Miles

Gary D. Butcher

Gary D. Butcher yAmir H. Nilipour

Sally DeNotta yAmanda House

This fact sheet discusses this disease symptom which is the number one cause of death in horses, what it is and what causes it, gastric ulcers, treatment, and prevention.

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.

Deborah B. Pouder, Eric W. Curtis, yRoy 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.

Deborah B. Pouder, Eric W. Curtis, yRoy 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. 

Deborah B. Pouder, Eric W. Curtis, yRoy 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.

Deborah B. Pouder, Eric W. Curtis, yRoy 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.

Deborah B. Pouder, Eric W. Curtis, yRoy 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. 

Deborah B. Pouder, Eric W. Curtis, yRoy 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.

Deborah B. Pouder, Eric W. Curtis, yRoy 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. 

Deborah B. Pouder, Eric W. Curtis, yRoy 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.

Deborah B. Pouder, Eric W. Curtis, yRoy 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.

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.

Klibs N. Galvao, Achilles Vieira Neto, Gustavo Peña, João H. Bittar, yLucas Ibarbia

Klibs N. Galvão and Ori Eizenberg

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet.

Gary D. Butcher and Richard Miles

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.

Gary D. Butcher and Amir H. Nilipour

Jennifer Bearden, Brittany Justesen, ySally 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.

Gary D. Butcher and Richard M. Miles

Gary D. Butcher

Ruth Francis-Floyd, Jan Landsberg, Roy P. E. Yanong, Yasu Kiryu, Shirley Baker, Deborah B. Pouder, William Sharp, Gabriel Delgado, Nicole Stacy, Thomas B. Waltzek, Heather D. S. Walden, Roxanna Smolowitz, yGreg Beck

This 55-page document contains a wealth of information on the long-spined sea urchin, which is an important animal in coral reef ecosystems. The publication discusses diagnostic methods for Diadema antillarum and provides reporting forms for laboratory and diagnostic work.

Gary D. Butcher and Richard D. Miles

Gary D. Butcher and Richard D. Miles

M. Anaïs Naoumoff, Carissa Wickens, ySamantha Brooks

This publication serves as an introduction to essential aspects regarding donkeys. Topics covered include considerations for donkey care and management, donkey behavior, and the societal role of donkeys. Written by M. Anaïs Naoumoff, Carissa L. Wickens, and Samantha A. Brooks, and published by the UF College of Veterinary Medicine, UF/IFAS Extension, January 2026.

Klibs N. Galvao yAchilles Vieira-Neto

Gary D. Butcher and Richard D. Miles

Max Irsik and Todd Thrift

Sally DeNotta yLinda 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.

Sally DeNotta yBrittany Justesen

Oral health plays a crucial role in your horse’s overall health and well-being. This publication discusses equine dental anatomy, dental examination, common dental issues, signs of dental problems, and preventive measures. Written by Sally DeNotta and Brittany L. Justesen, and published by the UF College of Veterinary Medicine, UF/IFAS Extension, July 2025.

Sally DeNotta yAmanda House

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

Sally DeNotta yAmanda House

This fact sheet discusses this disease symptom which is the number one cause of death in horses, what it is and what causes it, gastric ulcers, treatment, and prevention.

Gary D. Butcher and Richard D. Miles

Gary D. Butcher

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.

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.

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.

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

Shannon Darby

This publication aims to prepare horse owners to assess the severity of an injury or illness, provide general first aid, and know when to seek veterinary attention. Written by Shannon Darby, and published by the UF College of Veterinary Medicine, UF/IFAS Extension, July 2025.

Christa Kirby, Allison L. Williams, Laura Bennett, Bridget Stice, yBrittany N. Diehl

This article is meant to serve as an overview of small ruminant husbandry practices, which include basic nutrition, health, and preventative management concepts. Written by Christa L. Kirby, Allie L. Williams, Laura H. Bennett, Bridget Stice, and Brittany N. Diehl, and published by the UF College of Veterinary Medicine, UF/IFAS Extension, June 2025.

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.

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.

Gary D. Butcher and Richard Miles

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.

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.

Myriam Jimenez, Carlos Risco, and Klibs N. Galvão

Jessica M. Ryals yGary D. Butcher

Before the hurricane and tropical storm season, weatherizing your backyard poultry coops is crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of your birds. This publication outlines how to protect your coop from heavy winds, flooding, and flying debris. A well-built, well-anchored coop in a place that will not flood or blow over in strong winds is the goal. Written by Jessica M. Ryals and Gary D. Butcher, and published by the UF College of Veterinary Medicine, UF/IFAS Extension, August 2025.

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

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet.

Gary D. Butcher and Richard D. Miles

Gary D. Butcher and Richard Miles

Gary D. Butcher and Richard D. Miles

Gary D. Butcher and Richard D. Miles

Gary D. Butcher and Richard D. Miles

Gary D. Butcher and Mojtaba Yegani

Carissa Wickens yCamie 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.

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.

Gary D. Butcher and Curtis Beck

Denise Petty, Kathleen H. Hartman, Roy P. E. Yanong, Deborah B. Pouder, Ruth Francis-Floyd, yThomas B. Waltzek

Koi herpesvirus (KHV) is a highly contagious virus that causes significant morbidity and mortality in common carp varieties. Common carp is raised as a foodfish in many countries and has also been selectively bred for the ornamental fish industry where it is known as koi. The first recognized case of KHV occurred in the United Kingdom in 1996. Since then other cases have been confirmed in almost all countries that culture koi and/or common carp with the exception of Australia. This fact sheet is intended to inform veterinarians, biologists, fish producers and hobbyists about KHV disease.

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.

G. D. Butcher and Amir H. Nilipour

Aakilah S. Hernandez, Carissa Wickens, ySamantha Brooks

This article provides guidance on monitoring signs of heat stress and management recommendations to improve horse welfare. Written by Aakilah S. Hernandez, Carissa Wickens, and Samantha Brooks, and published by the UF College of Veterinary Medicine, November 2025.

Gary D. Butcher and Richard D. Miles

Gary D. Butcher, and Richard D. Miles

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

Gary D. Butcher and Amir H. Nilipour

G. D. Butcher

Sally DeNotta yAmanda House

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

Kari Hancock, Martha Mallicote, Sally DeNotta, yBrittany N. Diehl

This article is meant to provide producers with a general overview of pregnancy toxemia, or ketosis, in small ruminants. Written by Kari Hancock, Martha Mallicote, Sally DeNotta, and Brittany N. Diehl, and published by the UF College of Veterinary Medicine, UF/IFAS Extension, August 2025.

Frank A. Chapman yJuli-Anne B. Royes
Otros contactos: Roy P. E. Yanong

This paper presents examples of: 1) Experimental and practical fish feed blends or formulas which are nutrient balanced and adaptable to particular conditions; 2) The formulation and preparation of a semi-purified ornamental African cichlid fish diet that can be used in the laboratory or when small quantities of feed are needed; 3) The preparation of a gelatin-based diet that is often used to administer medicines or other chemicals. Background information on nutrition, feedstuffs and feed formulations are presented with emphasis primarily on the feeding of ornamental “aquarium” fishes.

Gary D. Butcher and Fred Rossi

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.

Gary D. Butcher yMohamed Hossiny

This publication describes common causes of immune suppression in commercial poultry. It aims to instruct those involved with poultry in evaluation of poultry flocks to determine if immunosuppressive diseases are causing losses in those flocks. Written by Gary D. Butcher and Mohamed Hossiny, and published by the UF College of Veterinary Medicine, UF/IFAS Extension, July 2025.

Klibs N.A. Galvão

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.

Gary D. Butcher and Richard Miles

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.

Klibs N. Galvao, Christopher M. Seabury, yPablo Pinedo

Uterine diseases are highly prevalent in high-producing dairy cows. They have been associated with decreased pregnancy per artificial insemination (AI), extended interval to pregnancy, increased culling, and economic losses. This 3-page fact sheet presents the results of a recent paper that examined how alterations on the TLR genes, which control innate immune response, affect the susceptibility to uterine diseases.

Klibs N. Galvão and Albert De Vries

Juan M. Campos Krauer, Lillian G. Maxwell, ySamantha M. Wisely

Skin abscesses are localized purulent infections frequently observed in various livestock species, including white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), often resulting in compromised animal welfare and reduced productivity. This publication reviews the etiology, classification, clinical presentation, and treatment modalities of cutaneous abscess in livestock, emphasizing prevention and management strategies. The role of specific pathogens, including Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, Staphylococcus aureus, Trueperella pyogenes, and Fusobacterium necrophorum, is discussed alongside practical approaches for diagnosis, antimicrobial therapy, and environmental control.

Laura Bennett, Christa Kirby, Bridget Stice, Allison L. Williams, yBrittany N. Diehl

This article is meant to provide small ruminant producers with an overview of gastrointestinal parasite management concepts. Written by Laura H. Bennett, Christa L. Kirby, Bridget Stice, Allison L. Williams, and Brittany N. Diehl, and published by the UF College of Veterinary Medicine, UF/IFAS Extension, May 2025.

Gary D. Butcher and Richard Miles

Gary D. Butcher and Richard D. Miles

Carissa Wickens

Taking time to observe and understand horse behavior can contribute in a positive way to the horse’s well-being and to our daily human-horse interactions. A better understanding of a horse’s natural behavior and preferences can facilitate more effective horse management and handling skills. This publication is intended for equine owners, equine farm managers, county Extension faculty, and anyone working with or interested in horses. Written by Carissa Wickens, and published by the UF College of Veterinary Medicine, UF/IFAS Extension, April 2025.