Question 1

Why Test Dairy Goats for Brucellosis and TB Before Selling Raw Milk

Accepted Answer

Selling raw milk carries inherent risks, and it's crucial to prioritize consumer safety. Testing dairy goats for Brucellosis and Tuberculosis (TB) is essential for several reasons:Brucellosis: Can cause undulant fever in humans, characterized by fluctuating fevers, fatigue, and muscle aches.TB: Can cause serious respiratory infections in humans.Consumer Protection: Selling raw milk from infected animals directly exposes consumers to these potentially serious diseases.Maintaining Herd Health: Regular testing helps identify infected animals within the herd, allowing for appropriate isolation or culling measures to prevent the spread of disease.Building Consumer Trust: Demonstrating a commitment to animal health and safety through regular testing builds trust with consumers

Question 2

Q: How often is the herd at Ironhorse Ranch tested for diseases like TB, Brucellosis, CAE, CL, and Johnes Disease?

Accepted Answer

A: At Ironhorse Ranch, maintaining the health and safety of our dairy herd is a top priority. Our goats are tested regularly for tuberculosis (TB), brucellosis, caprine arthritis encephalitis (CAE), caseous lymphadenitis (CL), and Johnes Disease to ensure the highest standards of animal health and product quality. Specifically, the herd undergoes TB, Brucellosis, CAE, CL, and Johnes Disease testing annually. This rigorous testing schedule supports our commitment to providing fresh, local, and pure goat dairy products straight from our farm to your family, guaranteeing both safety and sustainability in everything we offer.

Question 3

Q: What is a closed herd, and how does Ironhorse Ranch handle the introduction of new animals from outside sources?

Accepted Answer

A: At Ironhorse Ranch, maintaining the health and purity of our dairy goats is a top priority, which is why we operate a closed herd. A closed herd means that all animals are born and raised on the ranch, with no outside animals introduced, minimizing the risk of disease and ensuring genetic consistency. If we do need to bring in a new animal, it undergoes a strict quarantine and health screening process to protect our existing herd and maintain our high standards for sustainable, pure dairy production. This careful approach supports the quality of our raw goat milk, cheese, and other products we proudly offer from our farm to your family.

Frequently asked questions

Why Test Dairy Goats for Brucellosis and TB Before Selling Raw Milk

Q: How often is the herd at Ironhorse Ranch tested for diseases like TB, Brucellosis, CAE, CL, and Johnes Disease?

Q: What is a closed herd, and how does Ironhorse Ranch handle the introduction of new animals from outside sources?

4 C's of Raw Milk Care