Ashbacher Veterinary Services

04/07/2025

Theileria Orientalis and the Asian Longhorn Tick Presented by Dr. Cassandra Olds

19/06/2025

This is a new disease that has been identified in our area. The Asian Longhorn Tick carries a disease called Theileriosis, which can be deadly to cattle. There is no approved treatment for this disease, so best practice is to take steps to keep ticks off your cattle.

Give us a call if you have any questions and schedule a time for us to come out to help with your tick control strategy!

641-548-7090

🚨 Beef Producers: Be on the Lookout! 🚨

The Asian Longhorned Tick 🐜 has just been identified in Southeast Iowa — and it poses a serious threat to cattle health.

This invasive tick can transmit Theileria orientalis, a blood parasite that causes Theileriosis, leading to:

🔴 Severe anemia
🔴 Weakness & weight loss
🔴 Abortions
🔴 Death in severe cases

❗ There is currently no approved treatment in the U.S., making prevention your best defense:

✅ Check cattle regularly for ticks
✅ Use effective tick control measures
✅ Rotate pastures and manage tall grasses to reduce tick habitat

Stay informed through your local veterinarian and extension office. Early awareness can protect your herd and your livelihood. 🐂
https://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/beef-cattle-disease-confirmed-iowa-first-time

01/06/2025

Thank you again to our Kids Day Sponsors!!
Darling Children's Dentistry,
JBS
Ashbacher Veterinary Services
Community 1st Credit Union
Dusty Fox Wind
We couldn't do it without our sponsors!

08/05/2025

We are pleased to inform our clients that we are now offering at-home care for small animals. In addition to our established mobile large animal services, we are expanding to include:

Vaccinations

Euthanasia services

Basic Medical Workups

We understand that it can be challenging to bring your pets to a clinic, which is why we’re now bringing trusted veterinary care directly to your home. This service is designed to make veterinary visits more convenient and less stressful for both you and your pets.

Whether you need to ensure your pet is up-to-date on vaccinations, require end-of-life care, or need a basic medical evaluation, we are here to provide compassionate, high-quality care in the comfort of your home.

To schedule an appointment, please contact us at 641-548-7090 or send us a message. We look forward to continuing to care for your animals with the same dedication and attention to detail you’ve come to expect.

Thank you for your continued trust in our services.

06/05/2025

Don't forget about the bulls! Getting your bulls tested before breeding season provides one of the biggest return on investments on the farm. If you have a single infertile bull and you don't know it, it can cost you thousands of dollars!

05/05/2025

For many of us with livestock, spring is one of the best times of year. Temperatures are improving and dormant pastures are coming back to life. As we begin to turn our animals out to grass, don't forget to consider spring processing. This is a great time of year to consider vaccines, implants, and castrations in our spring born calves, as well as pre-breeding shots for our cows. We have a fully stocked pharmacy and a portable hydraulic chute to assist with any of your spring processing needs. If you need help processing, need to purchase vaccine, or would just like to chat about your protocol, give us a call at 641-548-7090 today!

01/05/2025

Calling all future veterinarians! How cool!💚

Calling all future veterinarians!

🐈-🐶-🐷-🐐-🐔-🐴-🐰
Enjoy an amazing hands-on experience for children 4th-7th grade at the Iowa State Fair Vet Camp! Reserve your spot at iowastatefair.org/visit/kid-friendly-activities

28/04/2025

Join us for a fun-filled week at the 4-H/FFA Expo Fair in Ottumwa, Iowa. Experience animals, entertainment, and delicious food.

26/04/2025

We are more than happy to support one of our most favorite events that is so near and dear to our hearts!🍀 See you at the 2025 Wapello County Expo!

Thank you, Ashbacher Veterinary Services, for your support! We hope to see you out at Expo 2025! For a whole lotta FUN!!!

26/04/2025

Celebrating Dr. Austin today on World Veterinary Day!🩺🐂🐎🐑🐐🐖🐕🐈🐓

IT TAKES A TEAM. Iowa State University's College of Veterinary Medicine celebrates contributions of all veterinary professionals to the health of animals, people and the environment.

20/04/2025

Spring is here! Time to plan for processing your newborn calves and weaning shots for your fall born calves!💉

Call us today to get your spring processing scheduled! 641-548-7090

Have you started giving and/or planning protocols for spring shots? Here are a few chute-side reminders to ensure an effective vaccination protocol.

1️⃣ Maintain equipment:
➡️ Clean syringes before and after each processing day. Use boiling water rather than a disinfectant solution, as a disinfectant residue can impact the efficacy of future products in that syringe.
➡️ Use the right needle. Depending on if cows, calves or bulls are being processed, consider the needle gauge and length that is the most appropriate.
➡️ Change needles often. Needles should, at minimum, be changed every time a syringe is reloaded, and when a needle is bent. To prevent disease transfer, changing every 10 head or so has value. Plus, it keeps the needle sharp!

2️⃣ Read the product label:
➡️ Confirm the product selected is for control of the pathogens you are concerned about.
➡️ Identify the proper dosage and route of administration.
➡️ Most vaccines require two doses and many have a withdrawal time which should be in the vaccination records.

3️⃣ Handle vaccines appropriately:
➡️ Only mix enough modified live vaccine for 30-minute intervals.
➡️ Check expiration dates, and ensure the product was stored properly. Excess heat, sun, or frost exposure can all damage vaccines.
➡️ Utilize a cooler for both vaccines and to store syringes to avoid sudden temperature changes of the vaccine which can diminish efficacy.

4️⃣ Injection sites:
➡️ Administer in the neck with the appropriate route of administration (subcutaneous, intramuscular, etc.)
➡️ Target a 4 inch space between injection sites. For calves, this is difficult and both sides of the neck may need utilized.
➡️ Be aware of wet or muddy hair coats and dull needles. These will increase the likelihood of injection site lesions.

Finally, ❗keep records❗ Include animal ID’s, products administered with serial and lot numbers and withdrawal time, and any other relevant notes. The immune response to all vaccines can be influenced by a variety of factors. Utilize low stress handling and practices that align with BQA values to get the full value of the health investment spring shots entail.