A program planned and held as requested by my county Ag Advisory committee. It was Insect Vectors of Diseases of Livestock and Equine and was very well attended with almost 30. We actually did this as a hybrid offering, with the UK Extension Entomologist, Dr. Ric Bessin, in attendance live, Dr. Michelle Arnold, UK Extension Ruminant Vet and Dr. Emma Adam of the Gluck Equine Center on ZOOM.

The purpose of the program was to make the county clientele aware of the severity and potential of these insect transmitted diseases and the sever effects they can have on there animals.

Dr. Bessin covered the insects and their mode of transmission and control options, if available. Dr. Adam covered the effects on equine and symptoms to watch for and some remedial actions if any that could be performed. Dr. Arnold did the same with cattle. She also showed the effects on live or formerly live animals.

This program was in part the results of the new disease being spread by the Asian Long horned tick that has recently killed cattle in the state, so was of immediate concern to cattle owners. And, of course, the spread of diseases by other ticks, mosquitoes and flies were covered as well.

In addition, discussion occurred concerning the zoonotic nature of some of the diseases mentioned, or that can be transmitted by the insects, such as Alpha gal, West Nile virus, and so on.

Overall, the response from those attending was overwhelmingly positive, with many stating they were going to look at getting vaccinations for their animals and were going to monitor for symptoms now that they knew what to look for.

Maybe as telling is the fact that as word spread about this program, I have gotten inquiries about when we are going to have it again so that they can attend. In my opinion, when those in attendance liked the program so much that they are spreading the word about it and others want to attend the next offering, that is a successful programming effort.