tips to buying your first cow

Some cow diseases can transfer to humans via the milk. We personally would never drink milk from a cow who was positive for any of the following diseases:

1. BLV (Bovine Leukemia Virus); an incurable retrovirus that can lead to cancer in cattle.
2. BVD (Bovine Viral Diarrhea); an incurable virus that can cause reduced milk production, abortions, malformations, and diarrhea.
3. Johne's Disease; chronic and incurable bacterial infection.
4. Q-fever; usually an incurable disease, can cause abortions, stillbirths, reduced milk, etc.
5. TB (Tuberculosis) *only a licensed veterinarian can test for TB.
6. Brucellosis, *only a licensed veterinarian can test for Brucellosis.
7. H5N1 (Avian Influenza) Some States now require a negative H5N1, before a cow can enter the State. This test can only be processed by a state licensed laboratory. *Verify if your State requires this test. 

A reputable seller will provide you copies of laboratory (blood tests) of the above tests. Tests for numbers 1 through 4 can be done by anyone; who knows how to draw blood. Tests numbers 5 and 6, can only be done by a veterinarian, and must be done (tested & results) within 30 days of a cow traveling between States. Test number 7 can only be processed by a State Licensed laboratory. Some labs will allow the cow/herd owners to submit bloodwork.

Shoot us an email, if you are interested in finding a dairy cow from a reputable breeder.