Processing Forensic Cases Involving Agricultural Animal Species

Introduction

Evaluation of agricultural animal welfare involves a working knowledge of breeds, basic husbandry, geographic and seasonal factors, accepted agricultural practices, management schemes, biosecurity, reportable diseases and federal, state, and local regulations regarding care, identification systems, transport, and approved drugs for use in each individual species. The presence of livestock species in cruelty, hoarding, and/or neglect cases changes the logistics of animal seizures with regard to identification, evidence collection, documentation, and transport for treatment or foster care.

Additional Challenges When Dealing With Livestock Cases

Cases involving large numbers of dogs and cats are becoming increasingly common (Frost et al., 2015; Morton, 2017). Humane societies and animal control agencies generally have rescue groups and veterinarians available to process pets efficiently. Documentation and foster care proceed smoothly as animals are examined, triaged, and moved to appropriate levels of care. With few exceptions, the jurisdiction in these cases remains local.

Cases involving agricultural animal species must address several additional challenges. Federal and state departments of agriculture are tasked with maintaining a healthy, sustainable food supply. Programs requiring unique identification, disease surveillance, quarantine, trace back, movement restrictions, and monitoring carcasses at processing facilities for residues, illness, and/or injury fall under state and/or federal oversight. Category II United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) accredited veterinarians can execute health certificates and submit laboratory tests (Coggins, tuberculosis, brucellosis) in all species. Category I accreditation limits the veterinarian to dog, cats, laboratory animals, rabbits, ferrets, hedgehogs, and non-ruminant wildlife. The state veterinarian can assist in locating accredited veterinarians or provide personnel for necessary testing (Figure 17.1).

■ Current restrictions on the movement of specific species

■ Required identification (official tags, brands, tattoos) prior to movement

■ Required disease testing prior to movement (Coggins, tuberculosis, bluetongue, brucellosis, pullorum)

■ Any permit numbers or testing required for interstate transport

■ Permits or requirements for transport of dead livestock

■ Presence of reportable diseases in the area (emergency, regulated, or monitored)

■ Limitations on medications that can be legally used in livestock species (United States Animal Medicinal Drug Use Clarification Act of 1994 [AMDUCA])

■ Maintenance of records in the appropriate format when veterinary chemicals are used including withholding times for every animal or group of animals treated with a therapeutic or deworming medication

■ Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) requirements

Figure 17.1 Federal and/or state authorities may have to be contacted to verify current regulations and requirements.

Livestock tertiary care facilities may not be equipped to handle large numbers of critical cases. It is imperative to determine the location and capacity of these facilities prior to the seizure. Weak, debilitated, and down livestock may need hip lifts (cattle) or slings (equine, camelids). In addition, a building with beams or heavy equipment to support a thrashing large animal is necessary to prevent compartment syndrome and decubitus ulcers. Most facilities have a limited number of lift devices. Quarantine facilities also have limited space. Advanced planning prior to seizure will alert medical facilities to a potential influx of cases. The facility should be willing and able to perform a complete forensic necropsy in the event of death of any of the animals in their care.

Handling

Safety for the animals and personnel is a persistent concern (Sheldon et al., 2009; Forrester et al., 2018). Interactions with large animal livestock species can be dangerous. Knowledgeable stockmen with species-appropriate equipment and careful advanced planning will minimize risk (Grandin, 2000).

The optimum equipment for sorting and handling will depend on the size of the enclosure, the nature of the terrain, security of barriers (walls, gates, and fences), species, sex, and breeds involved. For example, Longhorn and Watusi cattle require specialized head gates to accommodate their excessive horn length. Properties of several acres will require large numbers of people, mounted stockmen, or handlers with dogs trained for that species. Swine can be moved with boards and flags if enclosures have secure barriers. Cattle are moved with holding pens and connected chutes/ alleys and are restrained with head gates of an appropriate size. Sheep can be driven into holding pens and treated in chutes without the need for head gates. Camelids and horses can be driven or led with halters and lead ropes if previously trained. Goats are driven or led with collars. Poultry are herded with flags or caught as individuals after confining to a smaller area.

Handlers often have experience and equipment for only one or two species, with cattle and horses being a common example. Cattlemen will be most efficient when working beef cattle and have the experience to troubleshoot problems before they arise. They can often recognize disease or injury and remove the affected individual from the herd with a minimum of stress. Stockmen and veterinarians with experience in multiple species are rare. Large animal veterinarians commonly restrict their practice and continuing education to one species or agricultural activity (dairy cattle, beef cow-calf, feedlot, swine, or poultry). Veterinarians with practices limited to a single livestock discipline are invaluable during the initial examinations and can provide consultation services should future illness or injury arise. If the state has a veterinary school, the clinicians may be able to provide names of veterinarians with specialized training. State and national professional veterinary groups limited to a single species are another source (American Association of Bovine Practitioners, American Association of Equine Practitioners, and so on. See Resources for contact information).

Strict biosecurity measures must be maintained to prevent the spread of disease among the animals or to neighboring premises. Prompt recognition of contagious, reportable, and zoonotic diseases is important to control disease, protect personnel, and report to the appropriate government agencies. Disinfection of equipment and vehicles, rodent control, foot baths, and control of traffic into and out of the area may be necessary biosecurity precautions. USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has information on biosecurity procedures for poultry and livestock (https:// www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/emergency-management/ct_sop_biosecurity).