On the Initial Walkthrough

Photograph or videotape everything. Overall photographs before the scene is altered by the authorities are critical. For example, the presence or absence of a group of trees in or near an enclosure may demonstrate or refute the adequacy of natural shelter. Be aware that unfamiliar personnel may put animals on alert, and they will appear more active and healthy as a defense mechanism. Critically ill animals may be beyond the "fight-or-flight” response. Animals that appear depressed on the initial walkthrough may appear more normal as additional commotion agitates the group.

Note the size of the facility, number of buildings, state of the fences/gates, condition and size of pastures, and potential holding/loading areas. A rough sketch of the property based on a plat map or Google Earth image prepared in advance is helpful to divide the property into regions or zones. Locate water sources, feeders, food and medication storage areas, pastures, pens, paddocks, cages, compost piles, shelter areas, and burial pits.

Note the overall appearance of the group(s). Take several photographs and videotape the group of animals. This will document the overall behavior and condition of the animals in the group as you arrived and prevent future claims of damage to the animals and premises by your agency’s activities. The health and well-being of the group, not the individual animal, is the focus of herd health programs. As long as 80% or more of the animals are in good health, then the care is probably adequate. If one production or age group seems less healthy than another group, then efforts can be concentrated on these individuals. If the problem involves all age, species, and production stages, then a more in-depth investigation of all aspects of management will be required. For example, if the lactating goats are averaging a BCS of 3/9 while the young animals are well fleshed, then the nutrition, including water supply, shelter, and milking practices need to be documented in addition to testing for parasites and chronic diseases (Johnes, caprine arthritis encephalomyelitis, caseous lymphadenitis).

The conditions present in the group will guide the collection of evidence. Respiratory diseases may be an indication of substandard housing (elevated ammonia levels, increased stocking density, poor biosecurity). Diarrhea may indicate parasites (coccidia, Cryptosporidia), abrupt change in feed, Johnes, or other infectious disease (salmonellosis). Underweight animals may indicate a lack of calories, unbalanced ration, parasitism, disease, or an inability to access food and water. Neurologic signs are seen with dehydration, infectious disease (viral encephalitis, rabies), toxicosis (larkspur, locoweed, selenium, salt), parasites (meningeal worm), and hepatic encephalopathy secondary to acute or chronic liver disease. Skin diseases may be the result of unsanitary conditions, nutritional imbalances (vitamin A deficiency, calciurmzinc), contagious disease (dermatophytosis, papillomavirus), parasites (mange), or toxicosis (chronic Lantana camara exposure).

Determine if the sick animals are exhibiting any signs of reportable or zoonotic diseases. Contact the state veterinarian for guidance as “emergency,” “reportable,” and “monitored” diseases may differ from state to state. The area may be currently under quarantine for a disease, and movement of animals may be prohibited (highly pathogenic avian influenza, equine strangles, bovine tuberculosis, etc.). Personnel may be at risk or act as fomites and spread the disease to other premises. Federal or state funds and personnel may be available to diagnose or control disease.

Plan the scene assessment from the animals in poorest health to the animals in the best condition to facilitate triage, euthanasia decisions, or transport of critically ill individuals. If critically ill animals need to be transported to a hospital setting, and it is legal to do so, a veterinarian should determine if the animal is likely to survive the stress of transport. If hospital placement is limited, the veterinarian can assist in selecting those animals that are most likely to benefit from treatment. University veterinary hospitals are often the only choice for care in cases involving multiple livestock species, but they may have limited space in quarantine areas or other secure wards. Private equine facilities are an option for that species, space permitting. If survival is unlikely, then an acceptable method of euthanasia for that species should be utilized. American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals lists acceptable techniques for a variety of agricultural species (https://www.avma.org/KB/ Policies/Documents/euthanasia.pdf).

If transport is a viable option, be sure the facility is equipped to care for the animal in its present condition (lifts, slings, critical care, surgery, quarantine). Communicate the necessity of maintaining a forensically useful record of the condition and treatment of the animal and explain that the animal is living evidence. Some facilities are reluctant or unable to provide care for forensic cases and will not permit, for insurance reasons, outside veterinarians to provide care or assistance in their facility. Hospitalization of critically ill large animals is costly. Funding needs to be adequate to cover treatment of these animals. Humane euthanasia with a full forensic necropsy may be the best choice for animals in extremely poor health and provide more evidence for the prosecution. Verify that the veterinarian or veterinary pathologist understands the difference between a forensic and diagnostic necropsy and is willing to testify in court if necessary, before submitting the animal(s) for postmortem.

Before the animal is moved, photograph it in situ from all angles and in context with overall, mid-range, and close-up images. Assign a unique number based on the location on the premises (Field #) and individual number. For example, if two goats were in Field #1 and in Shed A, they would be assigned numbers 1-A-l and l-A-2. Any individual tags or tattoos must be recorded on the individual animal physical exam sheets (see Resources).