Sorry for the infrequent blog posts this week everyone. I feel like I’ve spent the last two weeks putting out fires only to have another one spring up a few feet away.
Long story short, I told you that when Agnes contracted listeriosis we weren’t sure where she got it. The bacteria can live in the soil for years in a dormant state, but it can also be found in feed, water and just about every where else. This is terrifying because you can’t keep the disease from spreading because you don’t know where they are getting it from. The disease is rarely passed from animal to animal, but the same source can keep infecting the others.
While we searched for the source of the disease, animals in New York continued to get ill. We lost Chipotle, a yearling buck, and one of the O twins, Ophelia last week. One of Beatrice’s kids, Katie, also contracted listeriosis but she is still hanging on.
In addition to treating the infected animals with penicillin, I had Emily, Andie and Harry scrubbing down all of the handling equipment with bleach and rotating the animals through different pastures in an effort to stop the spread of the disease. It seemed to be working until the animals in the Vineyard started getting sick.
So far we have treated Daisy, Alabama, Salina and Jekyll for listeriosis and every one of them responded to treatment immediately. Sheep are better equipped to handle this kind of thing, because the are less fragile than Angora goats in the first place but also because they have more fat. If there is good news about the Vineyard animals coming down with listeriosis it’s that there is now no question as to the source- the ONLY thing the two flocks had in common was hay from a single delivery. Hay that, upon close inspection, had mold spores growing inside it.
The hay must have been baled wet, something that should never be done. Because of it I have lost three lovely animals and nearly lost a whole lot more. We have destroyed the rest of the hay shipment and informed our hay broker in case anyone else is having the same problem. I should be angry but I’m just too tired from anxiety and grief to get mad. The farmer we buy hay from, is one of the best men I know and he clearly had no idea there was any potential danger, or he never would have sold it.
As a side note, knowing that I was feeding my animals the very thing that was killing them is terribly upsetting. Obviously there’s no way I could have known the hay was diseased, but it still makes me feel bad, like a mother accidentally giving her baby poisoned baby food.
The past two weeks have been a big set-back for the farm, but I’m not giving up. I’m just going to rest a bit this weekend and regroup. No animals have gotten sick since we removed the hay and, for now, that’s good enough news.
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I wish there was something I could so to help. Just saying some prayers. So sorry.
I’m so sorry to hear about all that you and the farm have been going through. Just know that there are many of us out here thinking positive thoughts for you and appreciating the work that you do! Hang in there!
I don’t know what to say . . .
that is so sad. I so understand how you would feel, of course that is part of the learning process and life. You caught it as quickly as you could. So sad to lose those family members though.
In frustrating times like these, my dad would always tell me to keep my eyes open, because
it’s when you think all is lost that you find the most important things in life.
I am so sorry for you all. I do hope things get better for you all and the flock. Wishing you and the flock the best of luck.
Aaaghh! What a nightmare. Try to get as much rest as possible and let your friends give you their support, physically and emotionally. Take care of yourself.
Oh my heart goes out to you and the rest of the fiber farm critters and humans. I’m so sorry this happened I can’t even imagine how hard this must be. Please know that you are in our thoughts. Sending big warm hugs!!!
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My heart is seriously breaking… my dearest Susie… I am praying so so hard for you right now…
I’m sorry things have been going so badly lately. I’m glad you found the source of the disease and hope it stays away.
Hi Susan,
As one shepherd to another, I can only say that you have survived what is every shepherd’s nightmare–not just one animal that comes down with a disease and doesn’t respond to treatment, but then another and another. Kudos to you and your crew for saving the ones that you did and for identifying the source of the outbreak. And Kudos to you also for not being angry at your hay grower, who is also doing his best in this rainier than usual year. You can only do your best–that is all you or any other farmer can do. Sometimes Nature can just hit you in the face, like stepping on the wrong side of a rake. This also is the reason why, although I buy my veggies from organic growers, I will never go completely organic on my farm with my animal rearing, because of the regulations about antibiotic use that are, in my humble opinion, way too strict to be humane. When I have a sick, maybe dying animal, I don’t want to shilly-shally around–I want to treat with the most effective way known, which in some cases might be an antibiotic. An organic plant farmer can lose a patch of spinach to disease with a measure of concern and consternation and this is nothing like losing a thinking, feeling animal from a disease outbreak. (Organic regulations in the EU are a lot more animal-friendly with regards to veterinary drug use, so I know it can be done w/o compromising the system). So I am “almost organic” and hope that buyers who care will understand that I make this choice for the good of my animals. But one thing that we shepherds do understand is that Life is a gift that is fragile and we must stop when we can, stand in awe and give thanks for that gift. Hugs.
I am so, so sorry for you and the animals. This is one serious bacteria. Last week, my husband, was admitted to ICU with a high fever, 104, and diagnosed with meningitis. The cause was listeriosis – a bacteria that is found in food. We don’t know what he ate and when, this bacteria can incubate from 2 days to 3 weeks after eating something with the Listeria bacteria. To find out more, go to http://www.cdc.com. Only 2500 people get this a year and of these 500 die. We are grateful he has turned the corner and is on the road to recovery. However, it will be long and it will be hard.
My thoughts and prayer are with you. It is one nightmare infection.
I am so sorry that life is kicking you in the ass. You certainly deserve better. Just keep on kicking back for yourself, your loved ones and the animals in your care. You are amazing.
So sorry to hear the challenges you all have been facing both on the island and in NY – what a difficult situation and frightening as well. It’s good that you found the source – and most of the affected ones are responding well to the treatment. To those little creatures who didn’t, my heart goes out – - – always a difficult painful thing to deal with…
As you said, things can only go up from here – keep your positive spirits up – because of your quick investigation the rest of the flocks will be safe…
Our thoughts are with you,
Sylvie
Sometimes all you can do is put your head down, keep pushing forward, and hope it gets better. It always gets better, its the hanging on until it does that is the hardest part. Hang on, play with the kids, and eat some pickles. You’ll be ok
So sorry Susan! Rest up (emotionally and physically) so you can continue to take care of the animals that love you (and you love!) so much.
Heartbreaking for you! So sorry for your losses. Hopefully, things will turn the corner for you. Hang in there!
I realize I just am one more person saying how sorry I am about the losses of the animals you hold so dear, but I am sorry, and they are dear to you. My prayers are going out for your, your family and your flocks.
I am so sorry for your losses. I know that they were a part of your family and the pain is great. Take care of yourself as it is clear that your running on empty right now. Rest and watch the little ones romp and jump. They will soothe your soul and bring back the joy, just as they have to so many of us. Please take care
Oh Susan, I’ve been thinking and thinking; trying to figure out what to say that might make it better. But the truth is, there are no words that can truly do that. I’ve actually cried over these losses…’our’ babies and mom. And I’ve never met them in real life so I can only imagine how hard this is for you and Patrick, Harry, Erin, Andie and Emily. My heart goes out to you but at the same time I have the utmost admiration for all you do. This loss would be great to anyone, but I know how well y’all care for and love your animals. The stress and exhaustion must be almost overwhelming so please take care of you…the caregivers.
How horrible! I am so sorry.
One more person with no words to express how bad I feel for you and your farm family. I hope things get better soon for all of you and your animals.
So, so, sorry – sending my condolences. We went through a similar thing with cattle years and years ago ande dadness is overwhelming. I’m so glad you found the source. Things will get better – please hang in there.
Being a shepherd is not just hard physical work, but, as you know, it can be so mentally painful at times. Having had my share of ups and downs in my life as a shepherd, all I can say is…take a deep breath, cut yourself some slack and soldier on. Many people are wishing you peace of mind. Soon the joy will return.
mother nature can often be a b*tch.
hope you and everyone else at the farm are doing better after such an unbelievable ordeal.
Oh Susie! Oh goats and sheepies! I wish I had something more eloquent and healing to say, but instead I will just say I’m so sorry, and send snorgly hugs.
omg that makes me feel sick. I am so so so sorry. Thank god you found the source.
o honey…i am so sad…please know that while i am doing my puddle thing, i am praying for you all.
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