December 2024 TRFS Update

HAPPY DECEMBER! DON'T MISS THESE EXCITING UPDATES...

NEW! Sunset Vista—enjoy beautiful wildlife and sunset views over the picturesque Little Joshua Creek valley while gathering around the fire. Sunset Vista, located south of Waring in historic Welfare, Texas, features a remodeled one-bedroom cabin with a detached bathroom. This charming 8.93± acre property is a relaxing getaway or a comfortable residence while you build your dream home.

FEATURED! Peaceful Habitations Ranch stands in a league of its own, offering breathtaking long-range views just north of Boerne. The ranch encompasses 309.65± acres and features a five-bedroom/three-bathroom main home atop the highest hilltop, which serves as a great vantage point to admire sunset views. Abundant large-mature live oak, pecan, mesquite trees, native grasses, and wildlife make this ranch the perfect serene getaway.

JUST SOLD! Rancho Cinco R, spanning 389± acres, is move-in ready for the upcoming hunting season. With game fencing on all four sides and the baseline for cultivating a trophy whitetail herd, the ranch features two homes, a swimming pool, mature wooded draws, quail hunting flats, and varied elevations with stunning views. At its heart is a 2.5± acre lake, making it an ideal recreational retreat in a great neighborhood, easily accessible and ready to enjoy.

CHECK OUT THE CURRENT TEXAS DROUGHT CONDITIONS!

We're continuing to closely monitor the Texas drought conditions. Texas has seen recent rainfall which has helped the state avoid serious drought concerns. The state is showing 6.02% exceptional drought conditions. Extreme drought conditions have decreased to 12.99% statewide. Stay informed about current water conditions.

RANCH NEWS ARTICLES!

You can see the latest ranch news articles under “Resources” then go down to the “Ranch Articles” tab. The latest article emphasizes practical safety and regulatory tips for hunters this season. Read more. These articles are also featured in our bi-weekly email newsletter.

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We genuinely value your participation in the TRFS community. We eagerly look forward to sharing upcoming property updates and opportunities with you!

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New Vaccine Created to Protect Cattle from Tick-Borne Disease

Researchers at the University of Missouri are developing a vaccine to protect cattle from anaplasmosis

Researchers at the University of Missouri are developing a vaccine to protect cattle from anaplasmosis.

The vaccine is the first proven to protect cattle from the devastating tick-borne cattle disease.

Bovine anaplasmosis causes hundreds of millions of dollars in economic losses nationwide each year and nearly $1 billion in losses worldwide, primarily due to reduced cattle production, treatment costs and deaths, according to the researchers.

“Ranchers need to be vigilant for signs of anaplasmosis, especially when tick populations and other vector insects are high,” said Tracy Tomascik, TFB associate director of Commodity and Regulatory Activities. “The disease can reduce performance of cattle and lead to death.”

Anaplasmosis is a blood cell parasite of cattle with a worldwide distribution. Transmission is highest during heavy tick and fly seasons. Severe outbreaks can occur when naïve animals are moved into an endemic area or carrier animals are moved into a herd in a nonendemic area.

“Naïve cattle are particularly vulnerable to anaplasmosis, so this vaccine can help reduce, and hopefully eliminate, the harmful effects in areas where the disease is endemic,” Tomascik said.

Infected cattle become anemic, weak, lethargic, lose their appetite and run a fever.

Animals showing signs of anaplasmosis should be treated with appropriate antibiotics as soon as possible.

“A veterinarian can help assess a herd’s exposure to the disease and provide direction to ranchers to help reduce the potential for vectors like ticks to transmit the disease,” Tomascik said.

The vaccine has been proven to give immunized cattle protection against bovine anaplasmosis for at least a month, and the researchers plan to conduct additional studies to determine how long the genetically modified pathogen can provide immunity for cattle.

“There is currently no effective, widely available vaccine for the disease, and cattle farmers are very worried about the disease harming or killing their cattle. We want to help farmers in Missouri and around the world and are working hard to come up with a viable solution,” said Roman Ganta, a Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine professor, Bond Life Sciences Center researcher and lead researcher for the study that created the vaccine.

Although the disease is not as common as it used to be, it is still important to take precautions.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension offers an online guide to anaplasmosis.