Meet Willow

Willow and her mother, Meadow, came into our care after a local working farm reached out for help.

The farm had been breeding multiple animals for auction without providing adequate veterinary care, including routine vaccinations and health assessments. As a result, an outbreak of Caseous Lymphadenitis (CL) spread through the herd. CL is a contagious bacterial disease that causes pus-filled abscesses in the lymph nodes and can also be transmitted to humans, making it a zoonotic disease.

While CL is not a death sentence, animals that test positive are typically not accepted at livestock auctions. With no market for CL-positive animals during the outbreak, the farm owner faced the difficult reality of culling the herd. Hoping for a different outcome for Meadow and Willow, they reached out to us for help.

We were happy to welcome them, but their arrival required a strict and carefully managed quarantine. CL spreads easily through direct contact with infected abscesses, as well as indirectly through contaminated bedding, feces, equipment, clothing, and other surfaces. Because the disease is zoonotic, every interaction with Meadow and Willow required full personal protective equipment (PPE) and rigorous biosecurity measures. They spent several weeks isolated in their own pen while we closely monitored their health.

Although there is no cure for CL, many animals with the disease can live long, healthy, and happy lives when it remains dormant and is managed appropriately. After recovering from their initial outbreak and with no remaining active abscesses, our veterinary team determined that Meadow and Willow were ready to join the rest of our barnyard herd.

Because our interactions with them had to be so limited during quarantine, both girls are still a little shy and cautious around people. Willow is a bright and curious young girl who loves learning the ins and outs of her new digs. Willow spends her days playing under mom's supervision and relaxing in the barnyard by Meadow's side.

You'll recognize Willow by the large brown spots on each of her shoulders, while Meadow has matching brown patches on both of her shoulders. They truly are two peas in a pod, and we're so excited to continue earning their trust and watching them thrive in their forever home.