SOCORRO, N.M. - One of the most devastating diseases cattle encounter, bovine viral diarrhea, is the topic of the third annual Beef Seminar on Wednesday, Aug. 8, at the Socorro County Annex Building, 198 Neel Ave.

New Mexico State University's Socorro County Cooperative Extension Service office and the Socorro County Farm Bureau are hosting the seminar from 2:30 to 6 p.m.

John Wenzel, NMSU Extension veterinarian, Dean Wilkinson, Animal Haven Veterinarian Clinic, and Ron Kramer of Idexx will present the program.

"Bovine viral diarrhea is a common and serious disease that affects cattle reproduction and health of the cattle. It is one of the hardest diseases to get rid of when it attacks a herd," Wenzel said. "This seminar will allow cattle producers to learn more about preventing and controlling this disease."

Tom Dean, Socorro County Extension agricultural agent added, "This disease is often overlooked by producers, but can have some serious economic impact.

"The beef seminars are designed to be a real benefit for producers to gain some information they can use immediately, and there is nothing like getting an education with a free meal," Dean said.

Dinner provided by Paul's Vet Supply and Idexx, and will be served by Socorro County 4-H members. Registration is requested by calling the Socorro County Extension office at 575-835-0610, but walk-ins are welcome.

Additional sponsors of the event are Michael Hudson of Farm Bureau Financial Services and Richard Ritter, CPA.