07/03/13:
Veterinary officials are continuing their investigation into the cause of death for the 39 sheep found on the Etzel farm Sunday morning.
Necropsies on two of the dead sheep were conducted at the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at Oregon State University. They revealed that the dead sheep were not malnourished and there was no evidence of them suffering from dehydration.
Officials have indicated that samples from the necropsies are being tested. It appears that the issue is confined to the Etzel's herd and that there are no indications of a rampant infection that could affect other herds of sheep.
At this time, the exact cause of the deaths has not been determined. Veterinarians are working to eliminate and rule out any obvious causes but they have indicated that multiple deaths like this happen occasionally on farms. They cannot promise that the exact cause will ultimately be determined.
Additional test results are expected next week.
The Diagnostic Laboratory has asked that we remind the media that they have been hired by the Etzel farm and that they cannot discuss the results of their examinations without the authorization of their client.
- - - - - - - -
07/01/13:
At approximately 10:07am, June 30th, Deputies Tom Barber & Justin LeBlanc responded to call from a resident on Little Road SE in Turner, reporting the smell of dead animals coming from a neighbor's field.
The caller reported the smell was coming from a pasture at the corner of 70th and Little Road SE. Deputy Barber investigated and found about 30-40 dead sheep on the parcel of land (estimated at about 80 acres). Some sheep were partially decomposed, but others appeared to have died recently. Deputy Barber observed an additional 200+ sheep grazing in the field that was covered with green, standing grass. In the field, Barber observed a large container that dispenses a liquid mixture of protein-based Soy supplement mixed with water and molasses. The temperature was in the mid 90's.
Barber identified the caretaker for the property, David Etzel II. Etzel made immediate arrangements for the removal of the dead and decomposing sheep. He reported he had checked on the sheep recently and had not observed the sheep that had recently died. Etzel told the deputies that he lives in a nearby farmhouse and cares for the animals for his grandfather.
This investigation remains open. Deputy Barber consulted with a local veterinarian and will include his statements in the case. The case will be submitted to the District Attorney's Office to determine if there is evidence of neglect or whether any a crime has been committed.
Photos taken at the field are attached - Caution - one photo depicts a dead sheep.
Veterinary officials are continuing their investigation into the cause of death for the 39 sheep found on the Etzel farm Sunday morning.
Necropsies on two of the dead sheep were conducted at the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at Oregon State University. They revealed that the dead sheep were not malnourished and there was no evidence of them suffering from dehydration.
Officials have indicated that samples from the necropsies are being tested. It appears that the issue is confined to the Etzel's herd and that there are no indications of a rampant infection that could affect other herds of sheep.
At this time, the exact cause of the deaths has not been determined. Veterinarians are working to eliminate and rule out any obvious causes but they have indicated that multiple deaths like this happen occasionally on farms. They cannot promise that the exact cause will ultimately be determined.
Additional test results are expected next week.
The Diagnostic Laboratory has asked that we remind the media that they have been hired by the Etzel farm and that they cannot discuss the results of their examinations without the authorization of their client.
- - - - - - - -
07/01/13:
At approximately 10:07am, June 30th, Deputies Tom Barber & Justin LeBlanc responded to call from a resident on Little Road SE in Turner, reporting the smell of dead animals coming from a neighbor's field.
The caller reported the smell was coming from a pasture at the corner of 70th and Little Road SE. Deputy Barber investigated and found about 30-40 dead sheep on the parcel of land (estimated at about 80 acres). Some sheep were partially decomposed, but others appeared to have died recently. Deputy Barber observed an additional 200+ sheep grazing in the field that was covered with green, standing grass. In the field, Barber observed a large container that dispenses a liquid mixture of protein-based Soy supplement mixed with water and molasses. The temperature was in the mid 90's.
Barber identified the caretaker for the property, David Etzel II. Etzel made immediate arrangements for the removal of the dead and decomposing sheep. He reported he had checked on the sheep recently and had not observed the sheep that had recently died. Etzel told the deputies that he lives in a nearby farmhouse and cares for the animals for his grandfather.
This investigation remains open. Deputy Barber consulted with a local veterinarian and will include his statements in the case. The case will be submitted to the District Attorney's Office to determine if there is evidence of neglect or whether any a crime has been committed.
Photos taken at the field are attached - Caution - one photo depicts a dead sheep.