Forty eight percent of America's working population is actively job searching or watching for opportunities. Businesses face a staggeringly high quit rate as 3.6 million Americans resigned in May alone. Source: Gallup, July 22, 2021. Link. Considering that most of the currently employed are not engaged, each new hire is liable to land on a less-than-engaging team and … [Read more...]
Archives for August 2021
Pay attention to these 3 customer trends
The pandemic accelerated digital transformation, widened the gap between innovative leaders and those who resisted change, unsettled and increased customer expectations, and forced sales teams into remote interactions, says J. Michael Marks. You don’t have to be a distributor to appreciate the simplicity of the trends Marks shares. He says if you’re willing to play offense, … [Read more...]
Death and other client kindnesses
Opinion Referring to veterinary hospice and euthanasia client communications, Jessica Vogelsang, DVM, says it's time we do better by our clients and empower them to implement an end-of-life plan that offers comfort, peace and reassurance. To be clear, the advancements of especially the last decade addressing patient and client care at the end-of-life and euthanasia … [Read more...]
Anthropomorphism: The greatest threat to animal welfare
Universally, anthropomorphism is known as giving human characteristics to a non-human entity. According to the author of this article, anthropomorphism can be traced back 30,000 years. Anthropomorphism today is seen in almost every household in this country and the trend is growing. We need to step back and understand why we are projecting human traits on our pets and other … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – August 12, 2021
Last week’s most read AHD post Relief Rover raises $10K from virtual 5K event benefitting NOMV. AHD, Link Last week’s Animal Health Digest Bulletin - August 5, 2021. Link. Scientists have worked out how to send viable mouse sperm on postcards Source: New Scientist, August 5, 2021. Link. This study raises the intriguing idea that human spermatozoa could … [Read more...]
40 percent of U.S. wild deer have coronavirus antibodies: study
Scientists have found that 40 percent of wild deer in parts of the U.S. had neutralizing antibodies for the coronavirus, suggesting Covid-19 spread from humans in what is reportedly the first documentation of widespread exposure to the virus in free-roaming animals. Source: Washington Times, August 4, 2021. Link. This is not just an occasional one-off infection. This is … [Read more...]
6 criteria for culling cattle during drought
Drought conditions throughout cow country eventually force culling decisions. Multiple factors should be considered when deciding culling strategies, and there’s no one-size-fits-all set of criteria that will work for every producer. The process begins with an inventory of available feed resources. Source: BEEF, August 5, 2021. Link. The author shares some options for where … [Read more...]
Feed bait contraceptive may help reduce feral hog reproduction
A new hog contraceptive is being used to manage the feral hog population in Texas. The strategy is to provide an all-natural feed bait that is made of ingredients fed to cattle and deer but combined in such a way that it makes feral boars sterile. The non-toxic formula reduces the fertility of feral hogs within five days and maintains fertility interruption for at least 30 … [Read more...]
Cattle bunching on dairy farms: Causes and solutions
The ongoing advancements in animal stewardship at the farm or ranch level, are fascinating as they are revealed. Sadly, the public often holds an Old MacDonald point of view about animal care. Dairy and cattle producers are continually observing and working toward solutions to limiting production factors that ultimately improve animal health and stewardship. Brian Dougherty … [Read more...]
ASF information for community and media available from OIE
The latest information about African swine fever and tools for communicating about it to the public and the media are now available from the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). From a thorough overview of the disease, diagnostics, and prevention and control, the information quality is expectedly high. Additionally, a link to media resources that include posters, … [Read more...]
Pain management is quickest route to improved animal welfare
Pain management was pinpointed as one of the more accessible wins among animal welfare challenges and positive interventions identified during a recent Ruminant Health and Welfare workshop in the United Kingdom. Session attendees included veterinarians, researchers, farmers and other industry professionals. Widening the range of conditions where non-steroidals can be … [Read more...]
Thumps and managing horses in the heat
Sponsor’s content included High temperatures and humidity come with risks to horses and riders. Elevated temperatures can lead to dangerous health problems in horses. Volume 30 of EQUUS Extra addresses heat issues in horses including a fun multiple-choice learning format. Learn about:, When horses need electrolytes What sweat can tell you about a horse’s health … [Read more...]
Pet owner support for pet insurance
The article isn’t as inclusive as its title, but Rebecca Jones provides sound information to support pet insurance decisions. She includes information from leaders of various pet insurance companies for a predominately female decision maker audience. Source: Her Money, July 2021. Link. … [Read more...]
Heartworm testing. Repeat, repeat, repeat!
We can’t remind owners enough that it is important to get a heartworm test for their cats and dogs every year. That’s why we’re highlighting this consumer-focused article about heartworm testing. Sharing it on social media and in newsletters can help pet owners understand why heartworm tests and inspections are so necessary. Source: Puppies and Pooches, August 6, 2021. … [Read more...]
Some dog foods may be linked to canine heart disease
This report will generate lots of questions for veterinary teams and retailers alike. Use the article to inform team members and then establish how to respond in unison. Using an approach called foodomics to compare the biochemical compounds that differ between traditional dog foods and those that might be linked to canine dilated cardiomyopathy, Lisa Freeman, DVM, PhD, … [Read more...]
Raw diets, more learning required
Although the raw/fresh pet food category is getting more attention from pet owners, it’s not as if these products are going to sell themselves. Pamela Mills-Senn shares some obstacles and objections to raw diet adoption. While written for pet retail, the information shared is worthy of veterinary team consideration and preparation for the inevitable questions from pet … [Read more...]
Covetrus issues inaugural environmental, social and governance report
Complimentary Commercial Content Covetrus released its first environmental, social and governance report last week. It affirms the company’s commitment to providing ethical and sustainable solutions that improve the lives of its employees, customers and partners, while positively impacting the communities it serves. Source: Business Wire, August 5, 2021. Link. In 2020, … [Read more...]
Merck Animal Health announces new naming for cattle vaccine portfolio
Complimentary Commercial Content New packaging and naming will appear on cattle vaccines produced by Merck Animal Health soon. All cattle vaccines will lead with Bovilis followed by the current product name, such as Bovilis Vista, Bovilis Vision or Bovilis Guardian,” said Scott Nordstrom, DVM, director of livestock innovation and discovery, Merck Animal Health. “In … [Read more...]
Galaxy Vets, a new veterinary healthcare system, launches
Complimentary Commercial Content Galaxy Vets, an employee-owned veterinary healthcare system in the U.S. launched this week. Dr. Ivan Zak, founder of Smartflow and Veterinary Integrated Solutions will lead the company. It will use VIS methodology and technology to combat veterinary burnout by addressing why veterinarians leave the … [Read more...]
Staring at a screen for too long can make you feel sick
Too much screen time can result in a condition called cybersickness, writes Angelica Jasper. It’s not just eye strain or fatigue. People can experience symptoms of cybersickness through everyday devices like computers, phones and TVs. Cybersickness symptoms tend to be more intense with virtual reality and augmented reality. Source: Fast Company, July 24, 2021. Link. … [Read more...]
Dealing with a troublemaker on the team (video)
“Eliminating bad does a lot of good,” says Dan Rockwell, addressing the recalcitrant team member. He shares four steps to dealing with a bad egg on the team: Provide feedback Provide positive intervention Isolate the bad egg Let them flourish somewhere else We would also include. . . Document, document, document Source: Leadership Freak, August 6, 2021. … [Read more...]
Insecure leaders don’t improve employee retention
Good employees don’t quit companies! They quit their managers, supervisors or leaders. Tomas Chamorro’s and Amy Edmundson’s column helps you identify bad bosses and offer effective workarounds to help you and others manage the situation. Source: Fast Company, June 20, 2021. Link. To minimize the risks your boss creates and help your team perform well, go out of your way to … [Read more...]
Pet food draws big-name investment, private equity focus
The pet food and pet care markets have been attracting outside investment interest for well over a decade, writes Debbie Donaldson-Phillips. She says you know an industry has seized the spotlight when it earns the attention of a large and well-known investment firm like Morgan Stanley. Morgan Stanley recently released a report on the pet industry, predicting the U.S. market to … [Read more...]
Email marketing; Why it’s so important (Infographic)
Email remains a key element of any effective digital marketing strategy. It provides a direct connection between you and your target audience and facilitates a range of engagement benefits. A new overview of essential email usage stats and tips are worth noting: Personalized emails, which include customers' names, can have a positive effect on open rates The right … [Read more...]
The life stages of a veterinarian’s career varies
Opinion A 2020 study of career satisfaction sponsored by Merck sheds light on career challenges, changes and progress for veterinarians. Reviewing the study results, Jessica Vogelsang, DVM, commented it was like reading about life stages for pets. The findings show things start to improve after five years. Whether it’s finally finding the right footing or surrounding … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – August 4, 2021
Last week’s most read posts – we have another tie Modeling fierce self-compassion. Link. Lincoln Memorial University pilots new advanced degree option for veterinary professionals. Link. Baby boomers can’t stop looking at their phones Source: Vice, August 3, 2021. Link. While stereotypes paint millennials and Gen Z-ers as phone and social media-obsessed … [Read more...]
ASF in one third of Dominican Republic provinces, pigs will be slaughtered
The Dominican Republic will slaughter tens of thousands of pigs after detecting outbreaks of African swine fever in 11 of the country’s 32 provinces, according to authorities. Reports indicate the government will pay pig farmers the market price of each animal slaughtered. USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Associate Administrator Jack Shere said safeguards are … [Read more...]
Survey says U.S. producers are split over nationwide traceability system
Farm Journal conducted a survey to glean U.S. livestock producers’ thoughts about animal traceability. The top reason producers would participate in a traceability program is to track disease outbreaks. For those opposed, the second-highest reason would be to qualify for a premium or branded program. Traceability has two fronts: one to track diseases and one to address … [Read more...]
Pointers for pinkeye
Commercial Content Moraxella bovis is a commensal organism of the bovine eye meaning that it can be found on the eyes and periocular tissues of healthy animals nearly all the time, writes Tim Parks, DVM, and Lowell T. Midla, VMD, MS. The veterinarians explain Moraxella bovis generally does not cause infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis, also known as pinkeye, unless there … [Read more...]
Innovative BRD control-decision making tool for cattle introduced
Complimentary Commercial Content WHISPER® ON ARRIVAL, a breakthrough technology that predicts which feedyard animals will benefit from treatment on arrival for the control of bovine respiratory disease was introduced this week by Merck Animal Health and Allflex Livestock Intelligence. Made with a new sound collection device and a predictive algorithm, the system shows how … [Read more...]