This article is a good reminder about heat stress myths dairy producers hang on to year after year. Gabriela Maldini, PHD, MSc, shares some of the top myths she has encountered. Note her comments as they pertain to dry cows and seasonality. Source: Progressive Dairy, August 13, 2025. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider sharing this article with dairy producers via social media or … [Read more...]
Archives for August 2025
Vets urge smarter parasite control to combat drug resistance
Commentary The topic of parasite resistance is not new to U.S. livestock production. However, the British Veterinary Association’s actions described in this article are important. Many foreign production environments are more condensed than those in the U.S. and can foretell future domestic production issues. The BVA’s new policy position warns that routine, blanket … [Read more...]
Veterinary team targets FAD hotspots to protect U.S. livestock
This article is informative and timely. The related article* linked at the end of this post describes how researchers found a gap between biosecurity perception and practice on farms, as well as a reliance on veterinarians for biosecurity-related advice. The health and protection of food animals from foreign animal diseases remains a significant concern and efforts to stay … [Read more...]
USDA to build $750M sterile fly facility to combat New World screwworm spread
USDA is moving ahead with plans to build a sterile fly production facility at Moore Air Base near Edinburg, Texas, to produce 300 million sterile flies to combat New World screwworm and reduce reliance on foreign sources. Source: Farm Progress, August 18, 2025. Link. Also see: Emergency use of animal drugs authorized for screwworms, BEEF, August 19, 2025. Link. HHS … [Read more...]
Plug and Play Topeka selects 13 animal health startups for accelerator program
In collaboration with GO Topeka, the economic development group for Kansas' capital city, Plug and Play Topeka, a global industry-specific accelerator program, has selected 13 animal health startups for its ninth cohort. The group includes global startups focusing on animal health diagnostics or therapeutics, food safety and quality, packaging, or novel ingredients, and … [Read more...]
Celebration highlights $250 million investment in new OSU veterinary college
Alumni, faculty, staff, students and supporters gathered August 12 to celebrate the historic $250 million state funding appropriation that was announced last May (Link) for Oklahoma State University’s new veterinary teaching hospital. Combined with $79 million allocated in 2023, the university will build a 255,000-square-foot facility to replace the existing one designed for 60 … [Read more...]
Dr. Gary Smith awarded CAB’s Industry Achievement Award
Likely the most renowned meat scientist in the U.S., Dr. Gary Smith received the Industry Achievement Award from Certified Angus Beef during its Feeding Quality Program in Rochester, Minnesota, on August 24. Source: Certified Angus Beef, August 2025. Link (includes video). Dr. Gary Smith originally had no plans to become a meat scientist. But thank goodness he did. … [Read more...]
CattleCon 2026 registration is now open
Registration is now open for CattleCon 2026, the annual gathering for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and NCBA Trade Show. The event will take place from February 3 through February 6 in downtown Nashville, Tennessee. Source: NCBA, August 20, 2025. Link. Full convention details. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – August 21, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, August 14, 2025. Link. Most read posts from August 14, 2025 AHD Bulletin – When the economy suffers, the dogs and cats suffer. Link. Combine disease. A good reminder for livestock producers. Link. The hidden costs of fear in businesses. Link. Tetanus creates problems for animals after storms. … [Read more...]
False consensus: Same buzzwords, different priorities, no actions
Commentary At first blush, this article was a pass, but advice it offers kept surfacing. Though it originates in manufacturing, we’re all trying to align our teams and focus on investing our talents and resources in the best places. Beyond the words, there is a real cost to misalignment, writes Robyn M. Bolton. She shares perspectives and actions from the Strategic … [Read more...]
Tetanus creates problems for animals after storms
Because animal environments are commonly populated with Clostridium tetani, or tetanus, any wound can easily become contaminated at any time. However, caution is warranted in areas damaged by storms. Storm damages provide abnormal opportunities for horses, cattle and hogs to be injured and get a tetanus infection. Source: Feedstuffs, August 6, 2025. Link. Following a storm, … [Read more...]
The hidden costs of fear in businesses
Fear is terrible and expensive for business. If you could quantify the Total Cost of Fear (TCF) inside most organizations, the number would be staggering, shares author John Ryan. Fear-based messages don’t motivate . . . they paralyze. Source: Giant Leap Consulting, July 2025. Link. When people feel safe enough in an environment, they take interpersonal risks. That means … [Read more...]
IVAP approved by NAVTA
IGNITE’s Veterinary Assistant Program has officially earned approval from the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America, joining an elite group of just seven online programs nationwide. IGNITE now serves more than 22,000 members and offers membership programs tailored to practice owners, practice managers, technicians, veterinary assistants and front desk … [Read more...]
Doing pet telehealth right isn’t optional; it’s essential
Complimentary Content Telehealth should support, not compete with, local veterinarians, writes Deb Leon, founder and CEO of whiskerDocs. She asserts that the best systems relieve pressure on clinics, help triage smartly and improve access without undermining the critical role of in-person exams. Warning of the risks from cutting corners as the services grow, she outlines why … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – August 11, 2025
Conference reminders and overview, Rover expanding through acquisition, legislative updates, August 7th AHD Bulletin and more . . . Source: IBPSA, August 11, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
When the economy suffers, the dogs and cats suffer
It’s a story heard across the country: pet owners relinquishing their animals and shelters too full to take them. Liam Stack and Olivia Bensimon share what amounts to a situation analysis of burgeoning issues in New York City’s public animal shelters. It’s non-stop and no one can keep up . . . We can’t adopt our way out.” – Katy Hansen talking about the number of surrenders in … [Read more...]
6 LinkedIn recommendation mistakes that kill your career prospects
The language you use when asking for a recommendation on LinkedIn often determines whether you'll receive something meaningful or generic. Sadly, most professionals sabotage their chances before they even hit send on that request, writes Jason Morris, owner and CEO of Profit Engine. He shares what successful professionals say instead. Source: Profit Engine. Link. Vague … [Read more...]
Analgesic relief during castration. The right thing and it pays
Sponsor Content A study at Kansas State University demonstrated how lidocaine-infused castration bands help calves transition through the painful castration phase more smoothly and comfortably than after standard castration practices. Increased lying time versus controls between days 21 and 35 post-banding demonstrated how Solvet’s LidobandTM improves calf comfort as … [Read more...]
Understanding feline behavior for better diagnosis, stronger bonds
What a great statement, “The human animal bond is bilateral!” Christine Won shares some quotes from Dr. Carlo Siracusa’s presentation at the 2025 AVMA Convention explaining the importance of understanding feline behavior as a fundamental key to a more accurate diagnosis. He called for an integration of behavioral signs into the clinical reasoning process. Source: AVMA, … [Read more...]
Pumpkin 101 for dogs
Sarah Ann Taylor shares two articles about pumpkin meat and seeds in these articles. We knew raw pumpkin is a healthy snack, but the seed information may be new to some. Fresh raw pumpkin for dogs makes a good and healthy snack. It adds nutritional value to their diet, can help alleviate some health concerns, has virtually no side effects and canned, plain pumpkin for dogs … [Read more...]
Top 5 pre-season tips for hunters and their hunting dogs
Early hunting seasons are a month away. For hunters and their dogs, now is the time to listen to the ball games on the radio and get ready for days in the field. Ruth Ann Lobos, DVM, shares good advice to acclimate and condition dogs before opening day: Refine their off-season nutrition plan Take inventory and refresh the first aid kits (for dogs and hunters alike) … [Read more...]
CSU study finds fasting horses isn’t necessary before anesthesia (video)
Challenging the long-held belief that horses need to fast before surgery, Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital’s Rachel Hector, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVAA, conducted an in-house study to examine the age-old practice. They found that horses that weren't fasted passed manure sooner and produced more of it after surgery, with no increase in anesthesia risk or … [Read more...]
Horse-friendly motel listing helps those traveling with horses
When equine people travel with their horses, this worldwide horse motel resource could be helpful. Source: Horse Motels International. Link. The map program can be found here <Link>. Image: Link … [Read more...]
Combine disease. A good reminder for livestock producers
Kevin Schulz shares an important reminder as crop harvesting season arrives. Whether swine, cattle or poultry, maintaining good observation of animals is critical despite the focus on gathering crops. Source: The Farmer, August 11, 2025. Link. You’re spending too much time on the combine and not enough time in the barns. You need to pay more attention to your sows, even … [Read more...]
Does vaccination influence PRRSV evolution?
A new paper from the University of Minnesota shares strong experimental evidence that vaccination influences PRRSV-2 evolution and can drive genetic changes that result in viral populations distinct from the original challenge virus. Vaccinated animals harbored viruses that were more genetically diverse and distinct from the parent virus. However, even though viruses … [Read more...]
Should we target longevity or extend lactation length for dairy cows?
Commentary For animal health pros who work with dairy producers or monitor elements of dairy production, this article from Stephen LeBlanc, BSc(Agr), DVM, DVSc, may challenge some of the corporate thinking being applied to the dairies you serve. His discussion of where a cow fits in dairy management decisions and how various scenarios influence culling provides perspectives … [Read more...]
Simplot study: Sage grouse, cattle can thrive together
Environmentalists take note. A decade-long research project confirms what Simplot Land and Livestock employees have observed firsthand: that sage grouse and cows can exist and have been existing together. The study also shed new light on nest predation, with coyotes, not ravens, being the main culprit. However, less predation occurred where cows were actively grazing. The … [Read more...]
Farmer’s Almanac releases winter forecast
Farmers’ Almanac 2025 – 2026 winter forecast calls for a season of dramatic swings and widespread wintry weather. The season officially begins with the winter solstice on December 21, 2025, but the cold and snow might make an appearance as early as September in some areas of the country. Source: Farmers Almanac: Link. … [Read more...]
Farmina Pet Foods Genius AI wins Pet Care Innovation of the Year Award
Farmina Pet Foods Genius AI is a free, online chatbot that seamlessly integrates AI with human expertise, delivering instant, trusted advice 24/7 to pet parents on pet health, nutrition and care. Genius AI also enables consumers to schedule one-on-one appointments for a personalized and in-depth level of pet care, according to the company. Source: PR Newswire, August 7, … [Read more...]
The Bridge Club seeks nominations for the 2026 ICON Award
The Bridge Club ICON Award is a prestigious honor that recognizes outstanding individuals from across the profession who are driving meaningful change and elevating veterinary care. For 2026, the focus is Excellence in Veterinary Care, recognizing those who are redefining what’s possible in veterinary medicine through innovation, leadership, and compassion. Source: The … [Read more...]