Rabies cases are always a good reason to communicate with clients about wild animal safety and basic pet vaccination. Wild animals are often found under sheds, farm buildings and junk piles. Pet owners who play with or exercise their pets in parks and forests can encounter rabies-spreading animals near brush and rock piles. Working with local media can be an effective way to … [Read more...]
Taming aggressive rooster behavior
Never introduce a new rooster to a flock that already has a rooster, writes Rhonda Crank. Her timeless article shares rooster behaviors and ways to manage their natural aggression. She also addresses keeping the flock safe and how to avoid attacks on people. Source: Backyard Poultry, May 4, 2021. Link. In the rooster world, he who runs away, walks away, or hides is the … [Read more...]
Benefits of adopting the PRRS-resistant pig
“PRRS has been the most frustrating thing we’ve had to deal with as veterinarians,” says Jason Hocker, DVM. “The virus changes and adapts and seems to always be one step ahead of us. It’s something we’ve not been able to make a lot of progress on as an industry.” The decades-long PRRS trajectory could finally be changing with FDA approval of the gene edit used in PIC’s … [Read more...]
Chewy to acquire Modern Animal accelerating a fully integrated pet healthcare strategy
Chewy, Inc., announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Modern Animal, Inc., a technology-forward veterinary platform with 29 owned clinics, 24/7 virtual care and a high-retention membership model. This acquisition represents an important strategic step in Chewy’s evolution into a fully integrated pet healthcare ecosystem, combining care, commerce and … [Read more...]
New World Screwworm: Regulations, readiness and response
The first Cattlemen's Webinar of 2026 will be led by Julia Herman, DVM, NCBA beef cattle specialist veterinarian, and Sigrid Johannes, senior executive director of government affairs. They will review NWS, provide a regulatory update and outline what changes may impact producers in the months ahead. This webinar promises to equip producers with the knowledge and action … [Read more...]
April’s national wildfire forecast. SCARY!
Every state in the West is expected to face an above-normal threat of wildfire this summer, according to the latest projections, released last week by the National Interagency Coordination Center. Citing an ongoing snow drought, rapid snowmelt and a recent unprecedented heat wave, the latest maps feature the red-colored risk areas spilling across the Southwest and into the … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – March 30, 2026
In this week’s Fast Bites: Pet Care Services Industry Financial Survey deadline extended through April 6th. Link. Lucky Dog Mobile Groomers goes global. Link. Dog Aging Project, CBS. Link. Human-animal interactions are a win-win for all, Psychology Today. Link. Source: IBPSA, March 30, 2026. Link. Also see: Animal Health Digest Bulletin, March 26th. Link. … [Read more...]
Don’t let OSHA changes take you by surprise
Includes Commercial references Compliance is not a place to cut corners, writes Jarden Mandeville. He emphasizes the importance of staying up to date with the changes to OSHA requirements, including MSDS sheets, personnel training, appointing a compliance officer and more. Source: INSIGHT, Patterson Vet, April 2025. Link. Practices risk financial penalties, reputational … [Read more...]
Shake wet laundry. Shave dryer time, energy use
Veterinary clinics, groomers and boarding establishments face loads of laundry as part of the normal routine. The shake method shared here is a simple way to help laundry items dry efficiently and reduce energy use. Source: The Spruce, February 13, 2026. Link. … [Read more...]
Road to the Horse 2026 recap (includes videos)
The 2026 Road to the Horse competition took place in Lexington, Kentucky, last month. Nick Dowers took the title, winning the Road to the Horse for the third time. The format of the competition is simple: the first two days, four Wild Card competitors compete for a spot in the Championship Competition. These competitors choose a colt from the Remuda provided by the Pitchfork … [Read more...]
Monitor calf health following exposure to wildfire smoke
In the weeks and months following a wildfire event, producers should remain vigilant and monitor calves for signs of respiratory disease or illness, writes Brock Ortner. He explains what happens when smoke particles settle in the lungs, making watching for early signs of illness important. Ortner says one practical approach is the D.A.R.T. method, which helps producers … [Read more...]
PetPax Co. wins 2026 Purina Pet Care Innovation Prize
PetPax Co., a startup working to redefine everyday pet wellness for modern pet parents, was selected as the grand prize winner following the live pitch competition at Global Pet Expo. PetPax Co.’s patent-pending delivery method is designed to improve absorption of calming and oral health products by bypassing the stomach acid while reducing stress for both pets and their … [Read more...]
Axiota Animal Health names Wamego, Kansas, as global headquarters
Axiota Animal Health will name its facility in Wamego, Kansas, as the company’s global headquarters. The announcement formalizes the longstanding presence of Axiota Animal Health there, where the company operates manufacturing, research and development, and scientific operations for its products used by cattle producers in more than 30 countries worldwide. Source: Axiota® … [Read more...]
Tractor Supply surpasses $1 Million to expand hands-on learning for future ag leaders
Tractor Supply Company announced that its 11th annual Grants for Growing fundraiser raised more than $1 million. During the four-week event, Tractor Supply customers supported the effort by purchasing paper FFA emblems at checkout, which will in turn provide thousands of FFA members across the country with the resources to engage in hands-on learning experiences that prepare … [Read more...]
Neurologist innovates diagnostic tools for canine epilepsy
A neurologist from the Ontario Veterinary College in Guelph is using a backpack with brainwave-reading sensors to detect epilepsy in dogs without the need to sedate them. Source: ENC, March 19, 2026. Link. Canine epilepsy is the most common neurological condition for dogs and yet, one that still retains its mystery. Through clinical studies, James is researching multiple … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance April 2, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, March 26, 2026. Link. Most read posts from the March 26th AHD Bulletin – Before PRDC takes control: Bordetella bronchiseptica’s early role. Link. The Farmer’s Dog to be in Walmart. Link. Customer hesitation. Link. CAPC 2026 Pet Parasite Forecast: vectors, hotspots, year-round risk. Link. From … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – March 23, 2026
In this week’s Fast Bites: Sneak peek at IBPSA website’s new look The shift in U.S. pet stores <Link>. The experience-driven operating model. Sparkle Grooming continues expansion <Link>. India's booming pet economy <Link>. Source: IBPSA, March 23, 2026. Link. Upcoming webinar: Marketing Strategies for Pet Care Businesses, Wednesday, … [Read more...]
New Trupanion data reveals rise in pet toxicity claims
Data pulled from over 71,000 Trupanion claims provides a granular look at the evolving landscape of household hazards, including regional variances and the specific toxins most frequently presenting for emergency intervention. While grapes and raisins are the most frequently identified toxicants across almost every U.S. state, drugs and medications are consistently the most … [Read more...]
AI helps owners find lost pets
Includes commercial references One in three pets goes missing during their life, according to the Animal Humane Society. AI has now joined the ranks of microchips, GPS and social media to help find lost pets. These four success stories demonstrate its positive results. Source: The Washington Post, March 21, 2026. Link. “As controversial as AI is right now, this is one of … [Read more...]
Equine laminitis and black walnut wood residue
Very small quantities of black walnut wood residue in shavings can cause laminitis in horses. As little as 10 percent of the total shavings, by weight, may result in clinical signs of toxicity in horses. These signs generally occur within 24 to 48 hours of exposure to the contaminated shavings. The symptoms frequently begin with mild laminitis and swelling of the legs and … [Read more...]
The Farmer’s Dog to be in Walmart
Walmart is partnering with The Farmer's Dog to offer human-grade dog meals across its nationwide retail network. The products are set to be available for the first time in Walmart stores and online in April. The move puts Walmart directly into the premium pet food conversation. Source: Yahoo, March 24, 2026. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – March 26, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, March 19, 2026. Link. Most read posts from March 19, 2026 AHD Bulletin – All work and no play? Link. Active listening: 6 strategies so others feel seen, heard, understood. Link. Understanding your window of tolerance. Link. ========================== Study: Humans preferred for empathy, but AI … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – March 16, 2026
In this week’s Fast Bites: Webinar: Marketing Strategies for Pet Care Businesses: Wednesday, April 1st, 1:00 p.m. CST <Link> Participation wanted: Pet Care Services Industry Financial Survey. <Link>. Animal Health Digest Bulletin, March 12th. Link. The Global Pets Industry Trend Report, Client Communication Boundaries, Dog Grooming as Pet Wellness, and … [Read more...]
Review: AAHA’s Working, Assistance, and Therapy Dog Guidelines
March 13th recognizes National K9 Veterans Day and the dedicated K9 units who have served since World War II. In recognition of these canine heroes, AAHA created a quick starter guide to fielding calls from working dog handlers, straight out of the Working, Assistance, and Therapy Dogs Guidelines Toolkit. Source: AAHA Trends, March 13, 2026. Link. PDF of quick starter guide … [Read more...]
Marigold delivers 17 Irish Doodle puppies in a single day
Large litters are common if you’re raising pigs, but Marigold’s 17 Irish Setter/Poodle puppies were quite a surprise. Possibly a record for the particular crossbreed, the largest litter on record still belongs to Tia, a Neopolitan Mastiff that delivered 24 puppies. All of Marigold’s puppies survived. Source: Dogster, March 12, 2026. Link. … [Read more...]
Grand champion lamb sells for $1M
The grand champion market lamb sold for a record $1 million March 13th at the Junior Market Lamb Auction at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. 13-year old Reagan Miller of Seagraves, Texas, exhibited the lamb. Paizlee Akins of Whitesboro, Texas, raised the grand champion market goat, which sold for $450,000, setting another Rodeo record. Miller will earn a guaranteed … [Read more...]
Avian flu strikes more Indiana poultry facilities
In the past 30 days, APHIS has confirmed 77 avian flu outbreaks that affected 41 commercial farms and 36 backyard flocks, with 13.98 million birds affected. Indiana had eight outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian flu in the past week in three counties: including 20,600 birds on a commercial turkey meat farm and 3 outbreaks on duck meat farms Wisconsin reported two major … [Read more...]
Be cautious with chickens as pets in the house
Easter is April 5th this year and farm stores are already stocking baby chicks, some of which may become pets. Janet Garman shares considerations for would-be chicken owners and guidance if the chicken is going to be in the home, sanitation being a top priority. Source: Backyard Poultry, August 1, 2022. Link. Also see: Common concerns with backyard or urban poultry … [Read more...]
New working with large animals course for first-year vet students at Iowa State University
A NEW course in the College of Veterinary Medicine exposes first-year veterinary students to swine, sheep, cattle and horses in an effort to help with the shortage of rural and large animal veterinarians across the country. Mandatory for all first-year students, "Large Animal Clinical Skills" introduces them to livestock and horses <Link>. The addition of the course … [Read more...]
Zoetis expands Human-Animal Bond Certification Scholarship to include veterinary technician students
NAVC and HABRI announced that Zoetis has pledged its continued support for veterinary students across the U.S. by offering free Human-Animal Bond Certification throughout 2026. New this year, the scholarship is now available to veterinary technician students. Source: NAVC, March 10, 2026. Link. Veterinary and veterinary technician students may register for the Human-Animal … [Read more...]