Sponsored by Addison Biological Laboratory, Inc. Like vaccines and flea, tick and heartworm prevention, pet oral care has been identified for decades as a critical component of healthy pet management. Animal health pros know the effort it takes to support elements of preventative medicine. A product from AHD Sponsor Addison Biological Laboratory provides veterinary … [Read more...]
How sales is changing
Mike Shultz describes the evolution in the way sellers sell, the way buyers buy and what is required of sales leadership and enablement teams. He describes how sellers need to provide decision support for buyers. As change agents, tomorrow’s sellers help lead customers to think and act differently. In this context, his article is applicable to veterinary teams and retail … [Read more...]
New Labor Dept rule clarifies ‘joint employer’ standard
Does your business use outsourced services such as cleaning, maintenance or temporary workers? The Labor Department issued a final rule that clarifies when a worker is employed by more than one company. Source: Associated Press, January 13, 2020. Link. Taking effect on March 16, 2020, the new rule provides a four-part test to determine whether a company is a “joint … [Read more...]
Accommodating cows and calves, one birth at a time
Academics summarize animal behavior research from a recent conference and suggest ways to apply it in everyday dairy operations. Dairy producers and veterinarians will find their focus on behavioral preferences of cows ahead of calving, pros and cons of group pens and adjusting weaning practices to optimize cow-calf relationships interesting and worth considering by … [Read more...]
New USDA process-verified program, meat label to focus on responsible poultry, livestock care
One Health Certified < link > is expected to help U.S. poultry and livestock producers demonstrate their commitment to responsible antibiotic management without compromising the health and welfare of their animals. The USDA process verified program < link > establishes verified animal-production practices in five core areas: disease prevention, veterinary care, … [Read more...]
NPPC says CBS’ 60 minutes missed critical pig farming data in report
60 Minutes aired an episode January 5 questioning the use of antibiotics in the livestock industry and singled out the pork industry. The report failed to include the critical information Liz Wagstrom, DVM, shared about modern pork production. Source: PORK, January 6, 2020. Link. During the interview, the 60 Minutes report did not discuss pork producers’ adoption of … [Read more...]
Colic comes in many forms
Depending on a colic’s cause, treatment steps and prognoses can vary widely, writes Alexandra Beckstett. She breaks down colic cases by type—non-strangulating, strangulating and inflammatory. Source: The Horse, January 2020. Link. (article excerpt). Flank-watching or -biting, pawing, trying to roll, an elevated heart rate, a lack of gut sounds or bowel movements. While … [Read more...]
Feist dogs of war, aid in rodent control
This post is not for the faint-hearted. Feist dogs are commonly thought of today as rat terriers but can be any small to medium-size dog that has a loud, spirited and feisty demeanor. The United Kennel Club recognizes feists, but the American Kennel Club does not. Chris Bennett reports on the dogs’ intensity when Jason Reed’s brace of feists he calls the Mongrol Hoard are … [Read more...]
On dog parks and urban landscapes
Alissa Greenberg provides a historical and developmental view of dog parks, cities and dog owners. Nowhere does she represent the real health issues that dog parks can perpetuate. Animal health pros understand the intra-species and zoonotic risks. We are well-suited to add value and perspective to issues of animal disease and safety issues for both pets and people. Source: … [Read more...]
AKC on alternative meat diets and the grain free question
There has been confusion and misinformation in past months about boutique, exotic ingredients, or grain-free diets (BEG) and the prevalence of DCM. The recent issue of AKC Family Dog presents information on the DCM story and what is being considered as food sources for dogs. Source: AKC Family Dog,January/February 2020. Update: The grain-free question. Link. Where’s … [Read more...]
The Rule of Three, timeless wisdom
Fred Hassan (yes, the one from Schering-Plough and Pharmacia) shares the power of using the Rule-of-Threes to simplify, to prioritize and to communicate. He shares, some principles are timeless and never outdate. The human mind is wired to work naturally with the Rule of Threes. Source: Chief Executive, January 13, 2020. Link. . . . the human brain is wired to process … [Read more...]
Facing veterinarians’ loss of mindshare
Veterinarians created Dr. Google by its restricting access to veterinary expertise at clients’ times of need, shares Ed Blach, DVM. If you bristle at these words, you are likely on a veterinary team. Blach’s article speaks to the declining influence veterinarians possess and how this occurred. An admonishment? Yes. But, not without a situation analysis and actionable … [Read more...]
Effects of diets, treats and additives on periodontal disease
Alexander Reiter, Dr. med. vet., discusses periodontal disease in the context of what dogs and cats eat, chew on and drink. The studies referenced are supportive of dry diets, dental treats and toys adjunct to best care practices. The gold standard for the management of periodontal disease is diagnosis and treatment under general anesthesia, followed by home oral hygiene … [Read more...]
What 20 years of work can do to your body (includes slide show)
A lifelike, full-size model named Emma demonstrate ailments that show the dark side of where we’re headed if work comforts continue to go unchecked. While aimed at computer use and seating, its no secret that smartphone use puts a strain on our stature, as does poor driving posture. Source: Fast Company, January 6, 2020. Link. Unless we make radical changes to our working … [Read more...]
Success is successful right up until it isn’t
Dealing with antigenic drift or drug resistance is something animal health pros are well-suited to adjust to and manage, relatively speaking. Changes in customer preferences, channel sourcing and dedication to “the way we’ve always done things” . . . well, maybe not so much. Mike Shipulski shares that when business successes begin to decline and challenge us to work toward a … [Read more...]
How to get National Poultry Improvement Plan certified
NPIP certification is the next logical step for serious show bird breeders and small egg-producing flocks alike. Beyond consumer confidence in eggs they purchase, there are other benefits to poultry producers. NPIP certification provides some interstate transfer benefits, requires good biosecurity records and annual testing. Source: Backyard Poultry, December 10, 2019. Link. … [Read more...]
First aid kit for backyard chickens
Like all backyard animals, chickens can get injured. Access to veterinary care is not always timely, so Victoria Peterson suggests putting together a first aid kit for the flock and keeping it in toolbox or container. Injuries are common when birds fight or when attacked by a predator. Source: AcreageLife, February 2020. Link. Also see: Variety is key to selling first aid … [Read more...]
Super chickens under development (includes CRISPR video)
Chicken science may have just crossed a road in moving towards genetically engineering chickens to be resistant to the bird flu. A study published in eLife < link > shows the results of editing part of the DNA in chicken cells. The change prevented the bird flu virus from using the cells to reproduce themselves. Source: Forbes, June 2019. Link. While an important step … [Read more...]
Swine research; alive, proactive
National Hog Farmer’s December 2019 edition is dedicated to myriad research projects that challenge the status quo in swine production. Weaning and transport stress, cross-fostering and odor control are among the research presented, in addition to getting a handle on emerging diseases. Source: National Hog Farmer, December 2019. Link. … [Read more...]
Mastitis steals nutrients, as well as milk
Everyone is aware that cows with mastitis give less milk. Ron Munneke looked beyond the milk loss of clinical cows to consider how subclinical cases affect milk production. The immune cells burn up a lot of energy during the hunting and killing process of the invading bacteria. Source: Progressive Dairy, December 24, 2019. Link. Once the immune system is activated, the immune … [Read more...]
Dehorning, castration guidelines updated to include pain mitigation
The American Association of Bovine Practitioners is the go-to organization for government and policymakers when it comes to cattle health, production and well-being issues. Its animal welfare committee has updated the sections in the guidelines on proper restraint, local anesthesia and systemic pain relief. Source: Bovine Veterinarian, December 30, 2019. Link. In 2019, the … [Read more...]
BQA is trust insurance
Beef Quality Assurance certification is proof that cattlemen really care about how they raise their animals, said Josh White. More than 85 percent of beef comes from BQA-certified producers. While most cattlemen are familiar with the program, it is important to re-certify every two years to keep current with changes, updates and new information regarding cattle handling and … [Read more...]
A new twist to tick infections
Scientists have found that temperature has little impact on the types of bacteria ticks carry. What they did find was humidity and competition among bacteria had the greatest influence on the combinations of pathogens carried by Ixodes Ricinus, one of Europe's most common tick species. Humidity, competition among bacteria influence pathogens ticks carry Source: UPI, December … [Read more...]
2020: back to work we go
A new year, a new decade and new opportunities ahead. It’s not easy to get back in the swing of things, shares Art Markman. If you’re feeling sluggish and unmotivated, you’re not alone. To snap back into work mode, he recommends the following: Focus forward Get specific Make the right social comparisons Source: Harvard Business Review, January 3, 2020. Link. Treat … [Read more...]
5 forces transforming the animal health market
Animal health is subjected to many forms of pressure driving changes. Michael Helmstetter explores five forces giving rise to a new breed of our industry: Growth, consolidation and competition Increased investment Evolving consumer behaviors Digital transformation Alternative therapies Source: Forbes, December 10, 2019. Link. . . . animal health is subject … [Read more...]
Top 10, most-read and best-of lists
Clicks count for media publishers. We learn what grabs readers’ attentions. Top article lists also help ensure the most interesting content is renewed for those who missed something earlier. Here are some best-of lists to peruse as you ramp up for 2020. Source: AHD, Search results for: most read. Link Source: DVM 360, Search results for: top stories. Includes the … [Read more...]
Opinion: A new decade begins
Our industry has experienced innumerable changes since the turn of the century. Some worth noting include: Resizing of major pharmaceutical companies and distributors through mergers and acquisitions Veterinary school graduates are now predominately female Expansion of corporate ownership of veterinary clinics Massive growth in the companion animal sectors … [Read more...]
Best wishes for the holidays
We wish you the best during this holiday season and for a fruitful 2020! We are privileged to provide a curation service for animal health pros. Our work spans four years of reading that generated over 4,000 individual posts. 2020 promises to be an exciting year to continue AHD for animal health pros. Animal Health Digest Bulletin is sent weekly by email to subscribers and … [Read more...]
Gallup; Top 10 articles of 2019
Consistent measurement and developing solutions are part of Gallup’s value proposition. Beyond metrics, articles about a challenge often include a program to address it. Here are Gallup’s top articles of 2019 that represent areas of improvement for small and corporate businesses. We are not endorsing any of the programs. Source: GALLUP, December 17, 2019. Link. Discover … [Read more...]
VIDEO: Quality acronyms and terms, Banfield-style
Leaders from Banfield review quality acronyms live on video. There’s a bit of memory prodding required while revealing the disciplines required to provide safety and best care for animals, clients and staffers. Source: Quality talk with Banfield leaders, YouTube, October 21, 2019. Link. Note the discussion of the five domains for quality and the focus on culturally competent … [Read more...]