A novel sapelovirus that Iowa State University researchers had not previously encountered was found in microscopic lesions in two pigs’ central nervous tissues. The 11-week-old pigs displayed a polio-like weakness in their hind legs that prevented walking. Source: Pork Network, October 13, 2016. Paulo Arruda, an assistant professor of veterinary diagnostic and production … [Read more...]
Backyard flocks are big risk for spreading Gumboro in U.S. chickens
Infectious bursal disease (IBD), commonly known as Gumboro, is an immunosuppressive disease in chickens caused by infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV). A wide range of IBDV pathotypes exist in nature. They have been generally classified into subclinical IBDV (variant), classic virulent IBDV and very virulent IBDV (vvIBDV) groups. Although vvIBDV does not exist in some … [Read more...]
Long-forgotten research unearths new mystery about Lyme disease
Nearly two years before Willy Burgdorfer discovered the bacteria that causes Lyme disease, he stumbled upon another obscure tick-borne bacterium, Rickettsia helvetica, which he called the Swiss Agent. But, Burgdorfer put those results aside. His 1980s-era papers on the forgotten research were recently discovered, raising new questions about the diagnosis and treatment of Lyme … [Read more...]
11 states where veterinarians earn great salaries
Insider Monkey, an evidence-based investment resource, recently released statistics about the 11 highest-paying states for veterinarians, based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment Statistics report. Source: AAHA NEWStat, October 12, 2016. To select the 11 highest paying states for veterinarians, Insider Monkey referred to the Occupational Employment … [Read more...]
Understanding accountability
Accountable. The word conjures up visions of bad annual reviews, pink slips, punishment or harder work. Jonathan Raymond suggests thinking about accountability in five steps: The mention The invitation The conversation The boundary The limit Source: Harvard Business Review, October 13, 2016. At work as in life, we all need the people who care about us to … [Read more...]
Fall can be hazardous for pets
Sarah Young reminds us that fall weather also brings some seasonal hazards for pets. These simple reminders make good material for newsletters, posts and websites. Source: Consumer Affairs, October 12, 2016. Before heading outdoors, pet owners should keep in mind that fall brings with it certain risks to dogs. Some of these risks are made by mother nature while others are … [Read more...]
Dog-centric practices benefit dogs, vet teams
Progress is being made in all animal care segments to reduce the stress on animals when visiting a veterinary hospital or treatment environment. This article, the first of two, presents proactive thinking and preparation for animals that respond negatively to practice visits. The guidance includes people safety and reminds us that some preparations need to start at … [Read more...]
Water dangers for dogs
Ben Character, DVM, reviews the risks of dogs getting in the water in this Q & A. He says there are five major infectious organisms considered as waterborne. He also references chemical runoff. While this e-blast targets hunting dog owners, the warnings are similar for urban animals. Water features are common in suburbia and on golf courses. While pretty, they may not be … [Read more...]
APHIS pet travel tool
When travelling with pets, there may be animal health requirements specific for a destination. Factors to consider may include meeting timeframes for obtaining a health certificate, updating vaccinations, diagnostic testing or administration of medications or treatments. USDA APHIS recently launched a handy tool for veterinary teams and animal health pros dealing with pet … [Read more...]
Select the right bull
Bulls can rapidly change a herd. However, it is important to select the right bulls to make sure progress is made, says Burke Teichert. Bull selection, combined with choosing cull cows can positively or negatively impact operation profit so it needs to be done strategically. Source: Beef, October 6, 2017. Teichert offers 5 tips when selecting bulls: Cull the right … [Read more...]
50th World Dairy Expo ends
Here are some photos and moments from the World Dairy Expo that took place last week in Madison, Wisconsin. If you could not attend or have never been there, these will help you experience it minus the ice cream, milk and cheese samples. Source: Dairy Herd Management, October 7, 2016. There are plenty of sights to take in while attending the 50th World Dairy Expo in … [Read more...]
Updated Journal of Dairy Science
We’ve linked to the most recent issue so you can view abstracts. Note the issue is divided into sections to guide you through the studies. Consider reviewing the interpretive summaries to get an overview of key content. Cow characteristics and their association with udder health after different dry period lengths is worth reviewing in the Production: Health, Behavior, and … [Read more...]
Researchers determine if mutts are healthier than purebreds
Researchers at the University of California-Davis challenged the theory that purebred dogs are more prone to genetic disorders than mixed breed dogs. They studied 27,254 dogs with inherited disorders over a five-year period. The theory that purebred dogs are more susceptible to inherited diseases only holds true for 10 out of the 24 disorders studied. Source: Dogs Naturally, … [Read more...]
Fly control essential to pinkeye prevention
Fall’s short days and cool nights combined with the grouping of cattle, increases the risk of pinkeye. Fly control is essential to reduce the risk of pinkeye, says A.J. Tarpoff, Kansas State University beef veterinarian. Effective fly control plans may include insecticide sprays, special ear tags or cattle rubs. “Flies work to cause pinkeye in two different ways,” he said. … [Read more...]
Culling open cows effectively
Cull cow weight and price are two of the top factors of profitability in any cow-calf operation. Justin Rhinehart, University of Tennessee Beef Cattle Extension specialist, provides good perspective on the economic importance of open cows in cow-calf operations. Cull timing is presented in detail. Source: Drovers CattleNetwork, October 4, 2016. Open cow revenue generally … [Read more...]
Dogs may have better social filter than humans
Researchers at Yale University’s Canine Cognition Center provide perspective on human social learning by testing dogs in a similar environment. This information and video are intriguing. Source: AAHA NEWStat, October 3, 2016. Yale researchers concluded that dogs will leave out irrelevant actions when there is a more efficient way to solve a problem, even when a human … [Read more...]
Newest edition of JAVMA
Three papers piqued our interest in this issue (abstract access only): Overdiagnosis. Misdiagnosis is understood in veterinary medicine. However, there seems to be little discussion of the problem of overdiagnosis and the risks it poses to veterinary patients. Together. Federal directive will bring veterinarians and beekeepers together. Honeybee drugs will require a … [Read more...]
Spending on pet supplies drops
Pet owners were spending more on their pets last year. However, the supplies category suffered. Now, treat and premium food spending bodes well for assertive veterinary practices and retailers who focus on engaging their customers about nutritional value and overall wellness for animals. Source: Pet Product News, October 5, 2016. John Gibbons speculates that the big rise in … [Read more...]
Review canine influenza
Canine influenza virus (CIV) is diagnosed worldwide. The rapid spread of the H3N2 virus in Asia and the United States indicates this virus is capable of regional epidemics and potentially worldwide pandemics. A lot has been written about CIV. This article provides a solid scientific perspective. Source: Clinician’s Brief, September 2016. The introduction of the H3N2 virus … [Read more...]
Professional development for employees is critical
Our post, 21st-century agriculture amazes many, scares some paints vivid pictures of food production in the United States. As technology advances, new skills are paramount to achieve success. Erika Osmundson reminds employers of seven underlying benefits from professional development beyond simple education: Confidence and credibility Efficiency Ability to influence … [Read more...]
Large animal veterinarian input sought
Beef and Beef Vet are collaborating with the College of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University to co-sponsor a survey of large animal veterinarians. Please share this with your colleagues and customers in large animal practices. More input means better information. Source: Beef Vet, October 6, 2016. The world of veterinary medicine is changing and how veterinarians … [Read more...]
NCBA offers free webinar on changing antibiotic regulations October 27
Here’s a resource to share with your cattle customers. Consider having a small group of key customers join you at a clinic, restaurant, community center or such to view the webinar and then discuss implementation of the VFD regulations. It takes place Thursday, October 27 at 7:00 p.m. Central. Source: National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, October 6, 2016. Join the webinar … [Read more...]
Screwworms in Florida after 30-year absence
Some of us have vivid memories of screwworm larvae burrowed into the flesh of livestock. A full-grown screwworm looks like any other fly. It is an insect small in size, dark, six-legged and compound-eyed. Its life cycle is quite different than other flies, however. A pregnant screwworm seeks out the bodies of much larger animals. Upon finding an open wound or other fleshy … [Read more...]
How millennials are changing distribution
Distributors are re-examining their strategies as millennials become a populous and educated segment of the workforce, Michael Wilson writes. Their online purchasing preferences are reviving the need to practice consultative selling as distributors shift to meet customer preferences. Source: Industrial Distribution, October 4, 2016. Consultative selling refers to a method … [Read more...]
Editorial – Meeting the challenges of curation
Animal Health Digest is a curation service. One source defines a content curator as someone who continually finds, groups, organizes and shares the best and most relevant content on a specific issue online. That is what we do at AHD. We sift through more than 150 media sources on a day-by-day basis. While you do your jobs, we read for you, determine what content is most … [Read more...]
Be cautious around horses
Equine veterinarians have higher rates of injury than other occupations, including those in construction, the prison service, and firefighters. Further, an Australian study data reported that while there have been significant decreases in injury and death in workplaces traditionally viewed as dangerous, such as mining and construction over the past several decades, there has … [Read more...]
Innovetive Pet Care joins AHD Founder’s Circle
Animal Health Digest welcomes the hospitals owned by Innovetive Petcare that join us in bringing the latest animal health-related information to you. Dr. Karen Parker, director of marketing, understands the challenge of managing work-life balance, supporting employee growth and staying abreast of the unending stream of news that generates questions and concerns from animal … [Read more...]
Ak-Sar-Ben racing remembered
For many who grew up in the Midwest, horse racing meant a trip to Omaha, Nebraska. Closed since 1986, Ak-Sar-Ben race track memories span eight pages celebrating the horses, jockeys, trainers and fans. The name Ak-Sar-Ben is Nebraska spelled backwards. Source: American Racehorse, September/October 2016, page 19. According to Jack VanBerg, Hall of Fame trainer, Ak-Sar-Ben … [Read more...]
Dogs like TV
Dogs notice and understand pictures they see on the television screen, as well as the sounds that accompany them. Digital and HD technology has improved the TV experience for dogs, says Janet Miller. Dogs literally see a new picture, with more clarity than before. Studies show how they see and process images, why they are attracted in the first place, and whether or not they … [Read more...]
Shadowing a veterinary technician
Jen Reeder recently spent a day shadowing a credentialed veterinary technician during National Veterinary Technician Week. “This was a simple assignment that turned into one of the most eye-opening experiences of my life,” she writes. Source: AAHA Pets Matter, September 20, 2015. 'It’s hard work, but at the end of the day, when I go home exhausted, I still want to come … [Read more...]