The objectives of the OH JPA seek to create a world better able to prevent, predict, detect and respond to health threats and improve the health of humans, animals, plants and the environment while contributing to sustainable development. Six interdependent action tracks form the plan’s pillars. These priorities are to help achieve sustainable health and food systems, reduce … [Read more...]
Lame cows are not to be tolerated on dairies
“Acknowledging the importance of hoof health and purposefully reducing lameness incidences may not position farms to maximum performance and profit in the short term, but it is a must-do if a farm is going to achieve a balance of optimal profit, efficiency and welfare by definition of sustainable,” shared Jennifer Walker, DVM, in a recent presentation. At any given time, 25% … [Read more...]
Working together to keep African swine fever at bay
Commentary We noted instructions for international travelers on the USDA website <Link> including sanitizing or burning clothing and shoes. This warning is important for all animal health pros and is relevant considering the growing U.S. population of feral hogs: Do NOT visit a farm, premises with pigs, livestock market, sale barn, zoo, circus, pet store with … [Read more...]
Quick and easy scratch relief
Simple cases of scratches can escalate into painful, chronic conditions, especially as paddocks and pastures get muddy or crusty with winter freezing and thawing conditions. Scratches is the common term for pastern dermatitis, an inflammation of the skin that develops between the heels and the fetlocks, writes Laurie Bonner. Chemically treated bedding, coarse arena substrate or … [Read more...]
Newest Chats with the Chatfields
Complimentary Sponsored Content Dog trainer Kathy Santo joins the Chatfields to share tips for dining out with dogs. They also share a recording of their keynote from the recent 2022 IBPSA FLOW annual conference. Note the discussion of pathogen risks, behavioral concerns, managing what dogs find under tables and possible liabilities in the dining out episode. Source: … [Read more...]
What to do if you’re put on a performance improvement plan
Helen Harris says a PIP is an opportunity to improve before facing other actions, such as termination. She reminds people to take time to process the information, and fully understand why they were placed on a PIP in the first place. A good PIP is well documented and detailed . . . If you don’t agree with what’s in the PIP and your manager isn’t willing to negotiate or … [Read more...]
How work-life balance struggles for working moms have changed over the last generation (podcast)
Kathleen Davis visits with mothers and daughters who compare how they balance unpaid labor at home and how motherhood has affected their careers in this episode of the Ambition Diaries podcast. For the majority of women there is no question having-it-all and work life balance isn’t possible. . . it’s a matter of survival.” Source: Fast Company, Link. Of the many issues … [Read more...]
Considerations when repurposing containers
Russ Daly appreciates the ingenuity of various farmers’ fixes and jerry-rigging. However, he warns some containers should not be repurposed to haul water. His warning goes for those who don’t understand how plastic containers absorb substances and potential toxins that get released when containers are filled with water. Every year I get at least one report from a veterinarian … [Read more...]
AAHA’s October Trends celebrates technicians, open access
Trends magazine is the premier magazine for AAHA members. During Veterinary Technician Week, all animal health pros get access to this special edition. Veterinary technicians are the backbone to animal hospitals” - Anonymous Source: AAHA Trends, October 2022. Link. In this issue: Getting well, keeping well Techs@Work photo spread What is the role of a VTS? What … [Read more...]
Red collars on dogs have meaning beyond fashion
This article falls into the learn-something-new-everyday category. Red is the universal sign for STOP, writes Wendy Rose Gould. It gives us reason to pause and be cautious. Gould interviewed pet experts who explained some dogs wear red collars, red bandanas or use red leashes as a safety warning. They also admitted not all dog owners are aware of or use this color-coded … [Read more...]
Cow confirmation affects milk production, longevity
Data from almost 20 years and more than 1 million cows clearly shows that cows with more correct, functional conformation live longer and produce more milk. Breeding cows that last longer is increasingly important to dairy sustainability. Source: Feedstuffs, October 5, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Colostrum may be Mother Nature’s answer to calf scours
Researchers have found that, even after gut closure, feeding partial quantities of colostrum reduces scours incidence. Using colostrum to treat scours would be a simple, practical, non-antibiotic and highly affordable option. One concern. What would the impact on the production and supply chain be if this use proves dependable?” – Kirk Augustine Source: Dairy Herd Management, … [Read more...]
New Pet Food Institute video features tips to keep pets’ weight in check
New and experienced pet owners need to be reminded of the importance of keeping dogs and cats at healthy weights, providing a complete and balanced diet and managing treat calories. The new 2-minute video, Feeding and Treating Tips for a Long and Healthy Life, is a good tool to share on social media, in newsletters and during consultations. Source: Petfood Industry, October … [Read more...]
What is Zoop! hiding?
Opinion Multiple email efforts from a new pet grooming brand, Zoop! caught my attention and generated questions. The promotional language included, “Made from non-toxic and natural ingredients that are guaranteed to keep you and your furry friends safe, Zoop! grooming products are made of ingredients that eradicate smells, whether they’re in the carpet or on your … [Read more...]
More than 100,000 enter Nature Conservancy’s 2022 Photo Contest
Photos from 196 countries and territories were judged in six categories, including a new one focusing on climate. Friendly lions, thriving lizards and glowing mushrooms appear in winning photos. Photographers worked hard to create incredible imagery but this year they also worked hard on sending a message with their photographs. This took the contest to another level.” - Alex … [Read more...]
Every email needs a clear call to action
You can be straightforward and gracious at the same time when sending emails. Providing call to action dos and don’ts Kat Boogard shares five cut-and-paste templates to use in your emails. Don’t be too general Do include a deadline Don’t forget to say thank you . . . being explicit about what you need can feel a little counterintuitive. We don’t want to seem like … [Read more...]
Industry stakeholders explain economic dynamics in veterinary clinic market
Vet-Advantage asked industry stakeholders to provide insights on the best economic indicators to monitor, as well as best practices veterinary clinics can implement to weather any economic uncertainty. Forget textbook economics. . . everything is being rewritten these days.” - Matthew Salois, PhD Source: Vet Advantage, October 2022. Link. “Maintaining liquidity is mission … [Read more...]
WHY Animal Health Digest exists
Commentary A recent discussion emphasized the WHY of Animal Health Digest. A semi-retired sales and marketing colleague inquired about writing part-time. As much as this person would like to contribute to AHD, it became apparent the realities of schedules, family and personal care would interfere. Time IS a precious commodity.” Responding to this inquiry I offered, … [Read more...]
Backyard visitors spell RISK for pets, people
Opinion Omnivores for the most part, wild animals are opportunistic eaters. Pet food left or put out for them is akin to a free drive-in restaurant. Yet, their human-provided takeout represents less than 20 percent* of their caloric needs. Foxes, coyotes, raccoons, opossums, squirrels, skunks, deer and rodents are reservoirs for zoonoses and contribute to the number of … [Read more...]
National Vet Technician Week – October 16-22, 2022
Don’t forget to celebrate and promote the valuable contributions veterinary technicians make to the veterinary profession and society. The AVMA and NAVTA have resources available to assist with social media, in-clinic or local media promotion of these important team members. Sources: AVMA. Link NAVTA. Link … [Read more...]
California court rules in favor of USDA’s new swine inspection system
Commentary Animal welfare and food safety questions often involve striking a balance between ethical positions and economic consequences played out in a political context. Whether or not animal health pros are directly involved in livestock production, the actions required in one species often affect other species. It is important to listen, track and understand potential … [Read more...]
Certified swine sample collectors will be key during an FAD outbreak
There are few people authorized to collect and submit diagnostic samples during a foreign animal disease response. A collaborative industry group was formed with funding provided by USDA's National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program to address the shortage. The resources and training requirements developed by a collaborative group will improve the swine … [Read more...]
October is National Pork Month
October is National Pork Month, “Porktober”, marking the time of year when hogs were traditionally marketed, writes Cheryl Day introducing a slide show, Great facts about pork. To celebrate National Pork Month, USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service is inviting pork producers, processors and anyone interested in the U.S. pork supply chain to participate in a series of free … [Read more...]
Parasite resistance in cattle, a widespread concern for veterinarians, livestock producers
Parasite resistance in cattle operations has moved from theory to a real-world scenario producers across the country face. Parasite management is no longer applying a dewormer. Today, ranchers must understand the parasites in a herd and learn to live with a few bugs, writes Jennifer Ryan who shares the experiences and perspectives of Christine Navarre, DVM, MS, … [Read more...]
The 24 behaviors of the ridden horse in pain: Changing how lameness is seen (video)
A documentary from Sue Dyson, Vet MB PhD, challenges the way to look at bad behaviors in horses and promotes the notion that lameness doesn’t start at the head bob. The film follows Dyson and Jim Myers, DVM, as they examine and diagnose a show jumper mare Galina, who not obviously lame, seemed increasingly unhappy under saddle. The film educates horse lovers on how to spot the … [Read more...]
Industry’s commitment to CE increases value of animal care
Commentary The animal health industry is generous with support resources. Thank you! I’ve lost count of the continuing education credit opportunities offered in the veterinary market. My last look showed 25 new programs were offered in September. This doesn’t include innumerable podcasts and YouTube videos being promoted, nor does it account for myriad free CE programs … [Read more...]
Consumer education critical in retail
Opinion Writing about the need to help pet consumers make product choices, Kathleen Sturgeon notes that CBD and hemp products are now in most pet stores. Despite all the claims, it is hard for pet owners to know which products will help their pets. Helping them understand the science behind the products will help. This also applies to the plethora of items offered in any OTC … [Read more...]
Quality of life exams
“Quality of life exams should be approached as an open, objective conversation,” says Jenifer Chatfield, DVM, Dipl. ACZM, Dipl. ACVPM. “Client owners need to be prepared to answer questions and not anticipate being judged. . . there is no right or wrong outcome, no good or bad news . . . there’s just what comes out of the conversation.” When a pet owner finds themselves being … [Read more...]
Risk, revolution and preventive medicine
Preventive veterinary medicine may not be the newest clinical approach, it has surely stood the test of time better than any other, writes Jenifer Chatfield, DVM, Dipl. ACZM, Dipl. ACVPM. She shares the progression of veterinary medicine and the integration of preventive measures which are expanding in the current context. Chatfield urges veterinarians to consider, “putting … [Read more...]
Pandemic? Likely too early to say it is over.
Covid-19 has caused more than one million deaths in the U.S. and 6.5 million deaths worldwide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Yet, some want to say the pandemic is over. IDSE editorial advisory board members shared their opinions on the pandemic’s status with Marie Rosenthal, MS. “I don’t know what to call the current period, but it’s not the … [Read more...]