A new study shows most of us, including dog owners, don’t perceive dogs’ emotions accurately, if at all. Researchers presented people with videos of a dog reacting to positive and negative stimuli. When asked their opinions of the dog’s emotions, participants paid more attention to situational cues than the dog’s behavior. Source: The New York Times, March 10, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
New study shows H5N1 is more widespread in cows than reported to date
Researchers and scientists are ringing alarms after identifying a genetic mutation in four dairy cow herds. The change is one researchers dread because it is associated with increased mammal-to-mammal transmission and disease severity. It’s the mutation that was found in the first human case and is extremely pathogenic in ferrets. Finding the same mutation in cows is … [Read more...]
Sick sheep? Let us inspect their earwax.
Raye Walck, DVM, director of the Western Slope Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at Colorado State University (CSU), shared a grim story with Lela Nargi. She recounts what Walck said happened in sheep from high-desert grazing lands in Grand Junction, Colorado. “I had a case a couple of years ago where these sheep came off the range and were brought into a dry lot situation, into … [Read more...]
New version of the H5N1 bird flu virus spills into Nevada dairy herds
Known as D1.1, a new version of H5N1 is circulating in wild birds countrywide and causing mass die-offs. It’s different than the one currently circulating in dairy cows and has caused only mild illness in humans and killed scores of domestic and wild cats. It is the latest surprise and reminder that his flu does not behave like a typical flu virus. This new finding suggests … [Read more...]
Vaccination protects ratter dog from disease
Katie weighs 12-ish pounds, is four years old and is a mix of at least four breeds. She’s a tough native Texan thriving in Brooklyn, New York, ridding it of more rats than you can imagine. Her trip from Texas to the Big Apple was unremarkable, but one night at a playground, she revealed her calling – killing rats. She recently got her 364th rat kill in a year. Sarah Darby, her … [Read more...]
“The tip of the iceberg.” Two cats die after drinking recalled raw milk.
Two cats have died after consuming recalled raw milk from Raw Milk Farms LLC, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health stated in a news release last Thursday. The two cats lived in the same household. After eating the product, they exhibited lack of appetite, fever and signs of neurological problems. Source: Los Angeles Times, December 12, 2024. Link. “I think this … [Read more...]
A dairy like you’ve never seen
The calves eat first at Humpback Dairy in southern Missouri. That’s because their mothers only produce milk when their calves are present. They’re part of a herd of 200 dromedary camels that produce milk for 650 markets across the country. Source: Rural Missouri, October 21, 2024. Link. Three years ago, Sam and his family built an FDA-approved and licensed processing, … [Read more...]
Help livestock and farm customers get funds they deserve
When natural or man-made disasters strike, USDA programs can help rebuild herds, infrastructure, buildings and crops. However, they can be hard to access for average producers. Enter Crop Disaster Recovery, a grant acquisition firm that helps farmers obtain funding from disaster recovery programs and grants through USDA. Source: FarmFutures, September 25, 2024. Link. “We … [Read more...]
Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in Rural America course debuts
A new resource aims to boost practical support to help people navigate mental health resources in rural communities. The course, “Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in Rural America,” targets veterinarians. Rural Minds has partnered with Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and NY FarmNet to provide the service. Rural Minds and Cornell staff think veterinarians … [Read more...]
Need birdshot? Call your packer.
Going bird hunting? Skip Walmart and get ammo at your major beef packer. You’ll have a 100 percent chance of finding birdshot or buckshot there. It may not be loaded into shells, but you can pick it out of the fat layer and muscle of a carcass. Birdshot and buckshot have been found in beef carcasses since the National Beef Quality Audit started in the 1990s. It is STILL A … [Read more...]
A 6-year wait for a saddle is worth it
For more than 30 years, Nancy Martiny has improved her craft of making horse saddles. In a business dominated by men, Martiny has built one based on making saddles that can’t be found anywhere else. Today, the wait for a “Nancy saddle” is six years or more. She makes her saddles for working horses and the cowboys and cowgirls who ride them. Source: The New York Times, August … [Read more...]
University of Illinois student focused on improving vet mental health
Justin Chiu, a University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign senior, is seeking ways to help clients better understand the challenges veterinarians, techs, receptionists, and other veterinary professionals face. The animal sciences major shared his appreciation for support animals and how his work in a vet clinic has shown him the need for mental health support for veterinary pros … [Read more...]
Some believe pricey kidney transplants for cats are worth it
Chronic kidney disease is one of the more common diseases in aging cats and a leading cause of their deaths. Like humans, cats have two kidneys and can live with one provided it is healthy. Kidney transplants, costing up to $25,000, are an option for cats that meet transplant criteria. Owners and surgeons agree the process can be worth it. Source: The Washington Post, June … [Read more...]
$1 million grant funds agencies to detect new strains of PRRS
A $1 million USDA Agriculture and Food Research Initiative grant will help researchers leverage the Swine Disease Reporting System to detect new strains of PRRSV. A new, web-based tool called the SDRS BLAST tool, allows veterinarians, producers and other users to compare genetic sequences of PRRSV with those in the SDRS. Source: The Pig Site, May 9, 2024. Link. “For the … [Read more...]
Asian longhorned tick now in 19 states
Asian longhorned ticks, described by USDA as “invasive pests that post a serious risk to livestock,” are now in 19 states. The CDC says that ALT have been found in Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West … [Read more...]
Pork Powerhouses listings for 2023 released
The 36th largest U.S. pig producers reduced sows by 17,348 in 2023. It’s the first net loss Pork Powerhouses has reported since 2010 and shows the pain pork producers experienced last year. There was an average loss of $31.57 per head. However, productivity increased. Source: Successful Farming, May 6, 2024. Link. Producers credited improved genetics and continued investment … [Read more...]
H5N1 adapting, not stopping
Since the avian flu arrived in 2020, more than 90 million birds have been culled in the U.S. Unlike other avian flu viruses, H5N1 has infected a wide variety of birds and mammals, including seals, skunks, dolphins, polar bears and dairy cows. The virus continues to evolve and scientists are especially worried about pigs because they’re susceptible to human and avian flu … [Read more...]
The survivor species
The camels had thump-thumped for seven days across northern Kenya, ushered by police reservists, winding at last toward their destination: less a village than a dusty clearing in the scrub, a place where something big was happening. People had walked for miles to be there. Soon the governor pulled up in his SUV. Women danced, and an emcee raised his hands to the sky. When the … [Read more...]
Most dog bites can be prevented by paying attention
Dog bites to humans are increasing in California and possibly other states. Unlike the often-stated human reason of, “The bite came out of nowhere,” there are almost always signs. Of the 4.5 million dog bites reported each year about 80 percent happen at home and involve a dog and human who’ve met before. Melonie San Pietro offers tips to avoid being bitten. Source: The Los … [Read more...]
Fire doesn’t discriminate. Neither do these vets.
Dr. Deb Zoran, a veterinarian and leader of Texas A&M’s Veterinary Emergency Team, faces long days and short nights as the Texas wildfires rage on. Originally on a narrow mission to aid the search dog sent with A&M’s search and rescue team, Shelton and other volunteers heeded officials’ pleas for help from more veterinarians. They’re still there. The veterinarians … [Read more...]
Adopt a Cow program reaches 50 states and 40 countries
Elementary and middle school students who participate in the Dairy Excellence Foundation’s Adopt a Cow program can watch calves grow up. The program allows students to learn about the sustainability of dairies and the nutrition of dairy products they consume at home. The program now reaches students throughout the U.S. and in 40 countries. Field trips encourage strong … [Read more...]
Skipping the dog walk is a big deal
A fenced yard is nice for a dog to rest or to take a quick pee, but it can’t take the place of a good walking, according to Stephanie Borns-Weil at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. Plus, while great, exercise isn’t the most important reason for the walk. Source: The Washington Post, February 20, 2024. Link. . . . they’re not getting … [Read more...]
2 men survive wild pig attacks. Barely.
NOTE: This is a cautionary tale for animal health pros and their customers who like to hunt wild pigs, hike in the woods or have gardens next to brushy cover. Sharing this article will help increase understanding of how dangerous feral hogs can be. James Dean and Monte Sullivan survived horrific wild pig attacks in 2019 and 2022 respectively. They shared their harrowing … [Read more...]
Yes. Dogs can make you sick.
Dogs are great for us in unlimited ways. Some research suggests they may even help us live longer. But they can cause minor to serious illnesses via bites, nips, scratches and licks on our faces. Source: The New York Times, October 17, 2023. Link. If you own a dog, you can reduce your risk of illness by making sure it’s fully vaccinated and that it receives regular care from … [Read more...]
4 tips for effective email communication
In this era of hybrid and remote work, proper communications of all types, including email, matter. In fact, considerate email is an evident way for leaders to demonstrate intentions in their communications to employees. Members of the Ragan Advisory Board share sound email tips. Source: Ragan, September 26, 2023. Link. Here’s what stood out. Consider the time of your … [Read more...]
Animals are talking. Are we listening?
Few of us have heard animals sing, or speak, for that matter. That doesn’t mean they don’t do both. Recent research reveals communication abilities among animals that have been recognized or explored. This article examines what research has been conducted and what it means for future connections between animals and humans. Source: The New York Times, September 20, 2023. … [Read more...]
Covid drugs help cure Cyprus cats
More than a million cats freely roam the island of Cyprus. But, earlier this year stray, feral and pet cats were dying by the thousands. Lab testing confirmed feline infectious peritonitis that, if left untreated is almost 100 percent fatal. FIP is caused by a virus that infects cats, not humans, and is related to SARS-CoV-2. This similarity is enough that Covid antivirals are … [Read more...]
Yes, dogs and cats get dementia. How to spot signs of it.
Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias are common conditions as we age. They’re likely common in aging pets, too. Estimates range from 14 to 35 percent of the dog population age 8 and older may be affected. Nearly one-third of cats ages 11 to 14 and 50 percent of cats 15 and older are likely impaired. This article presents signs of dementia, medical conditions that mimic it … [Read more...]
Rocky Mountain spotted fever on an alarming rise
Rocky Mountain spotted fever, a disease spread through bites of ticks that live primarily on dogs, remains rare, but its frequency is rising. It is at epidemic levels in northern Mexico. In Baja California, there were 92 cases in 2022 which prompted a team of Mexican and U.S. scientists to pluck ticks off dogs, scour homes for larvae and warn residents to keep their dogs off … [Read more...]
Telehealth is good for people and pets
Telehealth medicine brings medical resources to people who can’t get to a doctor’s office or hospital. In the same way, veterinary telehealth can bring care to pets whose owners can’t make it to a veterinary clinic. But not in California. Veterinary telehealth is so restricted it is sparingly used for follow-up care or for emergency triage. This editorial by the Los Angeles … [Read more...]