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...]
Slick mutation keeping Puerto Rican dairy cows cool
Heat stress costs the U.S. dairy industry as much as $670 million yearly. Scientists predict it could cause a 6.3 percent drop in milk production by the end of the century. However, some dairy cows in Puerto Rico have a natural mutation recognized as “slick,” which gives them an advantage in hot humid conditions. Slick cows have a shorter coat and more active sweat glands than … [Read more...]
Social companionship can help dogs live healthier and longer
A recent study showed that dogs who had social companionship with humans and animals has a larger influence on healthy aging than family finances, household children and the pet parent’s age. Published in Evolution, Medicine and Public Health, the study surveyed human parents of more than 21,000 dogs to reach this conclusion. Source: The Washington Post, August 15, 2023. … [Read more...]
Will animals at your county fair launch the next pandemic?
Since 2011, there have been more confirmed human cases of swine flu in the U.S. than anywhere else in the world, according to the article linked here. Most have come from agricultural shows and fairs. Dr. Andrew Bowman, a molecular epidemiologist at The Ohio State University, and his colleagues have documented the dangers and looked for ways to make pig shows safer. He says … [Read more...]
Looking back while charging forward
As the third quarter of 2023 begins, the animal health industry continues to adapt to ever-changing new norms. Dr. Google’s influence may be diminishing as new information sources expand in the B2C sector capitalizing on major publications’ use of their databases from other markets. It is important to remember media sources still influence animal owners’ understanding and … [Read more...]
Volunteers, veterinarians, vet students care for equine in rural Mexico
Rural Veterinary Experience Teaching and Service is a program that sends volunteer specialists and veterinary students to offer free care for hoses, mules and donkeys in remote areas of Mexica, Nicaragua and the United States. They’re also helping owners treat their animals more humanely than in generations past. The RVETS clinic fills a veterinary training gap as vet schools … [Read more...]
Ways to make an older dog’s life better
Mary Gardner, DVM, refers to some older dogs as “geriatric,” which she says is a more fragile phrase for them. She says many vet schools don’t address the special needs of these gray-muzzled and wobbly dogs that often need modifications at home. She visits homes where dogs have been struggling to get around and be comfortable that often have easy problems to fix. Source: The … [Read more...]
Animal slaughter is not the same as suffering
Maddy Butcher, author of “Beasts of Being: Partnerships Unburdened” and director of The Best Horse Practice Summit, wrote an opinion column that equine enthusiasts will appreciate. She also shares the realities of owning all kinds of animals. She wishes people with strong feelings about horse slaughter understood farm animals’ lives better, from birth to death. With no horse … [Read more...]
Suicide attempt survivor writes “How Not to Kill Yourself”
Clancy Martin tried dying by suicide more than a dozen times. Using what he learned from those attempts, the philosophy professor with the University of Missouri-Kansas City wrote a new book, How Not to Kill Yourself, A Portrait of the Suicidal Mind. It can be helpful for anyone, but given the high rate of suicide in the veterinary profession, the book can be a lifesaver for … [Read more...]
The virtual vet will see you meow
A lot of us embraced virtual visits with our doctors during the pandemic. Some of us still prefer them. Pet owners’ adoption of veterinary telemedicine has not kept pace. A recent survey of more than 1,200 American cat owners showed that 72 percent of respondents used telemedicine for themselves, yet only three percent used it for their cats. Source: The New York Times, … [Read more...]
P-22 memorial: Thousands gathered to remember LA’s famous mountain lion (video)
When P-22 was euthanized in December, Los Angeles showed an outpouring of grief and love for the lone cat and all he represented. That was reflected in last Saturday’s memorial, which had been scheduled to last two hours but stretched to nearly three and a half hours. Source: LAist, February 5, 2023. Link. Editor’s note: During the 12 years of his life, P-22 captured the … [Read more...]
Our business is killing
Veterinarian Andrew Bullis offers a firsthand count of a difficult euthanasia case that is a prime example of one of the reasons veterinarian suicide rates may be higher than the average population. Put simply, the job is not always easy, nor fair. Source: SLATE, February 5, 2003. Link. You see, our business is healing, yes. But you all know there’s only so much we can do. … [Read more...]
Vet clinics, rehab centers and spas, morphing quickly to meet client needs
While the great pet adoption boom during the pandemic has subsided, its effects on the industry are only growing. Grooming, long-term care and boarding are just a few of the services clients are demanding and clinic owners are stepping up to meet the demands, despite debt that may be incurred. This has led to modified and new facilities that prioritize pets’ needs. Source: … [Read more...]
Seasonal affective disorder is. Here are the signs.
For millions of Americans, this time of year is tough. As the days get shorter and colder, they suffer from sadness and struggle. What affects them is winter pattern season affective disorder, or SAD. It’s more than just the winter blues and can last up to five months. This article offers sources believed to cause SAD, its signs and ways to get relief. Source: The Washington … [Read more...]
Gen Z speaks, writes differently than their bosses
If you are perplexed by young employees’ writing and conversation, chances are they’re just as confused by yours. Those born between 1997 and 2012 are bringing their own style of communication to work. In multigenerational workplaces, this new style can create confusion and angst. This article offers examples of how new and traditional styles of communication can help bridge … [Read more...]
Is customer service bad by design?
Animal health customer service pros and their executives will want to invest the time to listen to this episode of On Point. It takes on customer service frustration and success from customers’ and employees’ points of view. The discussion among the host and two customer experience experts features relevant examples of poorly designed customer journeys and ways to improve … [Read more...]
New interventions against pinkeye may be on the way
Scientists recently revealed there are two variants, or genotypes of Moraxella bovis, a bacterium that causes pinkeye in cattle. This discovery helps scientists understand how different types of M. bovis cause infection an how to help develop preventive measures to protect cattle. Source: BeefProducer, October 25, 2022. Link. USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and … [Read more...]