With accurate facial recognition technology for humans in almost 630 million facial recognition cameras throughout China, Chinese entrepreneurs see opportunity in applying the technology to livestock operations. Alibaba, China’s tech giant, is developing voice recognition technology for pigs to detect if they are in pain. Another company is working on an artificial intelligence … [Read more...]
Pain management for livestock gets closer (video)
Banamine® (flunixin meglumine) is the only pain medication labeled for use in livestock, yet companion animals experience most medical procedures with the use of short- and long-term pain management medications. Getting FDA approval for pain medications for livestock is complex because of rules intended to keep drug residues out of the food supply. Kansas State University … [Read more...]
ASFV quickly detected by new cell line
A way to detect the presence of African swine fever virus minimizes the need for samples from live animals and provides easier access to labs needed to diagnose the virus. Developed by the USDA Agricultural Research Service, the new cell line can be continuously replicated and frozen to create cells for future use. The new cell line is commercially available. Source: The Pig … [Read more...]
9 Florida horses confirmed to have EEE
Speaking of the mosquito-borne diseases, Florida officials confirmed the state’s ninth case of Eastern equine encephalomyelitis. The serious viral disease affects horses, birds and humans. Vaccination, supported by two to three boosters per year, can help prevent EEE. Source: University of Florida Extension, July 24, 2020. Link. “EEE is a serious and often fatal injection in … [Read more...]
Purdue developing rapid BRD diagnostic tool
Purdue University researchers are developing technology designed to reduce diagnosis time for bovine respiratory disease. BRD is one of the more costly cattle diseases and accounts for half of all North American feedlot deaths and robs beef and dairy producers of about $900 million a year. The new test can diagnose BRD in about 30 minutes, compared to the four-plus days current … [Read more...]
Be sure you’re welcomed on the farm
As farmers and ranchers work to ensure employee and family safety from Covid-19, angst may be elevated for some. A recent Farm Journal survey shows 45 percent of them have reservations about allowing reps on their farms. Thirty six percent are not concerned. Source: Dairy Herd Management, July 13, 2020. Link. Which of the following would you require to allow input suppliers … [Read more...]
Dog year not equal to 7 human years
Research published last week in the Cell Systems journal debunks the thinking that multiplying a dog’s age by seven is equivalent to its real age. Researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine developed a new formula that tracks molecular changes, mainly the changing patterns of methyl groups, in the DNA of Labrador retrievers. It shows dogs age … [Read more...]
Beef industry paradigm shifts should continue
Seven innovations offered progress in genetics, efficiency and profitability in the beef industry also provide a “paradigm shift philosophy” for future management decisions, according to Bill Rishel, Nebraska Angus producer. He cited these innovations that helped everyone from ranchers to beef consumers: Performance record systems Artificial insemination Boxed beef … [Read more...]
Watch for resistance when controlling flies on cattle
It’s no secret horn flies cut cattle performance. Each fly pierces its host 20 to 30 times a day drawing blood each time. Insecticide ear tags and pour-on products are easy to use and cost-effective. It is important to monitor for resistance because it can cause entire classes of insecticides to become useless. The practical tips will help producers monitor fly populations and … [Read more...]
Warning signs for African horse sickness are present
Officials and the U.S. horse industry are monitoring for African horse sickness, which will put horses at risk if it enters the country. This disease, which has a horse mortality rate of 90 percent, was recently discovered in Thailand. It is believed it was introduced by imported infected zebras. The disease is caused by an Orbivirus that is primarily transmitted by biting … [Read more...]
César Millán’s 5 rules for chill dogs
Animal behaviorist César Millán believes dogs that were adopted when stay-at-home orders were in place went to loving homes. His concern is that owners may not be committed to the long-term job of properly caring for them. He says adopting a dog to keep you company during isolation “is like getting married for all the wrong reasons.” He offers five tips for owner and dog … [Read more...]
Why dog import legislation is important to animal health pros
Commentary Art Parola, a pet industry consultant, recently wrote the column, Why Cattleman Should Care About Dog Import Legislation, for Drovers. He highlights the real risk of Bont ticks being imported while attached to dogs coming into the U.S., especially those from the Caribbean region. It is highly infested with heartwater for which hont ticks are vectors. Heartwater … [Read more...]
Intranasal vaccination for dairy, beef calves
One way to reduce the effects of maternal antibody interference is to use intranasal vaccines, writes Jennifer Ryan. Colostrum received by young dairy calves can interfere with injectable vaccines. However, intranasal vaccines tend to work with colostrum. Beef calves are often worked first at branding, a stressful period where cortisol weakens blood cells. Intranasal works here … [Read more...]
April 2020 – Top post review (2 of 3)
The Animal Health Digest curation model delivers published information in the context of how animal health professionals work and interact with each other, with customers or clients and within their affiliated networks. Our industry spends millions annually supporting media. A portion of this supported content falls into the category of one and done. By physically reviewing … [Read more...]
Never seen a screwworm? Here’s why.
Except for occasional reintroductions, primarily in imported dogs and horses, the screwworm has been eradicated in the U.S. Eradication started in the 1950s with the joint vision of ranchers working with USDA in a multidecade effort that included Mexico and Central America. This fascinating article sheds light on what it took to get rid of screwworms. As importantly, it focuses … [Read more...]
Flooding making fire ants meaner
Sea level rise and flooding are making fire ants bigger and meaner. Their bites are getting worse, too. According to a recent Louisiana State University study, freshwater and saltwater increase the already aggressive nature of red fire ants. Source: NOLA.com, April 22, 2020. Link. Coastal flooding caused a 72% increase in the volume of venom sacs in individual fire ants 24 … [Read more...]
Pandemic puppies can be pricey
Those impulse decisions to get a puppy during this Covid-19 pandemic can be costly if budgets aren’t set and stuck to. Adoption fees are just the beginning. From annual exams to insurance to spaying and neutering, costs add up. Wall Street Journal’s Amanda Burton offers realistic ownership costs to consider. Source: Wall Street Journal, May 22, 2020. Link. When all is said … [Read more...]
Reasons to go or not go to everyday places
If you wonder whether you should attend church, class or go shopping, here’s a handy reference supported by the most recent research of the coronavirus risk venues have in this next normal. Source: Salt Lake City Tribune, May 23, 2020. Link. “. . . now would be a good time to scour the research to note where these (superspreading) events have been documented and where they … [Read more...]
50 questions you never ask yourself. Do it anyway.
The next normal we’re experiencing has some questioning if we’re making progress toward our personal and career goals. Whether you question your direction because of the pandemic or for other reasons, now is a good time to assess where you are. Working through these 50 questions will help you focus on what you can control – what’s inside. Source: Inc. December 13, 2017. … [Read more...]
Rescue dog and trainer amaze football crowd
You will enjoy this video from a 2014 halftime performance. Source: Samantha Valle and her amazing dogs, I love dogs. Link. INSIGHTS: How many of you could toss a Frisbee that consistently? … [Read more...]
The big business of pets is getting bigger
More than three quarters of Americans spend $75 billion annually on their pets. Pet food sales along are up six percent compared to last year. Pet ownership is most common among millennials and Gen X, with 59 percent of households owning at least one dog. However, millennials are more likely to own multiple dogs and Gen X is most likely to own multiple cats, at 42 percent of … [Read more...]
Pandemic realities forcing some pets back to shelters
Pet shelters and rescue organizations experienced rapid increases in adoptions and fosters since the Covid-19 pandemic began. Now, some shelters are preparing for a large influx of pets as the realities of owners’ jobs and home losses hit hard. It hasn’t happened yet, but Brenda Barnette, general manager of the Los Angeles Department of Animal Services, expects more pets will … [Read more...]
Virtual dog training is an option
With pet adoptions at an all-time high during this Covid-19 pandemic, concerns of pet rescue groups are being realized. Some families adopting pets are not qualified owners. New dog owners will need help teaching their new friends to learn the rules of the house and the neighborhood. Virtual training, phone calls and text lessons from professional trainers may save the day for … [Read more...]
Reasons pets may act weirdly during quarantine
Pet owners worldwide are reporting some of their pets are acting weird while under quarantine. They’re getting clingy, running on countertops and shooting evil stares at humans. It’s not known if the quarantine is causing pet anxieties, but displacement behaviors, the tics pets develop to cope with new stressors, may be the result. Source: Vox, April 24, 2020. Link. In dogs … [Read more...]
STD Awareness Month applies to more than humans
Sexually Transmitted Disease Awareness Month, better known as April, will be over soon. Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease that can cut a calf crop in half. Infected animals show no outward signs; it is a lifelong infection and there is no treatment. There is still time to have conversations to help producers understand the disease and work with a veterinarian to … [Read more...]
Never miss the office when you WFH
For fun! If you’re cross-eyed from video calls and ear buds are now natural extension, take a break and go back to the office. The folks at Kids Creative Agency created a virtual office with sights and sounds of office machines, quiet and noisy coworkers. No elevator needed. Source: I Miss the Office. Link. The copier. The hummer. The smacker. The whistler. They’re all here. … [Read more...]
Part 2 – Inventory adjustments needed during disruptions
Feedback from our original post on inventory management is strong. AHD founder, Kirk Augustine offers an update to his original paper. He identifies supplier issues and resets to reorder points during a prolonged disruption period like we’re currently experiencing. Source: Animal Health Digest, April 16, 2020. < Link > At the four- to six-week point in a disruption … [Read more...]
Manage parasites with sound grazing practices
Cattle with heavy internal parasite loads lose weight, have low feed efficiency and don’t breed efficiently. However, proven deworming practices add pounds at weaning, increase milk production and bump body condition scores. Most of the parasite load is in the pasture, which is why a pasture management plan, along with proven deworming products are essential. Source: … [Read more...]
AI shares pets’ secrets for their benefit
Most dog owners understand what pets tell them and know the differences between a “hungry” bark and a “hurt” bark. Home devices will soon understand them, too. Furbo, a streaming camera that sends owners notifications if their dogs bark, will introduce a feature that allows it to alert owners if a dog’s behavior seems abnormal. Petcube, another interactive pet camera, is … [Read more...]
Clostridial disease protection important for cows and calves
Clostridial diseases can be lethal for dairy cattle. Stress, injuries and changes in feeding practices increase chances of death. Vaccination and sound management practices can prevent most common clostridial diseases for cows and calves. Source: DAIRYBUSINESS, March 13, 2020. Link. A solid strategy in preventing a clostridial outbreak in calves, prior to their vaccination, … [Read more...]