It is easy to marvel at how under-appreciated, yet familiar and expected biosecurity is to the livestock community: Swine producers learned to shower in and shower out of facilities years ago as part of their efforts to reduce swine disease and stop massive death losses due to farm-to-farm fomite exchanges < link > Progressive dairies manage mastitis incidence … [Read more...]
Mules make excellent moms for equine embryo transfer
New research found pregnancies in mares and mules were strikingly similar, with comparable ultrasound findings. Despite their inability to reproduce naturally mules make amazing surrogate dams. Source: The Horse, March 15, 2020. Link. “Mules can host the embryo of a mare, gestate normally, produce a good amount of milk, and have an incredible maternal instinct and ability,” … [Read more...]
New releases on EQUUS film channel
Got a horse person home from school? The EQUUS film channel offers lots of films covering many topics for horse people - after chores are done. You will need to subscribe after a 7-day trial period. Link. Source: Horse Network. March 20, 2020. Link. … [Read more...]
6 Reasons for Hair Loss in Cats
With few exceptions, alopecia is a symptom of a disease or condition in cats. Kellie B. Gormly talked with veterinarians and shares common reasons cats lose their hair. Cat owners will appreciate information like this during the social distancing period. Share it on social media and in newsletters. Source: Catster, March 3, 2020. Link. Common reasons for hair loss in cats … [Read more...]
Monitoring blood glucose in patients
There is no single method or combination tests shown to have significant clinical benefits, writes Thomas Schermerhorn, VMD, DACVIM (SAIM). He stresses the importance of a monitoring program that is practical and tailored to meet individual patient needs and owner abilities, circumstances and treatment goals. Source: Clinician’s Brief, November 2019. Link. Reliance on a … [Read more...]
Cone of shame study raises welfare implications
Nearly 80 percent of pet owners reported a poorer quality of life in their companion animals while an Elizabethan collar was worn. The effects were captured in a range of welfare domains including nutrition, environment, health, behavior and mental state. Client awareness education was recommended. Source: Vet Candy, February 29, 2020. Link. Owner thoughts were captured on … [Read more...]
FDA amends definition of biologic products
The public has wondered for some time why seemingly outrageous pricing for insulin and other critical medications has been tolerated. In a move that may bring some relief, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has amended its definition of a biologic product. While it may seem like a bureaucratic move with little relevancy, it is a needed transitional step resulting from … [Read more...]
Fomite control: you, me, us, them, plus where they have been
Fomite: fo-mite Noun (plural fomites) (medicine, epidemiology). def: An inanimate object capable of carrying infectious agents (such as bacteria, viruses and parasites), and thus passively enabling their transmission between hosts. < link > Media coverage, though sometimes raucous, is a necessary tool to help communicate the importance of the need for societal … [Read more...]
Pet grooming businesses deemed non-essential. Need some extra help?
Original content Groomers have been shut down by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, animal shelters, pet supply retailers and veterinary clinics may need temporary help during this crisis. Groomers could provide temporary support to help receive animals from owners’ cars, infection control processes, bath prepping, home deliveries and more. These animal health professionals … [Read more...]
Training companies offer free products and services during pandemic
The group at Training Industry pulled together a list of free training products and services companies our industry is now offering. Here are some of the categories: Coronavirus preparedness and response training Training for remote work Remote work and remote training products and services Other services NOTE: The article includes a link to a PDF of the book … [Read more...]
BabelBark/BabelVet® announces free support to transition to telehealth
Complimentary Sponsored Content Fueled by shelter-in-place orders and social distancing recommendations, medical professionals are turning to telehealth platforms to maintain client-patient interactions and screen to determine if a physical visit is needed. Telehealth in today’s COVID-19 context is relatively new. Vertical integration is a mainstay of platforms in general, … [Read more...]
Stay resilient in challenging times: webinar for veterinarians and vet teams
Complimentary Sponsored Content Resilience experts, Sandy Asch and Joy Fuhrman DVM, MBA, CPA, have combined forces to present a four-part webinar. Focusing on resiliency, the speakers share ways to rise above panic, fear and worry. Learn methods to weather life and business storms with grace so you stay whole and emerge on the other side stronger, wiser and more … [Read more...]
Self-deprecating humor is a positive leadership trait
Emotional intelligence has been deemed a more powerful predictor of a person's success than his or her intelligence. The reason boils down to the simple fact that human relationships are at the very fabric of business. Being able to better understand, connect, empathize, and negotiate with others is crucial in the personal ladder climb. Source: Inc., November 29, 2018. Link. … [Read more...]
Don’t try to fix anything right now
The ability to sit with uncertainty is a valuable asset. In these unpredictable times, it is a necessity, writes Kathleen Smith, PhD. She shares two steps to cultivate a skill that has never been more vital: Recognize your anxiety fixing Work on your cognitive flexibility Source: FORGE, March 23, 2020. Link. You can’t control the future, but you can begin to work on … [Read more...]
Puppies!!!!!! Celebrate National Puppy Day any day you want
Last Monday was National Puppy Day. It was created to highlight puppies that need adopting and abuse in puppy mills. Kudos to The Atlantic for capturing the day and making it available for us to enjoy. Take a few minutes, view the photos FULL SCREEN and smile BIG. Source: The Atlantic, March 23, 2020. Link. When so much of the world is focused on stories that can create … [Read more...]
Posture, movement, variety matter working from home
Before you buy the new office chair, desk or start remodeling, consider what Arianne Cohen shares about managing your office responsibilities from home. Source: Fast Company, March 23, 2020. Link. Cue the stabbing back pain and weird neck spasms. . . . the same desk habits that suited you at the office will not work at home, where you move much less. Also see: How working … [Read more...]
Been there. Done that. But, have you recently?
Our world IS scrambling to deal with immediate and mid-term fallout caused by COVID-19. We are dealing with a global five-alarm fire. Local levels, however, may only be a one- or two-alarm fire that can be managed proactively. Proactivity requires setting priorities. It may have been years since you were trained on the urgent/important principle President Dwight D. … [Read more...]
Getting cats to take a pill (Video)
Videos attract attention of animal owners. Pilling cats is easy for veterinary team members but, some pet owners get unnerved by that mouth full of teeth. Consider using one of these videos to support proper pilling at home. Also, including a reminder about oral care would be applicable since the cat owner will be looking at the mouth cavity while pilling. If your database … [Read more...]
Feline antiviral drug for FeLV, FIP is now being tested against SARS-CoV-2
A Singapore startup is testing its antiviral drug, RetroMAD1, against the SARS-CoV-2 beta-coronavirus that causes COVID-19. A spokesperson for Biovalence Technologies, the company that developed the drug, believes its drug could treat Covid-19. He said several scientific papers had revealed that a specific mutation of Sars-CoV-2 bears similarity to how dengue, Ebola, FeCoV and … [Read more...]
Getting our minds around pandemics and their history
Context is key when seeking to understand how our current situation with SARS-CoV-2 fits in the overall view of pandemics. The selections below warrant a hard look. “F-E-A-R has two meanings: 'Forget Everything and Run' or 'Face Everything and Rise.' The choice is yours.” – Zig Ziglar Source: Visualizing the history of pandemics, Visual Capitalist, March 14, 2020. … [Read more...]
AVMA advocating for veterinary practices as essential businesses
Although many businesses have temporarily closed, the AVMA is advocating for veterinary hospitals and ambulatory practices to be considered essential businesses and remain open during periods of mandated business closures, This is because veterinary hospitals “provide important animal and public health surveillance, deliver essential medical care for ill animals, and ensure … [Read more...]
Preparing for the legal consequences of cancellations
Attorneys have been busy since the first whisper of the word pandemic. With much of the world in social isolation, Loren G. Edelstein, an insurance recovery attorney, says it is the time to consider whether you’ll recover any losses or even face litigation related to COVID-19 contagion linked to recent meetings. Source: Northstar Meetings Group, March 16, 2020. Link. Just … [Read more...]
Keep or cancel your incentive trips? A corona virus dilemma.
Robert Tegge offers three options to consider for upcoming incentive trips while we are all hunkered down losing face-to-face time with key accounts. Consider these: Keep the trip Bank the money and send winners later Cash-out the winners Source: The Carrot, March 4, 2020. Link. In the end, there’s no right answer and the decision shouldn’t be made by any single … [Read more...]
How employers can manage employees during the coronavirus crisis
HRE provides a snapshot discussion of the impact of COVID-19 from an employer perspective. Privacy and nondiscrimination should be chief priorities as organizations grapple with the growing crisis. Source: Human Resource Executive, March 4, 2020. Link. Employers must be mindful of all legal obligations and cannot prioritize employee health and safety over providing a … [Read more...]
Horses, horse owners and coronavirus (podcast)
Complimentary Sponsored Content from Merck Animal Health Dr. Nicola Pusterla, an equine infectious disease expert from the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, talks about coronaviruses and answers key questions in late February 2020. Can horses contract coronavirus? What is equine coronavirus? How is equine coronavirus spread? How … [Read more...]
AAHA’s NEWStat: Special COVID-19 edition
See what AAHA provides for member practices to deal with the impact of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19. Source: AAHA NEWStat, March 17, 2020. Link. How to communicate with staff and clients about COVID-19. AAHA responds to COVID-19 virtually What’s up with that dog in Hong Kong who keeps testing positive? Plus, visit NEWStat’s COVID-19 page for regular updates and new … [Read more...]
Leading and working through a pandemic
HBR is publishing daily articles and resources on how to manage yourself, your team, and your company through the coronavirus crisis. The resources are provided at a dedicated Coronavirus Special Coverage page < link >. HBR opened access for these resources to all visitors, so this content can be easily shared with your own teams, colleagues and network. Source: … [Read more...]
Owner contact guidelines algorithm for COVID-19 pandemic
Brief Media’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Indu Mani DVM, ScD, shares the algorithm developed by J. Scott Weese, DVM, DVSc, DACVIM, for the benefit of veterinary clinic teams, their clients and animals. It is a step-by-step COVID-19 protocol for receiving patients in small animal veterinary clinics. Keep disinfecting and be safe.” – Indu Mani, DVM, ScD Source: Clinician’s Brief, … [Read more...]
EPA expands COVID-19 disinfectant list
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released an expanded list of EPA-registered disinfectant products that have qualified for use against SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. The new expanded list adds nearly 200 products. This includes 40 new products that passed through the agency’s expedited review process. Source: PORK, March 16, 2020. Link. To … [Read more...]
Understand how to manage employee safety
Wondering how to manage employee safety and sick leave during the coronavirus pandemic? You should. Employers are obligated to protect their workers from communicable diseases and should follow the CDC's recommendations, including: Encouraging employees with respiratory illness to stay home Be prepared to separate sick employees Routinely clean frequently touched … [Read more...]