Animal health pros must be regularly reminded that not all disinfectants are created equal. The AASV study of disinfectant effect on Senecavirus A is stark reminder of the variances in disinfectant efficacies. Source: Pork Network, March 20, 2017. Household bleach, a phenolic disinfectant, and a quaternary ammonium-aldehyde disinfectant were tested at manufacturer’s … [Read more...]
Chick time
Springtime means chick time, and it’s one of Kassie Kreissler’s favorite times of the year. Local farm and feed stores are getting prepared for the many chirps that are chick days. Kassie reminds us that taking chicks home requires some preparation. Here are a few of many things to consider: Vaccinations Housing Feed Grit Water Heat Space … [Read more...]
The reasons why dogs fight with cats
Not all dogs and cats have to get along with each other to live happy lives, but it is important to know which dogs can live with cats and which ones can’t. This is especially critical for shelters seeking homes for dogs, because nobody wants to adopt a dog who will terrorize their cat. Source: The Bark, April 1, 2017. A recent study has increased what we know about which … [Read more...]
Top priority, keep dogs’ nails short and sweet
It seems like nobody likes to trim dog nails. Not pet owners, not the dog, nor anyone else, including vet techs and groomers). But for the health of all dogs, it must be done frequently enough to keep dogs’ nails short. Consider this article for websites, blogs, social media posts or a spring newsletter. Source: Whole Dog Journal, April 2, 2017. When nails are so long … [Read more...]
April is stress awareness month
There is a calendar event for almost everything these days. For 25 years, April has been stress awareness month. Industries such as animal health have become aware of stress in the last two years or more. Fueled by the loss of colleagues and friends, animal health pros are working hard to make changes in how we work, our expectations, physical limits and to provide resources to … [Read more...]
Big news from the 2017 AAHA conference
Michael Cavanaugh, DVM, DABVP (Emeritus), AAHA chief executive officer, took the stage in Nashville loaded for change. “Our accreditation program is our foundation — the AAHA board of directors and staff are laser-focused on our strategic priorities, all of which revolve around accreditation,” said Cavanaugh. “The membership change and the change in our conference model … [Read more...]
Make time for strategic thinking every day
No matter what your level, strategic thinking is a critical skill. It can always be improved. To hone your capacity to see the big picture, start by making sure you have a solid understanding of the industry and business drivers. Be proactive about connecting with peers in your organization and in your industry to understand their observations of the marketplace, and share … [Read more...]
HR changes to watch for in 2017
Katherine Dobbs, LVT, CVPM, PHR, says paying attention to these regulations would be wise as employment laws get reviewed by the new administration: Fiduciary rule CEO pay ratio Affordable Care Act Overtime rule Pay equity Parental leave Predictable scheduling Source: Clinician’s Brief, March 2017. Employment law has never been easy to keep up with, … [Read more...]
Grain-free pet foods: fact or fiction?
Many pet owners believe grain-free diets are better for their pets because they assume they are more natural, carbohydrate-free and less likely to result in health problems. This is not the case. No credible evidence has been found showing grain-free diets are better for pets, nor do any nutritional foundations support this claim. Source: Clinician’s Brief, March 2017. Pet … [Read more...]
3 parasites that can infect chickens
Amy Murillo, Ph.D., with the University of California, identifies three ectoparasites to look for in flocks. She also shares her expertise for controlling parasite populations: Northern fowl mites Lice Sticktight fleas Source: Chickens, March 3, 2017. Cleanliness and biosecurity are the first lines of defense against parasites in flocks. Clean the chicken house … [Read more...]
The quirks of working with goats and sheep
Goats live on about 128,000 farms in the United States, according to the 2012 Census of Agriculture, with a population of about 2.6 million. Sheep are on fewer farms, 88,000 with a population of about 5.4 million. Veterinarians in small ruminant practices also tend to llamas, alpacas, deer, elk who live on thousands of farms. Source: JAVMA, April 2017. Veterinarians who … [Read more...]
There are diets for pets at each life stage
Nutrient needs of dogs and cats change with age, so veterinarians should consult established guidelines and give clients clear direction to help them select the appropriate pet food at each life stage. Deborah E. Linder, DVM, DACVN, shares the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) guidelines and considerations at various ages. Source: Clinician’s Brief, … [Read more...]
South Korean dog meat farm closed down (warning: disturbing images)
Humane Society International estimates that around 17,000 dog meat farms operate in South Korea, rearing a total of 2.5 million dogs for human consumption every year. Rescuers share the story of 55 dogs recently saved from a meat farm outside Seoul. Source: Dogs Today, March 21, 2017. The conditions, deprivation and layout of this completely indoor facility was unusual and … [Read more...]
How fed cattle qualify for the Certified Angus Beef brand
Angus brands dominate the beef market today with two-thirds of more than 140 USDA-certified brands. Where did it all start and what does it take to qualify? Mark McCully, Certified Angus Beef LLC vice president, shares the history and real story of CAB. Counting the total area of black spots on Holsteins is not allowed. Source: Beef March 23, 2017. Predominantly solid black … [Read more...]
Feline microbiome prompts poop sampling
The title reads, “Scientists Really Want You to Send Them Your Cat’s Poop.” What? A team of researchers is trying to make your cat just a little less inscrutable — by studying its poop. The science project is called Kittybiome. Source: Science of US, March 24, 2017. Kittybiome researchers are “applying the techniques refined in humans to understand more about the cats and … [Read more...]
Drug residues in milk at 20-year low
It is likely you won’t see these data reported in mainstream media. But, as animal health pros, we can smile about how much effort keeps our milk supply healthy and drug-free. Source: The Dairy Site, March 21, 2017. Just 350 tankers out of more 3.5 million loads of milk tested positive for drug residues in fiscal year 2016, ending 30 September, according to the National … [Read more...]
Dog harness review is helpful
Using a harness for a dog instead of a collar has huge benefits. Finding the best adult dog or puppy harness can be a daunting task. This review of harnesses does all of the work of finding a quality harness. Source: Whole Dog Journal, April 2017. For dogs who pull on leash, WDJ strongly prefers harnesses over choke chains, prong collars, shock collars, and even flat … [Read more...]
10 tips to help horses live naturally
Casie Bazay is realistic about the natural craze, but offers some examples where natural really makes sense. She reminds us our domesticated horses will never live completely natural lives, but we can adjust to allow them to live more as nature intended. Source: Horse Channel, March 24, 2017. Here are Bazay’s 10 natural horse care tips to benefit every horse: Allow … [Read more...]
Consider the consequences of action or inaction
We don’t resist change. We resist the fear of failure which is one of the two consequences of change. A change will either succeed or fail. No one is resistant to success, so our fear is failure. That fear sometimes prevents us from acting, which has its own set of consequences. Source: Vet Advantage, March 2017. Negative or positive consequences are great motivators in … [Read more...]
Kim Allen, 35 years and still smiling
Kim Allen was introduced to me for the first time more than 20 years ago. Her demeanor was friendly, focused and it was apparent she was destined to be a leader in our industry. Today, Allen is keenly aware of helping the next generation of female executives within the industry. She is optimistic about a newly formed organization called Women in Leadership and Management in … [Read more...]
Top-selling dog foods, treats make up big bite of Amazon sales
Pet food made up approximately 35 percent of Amazon’s $2 billion in U.S. pet product sales in 2016. Here are the top 5 selling products and SKUs: Taste of the Wild dry dog food - High Prairie Canine Formula with Roasted Bison and Venison Taste of the Wild - Pacific Stream Canine Formula with Smoked Salmon Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free dry dog food - Original … [Read more...]
Wallace talks KC and the KC Animal Health Corridor
Craig Wallace, CEO, Ceva, U.S. Holdings, Inc. recently talked about the value of the Kansas City area to life sciences, especially animal health companies. As 2017 chairman of the KC Animal Health Corridor, Wallace invites animal health pros and investors to attend Global Animal Health Week in Kansas City, August 28-29. Source: KC Animal Health Corridor, March 3, … [Read more...]
Does America have enough dogs for everyone who wants one?
Research funded by the Pet Leadership Council sought to establish data on the number of pet dogs Americans want each year and the sources available to fill that demand. Estimates from advocacy groups whose “adopt, don’t shop” campaigns urge consumers to shun breeders and pet stores and get dogs from shelters and rescue groups may have skewed data to support local law changes … [Read more...]
Editorial – Resist setting goals you don’t care about
Animal Health Digest was born out of my desire to serve the industry that has been my career home for more than 30 years. Frustrated that I never seemed to have enough time to read what was being published on animal health topics spawned this idea nearly two decades ago. Ms. Saunders explains why my passion to read for an industry gave birth to a key focus are that aligned with … [Read more...]
Middle management is so exhausting
People are fascinated with the dynamics of power in organizations. They often focus on top leaders or how to deal with and motivate the more powerless workers. The reality is that most employees possess a middling amount of power and must repeatedly alternate between interacting with higher- and lower-power colleagues. The experiences discussed in this article are prominent … [Read more...]
Avoid pitfalls with email campaigns
Despite increasing use of social media and texting, email marketing is still effective to reach prospective and existing customers. To ensure your emails do not end up in the trash, avoid these 14 email marketing mistakes. Source: CIO, December 14, 2017. Email marketers and small business owners share their tips on how to decrease the likelihood of your emails being … [Read more...]
There is no replacement for direct interaction
One of the primary reasons to get teams together has to do with the hardwiring of the human brain. Yes, our technology is constantly improving, which allows for more virtual meetings and geographically diverse teams. But, “building trust is a multisensory experience,” says Valérie Berset-Price. “Only when people are physically present together can they use all of their senses” … [Read more...]
Top 5 diseases of domestic ferrets
Ferrets are playful, curious and relatively docile — characteristics that have made them popular as pets. Because of their curious nature, unique biology and increased lifespan due to improved care, ferrets are prone to diseases that can be debilitating. Source: Clinician’s Brief, February 2017. Ferrets are likely to encounter one or more of these clinical problems in their … [Read more...]
Bugs chickens love and hate
Insects are everywhere! Learn which flyers and creepers keep chickens happy, and which to watch out for. The information provided will help backyard chicken raisers better understand what to do and not to do when it comes to bugs. Source: Hobby Farms, March 15, 2017. When it comes to chickens, flies are a double-edged sword. On the positive side, chickens love to eat flies … [Read more...]
Universal canine vaccination eliminates human exposure to rabies
MSD Animal Health/Merck Animal Health has announced the publication of a new study in the journal Vaccine. It demonstrates that universal canine vaccination is an effective public health policy for eliminating human rabies exposure. The study reviewed examples of a successful One Health collaborative strategy that focused on elimination of canine rabies as the most expedient … [Read more...]