Researchers from the University of Minnesota have been testing whether wearable tech — like a Fitbit, but for cows — can help farmers make smarter decisions about when to treat animals and, just as importantly, when not to. One of the biggest takeaways from the research is how to define a truly “healthy” cow in all the various settings cows can be tracked and … [Read more...]
Inflatable tube man as bird deterrent
Includes Commercial Content We noticed the comments about the inflatable tube men in the National Hog Farmer article here. We later found found additional information about using inflatable tube dancers to help control birds and deer from LookOurWay. The erratic movement of inflatable tube men gives birds and other pests no chance to adapt. Sources: Migratory birds … [Read more...]
World Milk Day is Sunday, June 1st
World Milk Day is a movement that highlights milk as a vital, accessible food source that nourishes billions. With economic conditions front-of-mind, it’s good news that recent studies show that the inclusion of animal-source foods like dairy can limit the cost of the total diet while providing essential nutrients necessary for good health. Let’s raise a glass of milk for … [Read more...]
New World screwworm fact sheet from Texas A&M
Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service experts have released an updated fact sheet publication about the New World screwworm to provide livestock producers with key information about prevention, infestation and reporting of infestations. NOTE: Missouri screwworm report false, BEEF, May 27, 2025. Link. The USDA said the May 27th news … [Read more...]
Vent gleet in chickens
Cloacitis, commonly referred to as vent gleet may also be called pasting or nasty chicken butt. Regardless it is the inflammation of the chicken's cloaca. Vent gleet isn't a specific disease but more of a gastrointestinal condition that can be caused by a number of different reasons, including many types of organisms such as fungi, protozoa, parasites, yeast, and bacteria. … [Read more...]
7 biosecurity tips horse owners must know
North Dakota State University Extension and University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension specialists share the seven priority areas for biosecurity in this article. Whether a large or small equine operation the use of common-sense biosecurity and biocontainment practices helps minimize health risks. Source: Dakota Farmer, May 21, 2025. Link. Many horse owners overlook basic … [Read more...]
Add H5N1 to clinic differentials for sick pet birds
The current HPAI H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b strain is now the most widespread HPAI outbreak on record, affecting millions of animals worldwide. The virus has created the most problems with poultry but is now recognized as relevant in wild birds, mammals, cattle, domestic cats and pet and aviary birds. Terra Kelly, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACZM, and Carrie McNeil, DVM, MPH, provide guidance … [Read more...]
Orkin reveals the country’s top spots for mosquitoes
Orkin recently published its annual report, ranking U.S. cities by the number of mosquito-related service requests from April 2024 through March 2025. According to Orkin’s 2025 Top 50 Mosquito Cities List, some areas of the U.S. will experience more of these pesky insects than others this summer. Los Angeles is the top spot for the fourth year in a row and statewide, … [Read more...]
20 common household items that are poisonous to dogs
As school ends and summer activities ramp up, it is easy for people in pet households to unintentionally leave something poisonous where dogs can reach it. The list shared in this article is a good reminder for all and reinforces the messages from Pet Poison Prevention Awareness Month last March. Consider it for social media posts or newsletters and be sure to share pet poison … [Read more...]
Reminder: Beware of possible harmful algae bloom
As families seek recreation near water and the edges of ponds fill with that green slime, it’s a good time to revisit safety measures to avoid harmful algae. Harmful algae are found in both freshwater and marine environments. They are caused by a variety of toxin-producing microalgae, including prokaryotic blue-green algae (also known as cyanobacteria) and eukaryotic … [Read more...]
Alpha-Gal Syndrome story: How researchers traced a red-meat allergy to Lone Star ticks
The range expansion of the Lone Star tick has been reported redundantly. Focused on our pets, we don’t always associate the Lone Star tick as a culprit that causes red meat allergies in humans. Danielle Gerhard, PhD, tells the story of how scientists discovered the Lone Star tick as the culprit causing Alpha-Gal Syndrome. This is an interesting read and a topic worthy of … [Read more...]
Why we forget and how to fight it
Research shows we forget about 50 percent of what we learn within an hour, 75 percent within a day, and up to 90 percent within a week. Described as the forgetting curve, Ruth Gotian EdD, MS, offers some simple and effective strategies to strengthen your retention. She says learning isn’t just about consumption. It’s about repetition, reflection and action. Source: … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 22, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 16, 2025. Link. Most read posts from May 16, 2025 AHD Bulletin - NAPHIA’s 2025 State of the Industry Highlights Report. Link. Dog trainer’s graphic explains dog park risks. Link. A review of respiratory viruses and performance horse health. Link. Let’s review: Foot rot. Link. Medgene … [Read more...]
Memorial Day 2025; lest we forget when and why we celebrate it
May you have a meaningful weekend and Memorial Day! Source: Readers Digest, April 1, 2025. Link. Originally known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day began as a way to honor the fallen soldiers of the Civil War. The first celebration was on May 30, 1868. In 1971, Decoration Day became officially known as Memorial Day, and Congress passed an act declaring it a national holiday … [Read more...]
World Pork Expo® 2025 to open June 4th in Des Moines, Iowa
World Pork Expo remains a premier event for swine producers and the swine industry. The two day event draws more than 10,000 pork producers and ag professionals across the world each year. Nearly 400 companies from North America and around the world will be on-site, displaying products and services at booths, outdoor exhibits and hospitality tents at the 2025 WPX. Promoted by … [Read more...]
Advances in swine housing, health and welfare
New legal requirements, consumers’ opinions, challenging epidemiological conditions and increased pork demand are driving an imminent transition in swine production. New housing conditions and the need for improved welfare are top of mind issues across the industry. Two of the five articles presented in this special issue of Animals investigate finishing pen space and … [Read more...]
Estrous synchronization, not just for doing artificial insemination
One of the main advantages of using synchronization technology is that it provides an extra opportunity for females to be bred during the first 21 days of the breeding season. The authors present opportunities and challenges for producers using synchronization along with natural service including potential improvements to herd cost-to-reward ratios. Source: Drovers, May 19, … [Read more...]
Tick-borne diseases of concern in U.S. horses
You may know and remember that ticks are capable vectors of several equine diseases but do your horse owner clients? Animal health pros can help clients understand the increasing risks from new ticks, regional expansion and disease prevention. Consider this article for newsletters or social media. Adding your own experiences with ticks in your local area while servicing clients … [Read more...]
What are the risks to horse teeth and wellness from wearing a grazing muzzle?
AAEP’s Horse Owner Education Committee shared this information on Facebook. They compare the relatively minimal risks of tooth wear to the potential consequences of not wearing a grazing muzzle, especially in at-risk horses. Source: AAEP, Facebook, May 19, 2025. Link. Also see: Grazing muzzles and weight control, Horse Sport, May 24, 2024. Link. Researchers reported the … [Read more...]
Pets and snake bites: What to do
Memorial Day weekend typically brings an explosion of outside activity on trails, in parks and campgrounds. It is a good time to consider pet safety. Almost anywhere you live in the U.S., at least one venomous snake lives there. Four types of venomous snakes are found in the U.S., including rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths or water moccasins, and coral snakes. Source: … [Read more...]
Top 10 wild animals most likely to attack pet cats
Commentary A recent comment in an AHD post drew feedback. The post said that “community trap-neuter-return programs do a fair job of curtailing cat population growth where man becomes a sort of predator against future kittens.” <Link>. The reader offered the article here to expand on animals considered predators of cats in the U.S. Predator denotes any animal that … [Read more...]
Scenario-based planning for HPAI H5N1 in small animal practice
Whether getting ready for a flood, chemical spill or HPAI H5N1, the steps to ensure readiness are the same and repeated in a cycle. In this timely article, authors share the importance of being prepared with a plan if an animal presents with HPAI. They share two forms for the scenario: HPAI H5N1 Planning Scenario and HPAI H5N1 Planning Form. Source: AAHA Trends, May 16, … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 15, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 8, 2025. Link. Most read posts from May 8, 2025 AHD Bulletin – Three 3 rules of three for successful communications. Link. New survey shows horse owners underestimate disease risks. Link. Your brand. Link. Mental health considerations for cats. Link. Hay, forage outlook for 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Breeding heat-tolerant cattle (video)
When temperatures hit 70oF, cattle begin experiencing heat stress. Dairy farmers breeding heat-tolerant cattle using the Australian Breeding Value are reducing lost milk yield during hot, sticky summer months. The ABV testing has drawn considerable attention worldwide as heat losses are often seen between 25 percent and 40 percent of their herd’s milk yield. Source: Good … [Read more...]
Medgene introduces cryptosporidiosis vaccine for calves
Cryptosporidiosis is caused by the C. parvum protozoa and can result in lethargy and poor growth rates in neonatal ruminants, in addition to long periods of persistent diarrhea. Medgene’s cryptosporidiosis vaccine can be given to cows and heifers prior to calving, providing protection to calves through their colostrum. It is also the only crypto vaccine for cattle in the U.S. … [Read more...]
K-State researchers update African Swine Fever virus stability to cold, heat
A new study from Kansas State University found that the ASF virus was still detectable in samples that were repeatedly frozen and stored at 4 degrees Celsius (39.2 degrees Fahrenheit), thawed and then frozen again. ASF is known to be a particularly tough virus to destroy. Still, the viability may allow for samples of the virus could be frozen and stored or transported over … [Read more...]
USDA closes southern border, NCBA supports decision to halt the New World screwworm
Despite the United States' work to control the New World screwworm, weak governmental participation in Central America allowed the insect to spread north out of Panama. This has been coupled with a lack of timely action by officials in Mexico and now the U.S. cattle herd, other livestock, wildlife, pets and humans are at risk again. Consequently, the USDA has closed the U.S. … [Read more...]
Can oxytocin boost colostrum?
Seeking what might be called the holy grail of dairy production, researchers at Cornell University recently completed a study to evaluate whether supplemental oxytocin at the first milking could improve colostrum volume, quality, or both. They found: First-calf heifers responded favorably to the highest dose of oxytocin Generally, multiparous cows did not show the same … [Read more...]
Let’s review: Foot rot
Foot rot, also known as interdigital necrobacillosis, is an infectious disease that affects the sensitive tissues of the feet in cattle. Foot rot can affect cattle of all ages, with increased incidences during or following wet, muddy and humid conditions. Fusobacterium necrophorum is the primary agent responsible for foot rot. Although a common skin bacterian, F. … [Read more...]
Choosing the best hay for horses
Horse hay has its own set of standards that are exclusive to equine, writes Amber Friedrichsen. She reviews grass types, how to cut the best hay and more. Source: Hay & Forage Grower, May 13, 2025. Link. Regardless of hay type, the best forage for horses must be free of weeds, mold, and dust. Weeds can be unpalatable, toxic, or painful to eat. Also see: Search Results … [Read more...]