It is best to rehydrate sweaty, hardworking horses without delay, but the key is to know how much water to allow at one time. Anthony Blikslager, DVM, PhD, DACVS. recommends offering small amounts, up to a half gallon, every 20 minutes, which allows the water to move through the horse’s system. Source: EQUUS, July 7, 20265. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider sharing this article … [Read more...]
Scientists discover what’s driving record die-offs of U.S. honeybees
Researchers believe a bee virus spread by Varroa mites’ resistance to amitraz is likely a main contributor to startling honeybee losses. Other factors, such as less food in the form of pollen and nectar as monocrop farming proliferates, are also indicated. Many U.S. beekeepers now expect to lose 30 percent of their colonies or more every year. Source: The Guardian, July 8, … [Read more...]
Fly control. Getting the timing right
Drovers’ 2025 Fly Control eBook provides every animal health pro with up-to-date information on controlling these costly buzzing nuisances. Even suburban and city dwellers may find something actionable as they deal with flies in backyards feasting on dog feces or pestering backyard flocks. In the free eBook, leading entomologists and veterinarians share: 4 proven steps … [Read more...]
Dairy industry’s “efficient” calf feeding gospel is flawed logic and costly to future profits
This Bullvine article challenges long-held beliefs about early calf feeding and how changes to the approach in the first 60 days make a significant long-term gain in lifetime revenue. The audio discussion is helpful to understand the various benefits from the article. Modern genetics and strategic nutrition can cut feed costs by $251 per cow.” Source: The Bullvine, July 6, … [Read more...]
3 livestock skin concerns to watch for this summer
Maci Guay reminds us of the importance of monitoring skin conditions in cattle in this article, focusing on the effects the weather has on the cows’ skin. She zeroes in on a) photosensitization, noting the effect of toxic plants, b) rain rot and c) summer sores caused by parasitic worms transmitted by flies. Source: BEEF, July 10, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Rural versus well water: What’s the impact on nursery pig performance?
Pipestone researchers found striking differences between rural and well water when used in pig nurseries. The use of rural water resulted in better health outcomes and more efficient growth. Pigs on rural water showed a 5 percent higher full-value rate and had a mortality rate of just 2.3 percent, compared to a 6 percent mortality rate in the group on well water. Source: … [Read more...]
Mexican Border closed again, New World screwworm comes within 370 miles of the U.S.
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins shut down cattle, bison and equine trade at the U.S. Mexico border due to new northward detection of the New World screwworm in Mexico. Source: Bovine Veterinarian, July 10, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – July 17, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, July 10, 2025. Link. Most read posts from July 10, 2025, AHD Bulletin – Growing your practice. Link. Are Gen-Z workers oversharing in the office? What to do about it. Link. Here are the 40 least obedient dog breeds. Link. Statistics about the horse industry. Link. Texas flash floods add to … [Read more...]
Texas flash floods add to growing disasters list, concerns
Commentary We should appreciate the people working to secure lives and property in Texas following the rampant flooding of the Guadalope River. Opportunists may use events like this to advance agendas on global warming or budget cuts. Instead, we were moved to consider the cumulative effect of disasters and the resulting economic burdens on the individuals and businesses … [Read more...]
2025 World Hereford Conference to convene in Kansas City, MO
The Kansas City Marriott Downtown is the host hotel for the World Hereford Conference, October 22 – 26, 2025. Registration will close on September 1, 2025. This global event will bring together Hereford enthusiasts, breeders and industry leaders from across the world. Source: Hereford Headlines, July 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Staph. aureus increasingly responsible for subclinical mastitis
Justine Britten, PhD, said she is surprised that veterinarians and consultants don’t know that Staphylococcus aureus is present in at least one cow on every dairy during a recent “Have You Herd” podcast <Link>. The bacterium is responsible for subclinical mastitis. Britten recommends a monthly bulk tank culture as the bare minimum a dairy can do to monitor Staph. aureus … [Read more...]
Stop PI calves before they start: 2 key tips
Commentary and Sponsored Content PI calves are animals that become infected with bovine viral diarrhea virus in utero. For more than 40 years, our industry has worked to reduce or eliminate BVDV. Wayne Bechtel’s article shared here is a stark reminder that animal health pros must keep working to educate every producer on the importance of biosecurity and proper … [Read more...]
Day-old calf nonnegotiables
We know colostrum is the key to healthy calves and quality makes a difference. Kimberly Egan and Catherine Thrasher stress the importance of nonnegotiable protocols essential for ensuring effective colostrum handling and for getting calves off to a healthy start. They share their top five non-negotiables in this article: Follow proper cleaning and drying protocols … [Read more...]
Keeping chickens cool in the summer heat
Not all chickens get to swim in the pool like those Debra Nickelson, DVM owns <Link>. In this article from the Backyard Poultry’s archives, Pam Freeman shares the key ways to keep chickens cool, including: Providing shade during the day Allowing chickens out of their coop Increasing access to water including shallow pools Ensuring coops are well … [Read more...]
Horse trailer safety: How hot is too hot?
Air temperature and relative humidity directly impact horses' ability to cool themselves. As a rule of thumb, you can assess a horse's cooling efficiency by adding together the air temperature (°F) and relative humidity (%) according to information from the University of Minnesota Extension: Less than 130: cooling ability is good 130 to 150: cooling ability is reduced … [Read more...]
10 wild cat species found across the United States
As we focus more on improving feline veterinary visits, interest in cats, in general, is increasing. This article shares wild cats we might encounter in the U.S. Three of the 10 are not considered native to the U.S., with two that have likely escaped or been released. Source: CityStateZipcode.com, May 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Poor hiring practices are alienating Gen Z talent
Streamlined, respectful hiring is no longer a nice-to-have. It's essential if companies want to compete for fresh talent, shares Michael Baynes. Every hiring stage is an opportunity to build trust or lose it. Clear job descriptions with salary ranges, human outreach and thoughtful automated updates are no longer luxuries. Source: ebn, June 6, 2025. Link. A vague listing, … [Read more...]
Riding along with the volunteers rescuing pets from the Guadalupe Flood
Hours after the Guadalupe River receded, a brown pit bull named Hulk, whose family and half of their riverside house were swept away by the July 4 flooding, returned to the wreckage of his home. He settled atop a torn-up floorboard, turned up his nose, and sniffed the air. Source: Texas Monthly, July 7, 2025. Link. Kerrville and Austin Pets Alive have rescued many dogs and … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – July 10, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, July 3, 2025. Link. Most read posts from July 3, 2025 AHD Bulletin – WOAH, invest in vaccines to defend against growing disease threats. Link. Redesigned Secure Beef Supply website, new biosecurity resources. Link. 13 plants that gardening experts say repel mosquitoes. Link. New York judge says a … [Read more...]
Dehorning goats: the what and why
Goat horns and dehorning goats are controversial subjects, writes Patrice Lewis. She shares an assessment of the pros and cons of dehorning goats. Source: Goat Journal, March 2022. Link. Base the choice and technique to dehorn or not on ethical considerations, with pain management a strong factor.” – Patrice Lewis … [Read more...]
WOAH urges investment in vaccines as defense against growing disease threats
Commentary Before you say, “well, duh” or “it’s a global issue” or “we diligently promote vaccination,” take a few moments to read this article and skim the World Organization for Animal Health report. You’ll likely find some convincing facts to share the next time you encounter vaccine hesitancy. It warns that infectious diseases are spreading into new territories, placing … [Read more...]
New video series targets foreign animal disease preparedness (video)
A new video series from the University of Vermont covers important topics for farm producers and industry allies about foreign animal disease preparedness and response. The 11 animated videos cover topics that are important for anyone involved in animal agriculture to understand. They combine science-based knowledge about disease spread with practical answers on how to … [Read more...]
Redesigned Secure Beef Supply website offers new biosecurity resources
Users can now easily access more than 100 resources, including enhanced and daily biosecurity tools, at https://www.securebeef.org/. Grants have supported the development of new educational materials, including bilingual handouts (English and Spanish) and engaging training videos. Source: BEEF, June 20, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Rethinking calf transport for better health and growth
The decisions made before, during and after transport can have serious impacts on calf health, growth and long-term productivity, explained David Renaud, DVM, PhD, during a MSU Extension webinar. Sharing study results, he asserts producers should look at transportation as a management tool, not a necessary evil. Renaud’s tips for setting calves up for transport success … [Read more...]
Hey doc, the vaccine didn’t work
For more than 30 years, Chris Chase, DVM, MS, PhD, has talked about the difference between vaccination (administering the vaccine) and immunization (developing an immune response). His explanations in this article emphasize a strategic vaccination plan that considers the animal, not the calendar, is still crystal clear. Source: Progressive Dairy, June 19, 2025. Link. Most … [Read more...]
Dos and donts to reduce the disruptive effects of artificial light on horse health
Exposure to natural light is crucial for maintaining healthy circadian rhythms and overall well-being of horses, shares the author. The article focuses on avoiding artificial light inside and outside to maintain circadian rhythms. Red light is recommended for checking on horses at night as they do not disrupt melatonin production and sleep patterns. Source: EQUUS, May 15, … [Read more...]
No colic, but a mechanic might be required for laminitis
Boasting the combined attributes of a horse, a mountain lion and a motorcycle, the Kawasaki Corleo concept <Link> was unveiled at the Expo 2025 Osaka in Japan. The Corleo is positioned as a revolutionary off-road personal mobility vehicle; a rideable robot propelled by four legs and powered by a hydrogen-fueled engine. If intrigued, be sure to watch the computer-generated … [Read more...]
13 plants that gardening experts say repel mosquitoes
As garden centers close out spring flowering plants to get ready for the fall planting season you may still be able pick up one or two of these plants that help keep mosquitoes away. Locally, marigolds, lavender, citronella and basil are still available. Source: Martha Stewart, April 15, 2025. Link. Image: Link. … [Read more...]
Novel milking speed trait is highly heritable
Commentary While the economics and science are apparent, I can’t help but chuckle at the thought of a discussion about speed milking. The whole topic, albeit valid seems parallel to what makes NASCAR cars winners. The pit stop will be different, though. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, June 23, 2025. Link. Image: Link. … [Read more...]
Texas 7th state to ban lab-grown meat
Texas is now the seventh state to pass legislation to ban lab-grown meat, prohibiting the sale of cell-cultured protein for human consumption in the state. Source: FEEDSTUFFS, June 20, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]