Developed as an epidemiological database to track PRRS outbreaks in breeding herds, the PRRS Outbreak Management Program delivers evaluations of various management practices. Advantages are indicated when batch farrowing, combining live virus inoculation and MLV and barn depopulation between farrowing groups. The POMP database has approximately 447 herd outbreaks from more than … [Read more...]
AAFCO and FDA to end longstanding MOU signaling shift in animal feed regulation
The 17-year memorandum of understanding to provide standardization to the animal food industry is ending. It allows AAFCO to look at new and innovative solutions in the ingredient space, and to seek out additional partners that can provide strong, science-based guidance to our state officials. Meanwhile, the FDA is evaluating its animal food ingredient review authorities and … [Read more...]
Largest cattle feedlot in Nebraska to begin taking feeders later this month
Blackshirt Feeders is almost ready to take feeder cattle and meet the scrutiny head-on. Promoted as a “beyond a state-of-the-art” feedlot, it is anchored with a rolled, compacted concrete base to reduce odors and flies. It is designed to be easier to clean and eventually allow the tons of manure to be used by biodigesters to produce methane. Developers were required to retire … [Read more...]
Webinar tonight – Updated EID tag requirements for disease traceability
In April 2024, USDA-APHIS issued a final rule updating its existing 2013 regulations on animal disease traceability. The updated rule will take effect on November 5, 2024. This update now requires ear tags to be used as official animal identification for the interstate movement of covered classes of cattle to be both visually and electronically readable. Webinar information: … [Read more...]
Overcoming transit stress in feedlot cattle
Calves transported long distances can exhibit muscle fatigue and oxidative stress, an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants that can ultimately cause cell and tissue damage, shares Stephanie Hansen, PhD. Her Iowa State University research team is investigating the role of trace minerals and vitamins in cattle health and welfare during long-haul transit. Vitamin C and … [Read more...]
Detecting and mitigating stray voltage
The need to stay grounded takes on a different meaning in the two articles shared here. Stray voltage is a hidden risk to production and safety in production settings. Testing for stray voltage is crucial to protecting the herd and livelihoods: Stray voltage can severely affect livestock, resulting in stress, reduced milk production, and higher illness incidents. Causes … [Read more...]
Disease alarms could be identified 4 weeks earlier than first official PEDV diagnosis
Routine monitoring for shifts in laboratory test results can reveal trends in pathogen activity, seasonality and provide evidence of pathogen emergence, according to a study from the Swine Health Information Center. Study scientists from six veterinary diagnostic labs evaluated different surveillance models to predict novel enteric coronavirus emergence. Early detection of … [Read more...]
Bird flu pushing egg prices higher
Reading this article, animal health pros might conclude the growth in backyard poultry production will continue. HPAI has reduced egg supplies that are now less robust than normal. Meanwhile, domestic sales and exports have jumped to levels not seen since the pandemic. Source: Agricultural Dive, September 3, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
What influences dappling in horses?
The child’s question was innocent, “Why does that horse have spots?” The answer requires some digging beyond genetics. Janet Jones, PhD, discusses dappling as partly genetic but adds some horses develop them with good health and nutrition. Sources: Dapples! Horse Network, August 21, 2024. Link. Jones also talks about growth in horses beyond 4 years of age. The … [Read more...]
Do cats need fresh air?
All cats can benefit from a little fresh air. This article shares tips on safely getting cats the benefits from fresh air and outdoor environments. Source: Catster, July 2, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
The prevalence and diagnosis of feline heartworm infection
It is estimated that feline heartworm infection prevalence is five percent to 20 percent of the canine infection prevalence in the same area. The authors review the challenges of diagnosing feline heartworm infections, the differences in life cycle and clinical aspects of feline heartworm infection versus dog heartworm infection. Source: Today’s Veterinary Practice, … [Read more...]
Heartworm fact sheet urges pet owners to Think 12
A convenient fact sheet from the American Heartworm Society urges pet owners to test annually for heartworm and commit to year-round heartworm prevention. The document is suitable for social media and newsletters. Heartworm preventative compliance remains challenging and requires routine reinforcement of the reasons and benefits. Source: Think 12, American Heartworm Society. … [Read more...]
Advocacy helps pet owners discover benefits of choosing pet health insurance (Part 5)
Sponsored Content This series on how veterinary teams position and share the benefits of pet insurance has been well received. In this edition, Roberta Jaime shares how pet insurance is integrated into discussions with pet owners at Aloha Veterinary Hospital. Our doctor takes it further by writing recommendations directly onto the ASPCA Pet Insurance pamphlets during … [Read more...]
Job security driving trends in vocational schooling
Commentary More Americans are building trade skills to take jobs where there is a shortage of skilled labor. This trend bodes well for veterinary technicians, pet care services workers, groomers and livestock workers. The key will be to support continuing education and certifications from accredited veterinary technology programs and from groups like AKC, IBPSA, NCBA, PACCC … [Read more...]
What happens to water left sitting out
This article by Christina Manian, RDN, is worth reading for personal reasons and relates to water quality for animals. Fresh, clean water is foundational to animal health and often overlooked by animal owners <Link>. When water is left sitting out, uncovered for eight or more hours, the carbon dioxide in the air starts to mix with it. This chemical reaction will result … [Read more...]
Insights on how avian flu crosses the species barrier
A new study from the Cusack group at EMBL Grenoble and published in the journal Nature Communications, sheds light on the different mutations that the avian influenza virus can undergo to be able to replicate in mammalian cells. Significant biological differences between birds and mammals normally prevent avian influenza from spreading from birds to other species. To infect … [Read more...]
Wildlife decision tree helps clinic staff deal with wildlife properly
As humans encroach on wildlife habitats, the likelihood of human and wild animal interactions, planned or not, continues to increase. The AVMA resources shared here provide veterinary clinic teams with a unified approach, including the importance of safety. Be sure to view the decision tree algorithm and fill in local contact information as shown <Link>. The form is … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – August 29, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, August 22, 2024. Link. Most read posts from the August 22nd AHD Bulletin – The top 3 skills you need to succeed in an AI-driven world. Link. Seek to understand workflows before you pivot. Link. PRRS-resistant pigs - producer urges caution, transparency. Link. Logic, emotion affect decisions. Link. … [Read more...]
$7 million federal grant to fund K-State’s Biomanufacturing Core and Training Facility
Good news in the KC Animal Health Corridor! The newly funded building in Manhattan, Kansas is one of four the university plans to construct as part of its biomanufacturing training and education initiative. K-State officials said the Biomanufacturing Core and Training Facility will improve the university’s ability to perform cutting-edge research, as well as workforce … [Read more...]
Questions for beef producers planning to expand
Sometimes our roles as animal health pros involve helping customers and clients think through future decisions. With beef cattle prices surging against lower inventories, Wesley Tucker shares eight questions producers should consider before planning a beef herd expansion. Available land, interest and labor costs along with carrying capacity are important considerations as … [Read more...]
Beware of these common vaccine mistakes
The Beef Checkoff-funded Beef Quality Assurance program includes guidelines on vaccination with best practices on mixing and drawing up vaccines, product handling and storage, and choosing correct syringe and needle sizes. The guidelines are reviewed rigorously and are updated using current scientific recommendations. Julia Herman, DVM, MS, asserts the importance of record … [Read more...]
Need birdshot? Call your packer.
Going bird hunting? Skip Walmart and get ammo at your major beef packer. You’ll have a 100 percent chance of finding birdshot or buckshot there. It may not be loaded into shells, but you can pick it out of the fat layer and muscle of a carcass. Birdshot and buckshot have been found in beef carcasses since the National Beef Quality Audit started in the 1990s. It is STILL A … [Read more...]
Renting dairy cow uteruses, a possible new frontier for beef cattle show stock breeders
Proving that livestock producers are forward thinkers, Maureen Hanson shares an embryo surrogacy project that may help develop more revenue for a dairy and provide a dam for beef embryos sitting in tanks. Source: Drovers, August 9, 2024. Link. INSIGHTS: We noted a number of potential benefits from this collaboration, including synchronization of many cows together, … [Read more...]
Reinforce the importance fall equine vaccinations, wellness checks
Commentary, Commercial Content In a recent survey of horse owners, Boehringer-Ingelheim found 92 percent of them said boosting vaccinations was important . . . BUT, only 55 percent followed through to administer the boosters. Labor Day weekend is a favorite time for horse owners to get out with their favorite mounts. Equine practices have an opportunity in the coming … [Read more...]
West Nile Virus now a permanent U.S. resident
Until late summer 1999, few American horse owners had heard of West Nile virus. The story of how it was found, spread, monitored and prevented is worth reviewing. Stacey Oke, DVM, MSc, writes the 25-year story of WNV in the U.S. in the feature linked here. Understanding the history informs our current situation as CDC data indicates 48 states and the District of Columbia … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – August 22, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, August 15, 2024. Link. Most read posts from the August 15th AHD Bulletin – Immunity, more than just giving a shot, let’s review. Link. Personal transformation through leadership. Link. The most expensive pets to own; annual and lifetime costs ranked. Link. TikTok 2024 Shopping Trends: “Bending … [Read more...]
Addison named to the Missouri Veterinary Medical Foundation’s Honor Roll
Veterinary microbiologist and founder and president of Addison Biological Laboratory, Bruce Addison, is only the second non-veterinarian to earn the prestigious place on the Missouri Veterinary Medical Foundation’s Honor Roll. Source: The Fayette Advisor, August 13, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Turkey, egg and dairy groups call for new approach to avian flu
Fall bird migrations <Link> have begun and producers are looking for answers to protect their animals from HPAI. They believe an effective vaccine is necessary to protect food supplies and public health. The report here quotes a USDA official who says the agency is leaving “no stone unturned in the fight against H5N1.” The spokesperson shares concerns about the … [Read more...]
Climate-neutral farming is possible
“Reducing methane reduces warming,” shares Frank Mitloehner, PhD, who sits down with Elanco’s Jeff Simmons to discuss trust, cows, milk and the climate. The interview covers the complex relationship between livestock and climate change and the importance of finding solutions to reduce global emissions. Elanco recently introduced Bovear®, a first-in-class methane-reducing … [Read more...]
As PRRS-resistant pigs are introduced, producer urges caution, transparency
Iowa pork producer Mike Paustian, PhD, wants to avoid potential fallout that has accompanied other genetically modified pig introductions. He says the need to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and how to effectively implement this advancement within the pork industry is paramount before asking consumers to accept it. Only then can the industry help them understand how … [Read more...]