Call it the heaves, inflammatory airway disease or recurrent airway obstruction, equine asthma occurs when horses are hypersensitive to dust and mold in their environment. A two-fold approach with medication and environmental management is the best way to reduce the effects of equine asthma, according to Rachelle Thompson, DVM, DACVIM. Source: Paulick Report, February 18, … [Read more...]
Ticks are a concern in cats, too
Commentary After a jaunt in my suburban backyard I noted a deer tick on my sock. While checking for additional ticks on me and the dog, a neighborhood free-range cat jumped the fence in search of a field mouse, mole or songbird before Lil Buddy gave chase. The backyard incident was a stark reminder of the importance of year-round preventatives and my clothes as a … [Read more...]
Livestock producers concerned about diseases, uncertain about level of threat
Commentary Iowa is a top U.S. producer of red meat and eggs. The information here is likely representative of many livestock producers in the U.S. For veterinary teams and animal health pros serving owners of any herd or flock size, the research results are informative, concerning and actionable. We must dedicate ourselves to improving producer education on diseases and risk … [Read more...]
USDA develops resource to help veterinary professionals recognize, respond to screwworm
Veterinarians and veterinary technicians are important in recognizing New World screwworm should an invasion of Cochliomyia hominivorax, the New World screwworm fly, occur. To help in these efforts, the USDA National Veterinary Accreditation Program has developed the training module, Module 41: New World Screwworm: A 21st Century Perspective. It goes over signs of NWS, its life … [Read more...]
H5N1 in North America: implications for small animal veterinarians
The spillover of H5N1 from wild birds and poultry to dairy cattle, cats and more raises new questions about virus evolution and its implications for veterinary medicine. J. Scott Weese, DVM, DVSc, DACVIM, FCAHS, shares an overview of the disease, cross-species infection potential, viral mutation, risk mitigation and symptoms. Staying informed, practicing good biosecurity, and … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – April 17, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, April 10, 2024. Link. Most read posts from April 10, 2025 AHD Bulletin – Don’t assume, check to be sure. Link. ‘Treat Me Like a Dog’ campaign seeks to close the cat treat gap. Link. Factors affecting early pregnancy loss in cattle. Link. Mismatched background music affects employees. Link. … [Read more...]
Improving productivity key to reducing antibiotic use in livestock
Commentary Seeing research and projections like these are important in managing the effects of livestock production practices domestically and globally. The information in this article is likely to elicit a “well duh” response from many animal health professionals. Regardless of species or country, improving adherence to best practices requires continual education and … [Read more...]
Participation in industry surveys critical to hog industry decisions, support
Response rates on hog inventory surveys keep falling, writes Lee Schulz, noting that only 63 percent of pork producers surveyed for the March 2025 report responded. Asserting the importance of reporting data, he shares how the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service collects and shares industry metrics. To get reliable, representative data, NASS needs to survey and … [Read more...]
Pain in dairy cattle: a narrative review
Commentary This narrative review looks at the need for pain control, industry practices and stakeholder expectations and opportunities. It gives veterinary teams insight into how pain is being addressed in multiple dairy operations and possible ways to overcome barriers dairy producers may assert when recommending pain management protocols. From the summary Proper pain … [Read more...]
Tracking the track: The impact of different grazing strategies on managing equine obesity
Research findings suggest that track grazing systems prove useful in effective equine bodyweight management in vulnerable horses. Horses susceptible to bodyweight gain or with metabolic issues lost significantly more bodyweight in the track grazing systems than similar horses kept on traditional restricted grazing systems. There were no significant changes to their behavior, … [Read more...]
Farrier’s spring hoof care e-guide now available
The 2025 American Farriers Journal's Spring Hoof Care e-Guide offers education for farriers and animal health pros to support wellness with equine clients. These areas are covered: Prevent and treat thrush with proper trimming and hygiene. Recognize the signs of white line disease and take corrective action. Adapt hoof-care routines to combat moisture-related … [Read more...]
Life-size dairy cow model helps students learn birthing, milking other tasks
Birtha and Decalf are among the latest additions to Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine and are helping show students how to deliver calves, tend udders and ensure calves get milk. Taika von Konigslow, assistant professor, creates multiple scenarios of calf delivery and udder challenges so students can learn before practicing on live bovines.. Source: … [Read more...]
Free, 30-day pet parasite forecasts boost local value of CAPC’s forecasting service
Commentary Veterinary teams and pet owners can now be alerted to local parasite disease threats at no charge using CAPC’s monthly pet parasite forecast maps <Link>. These alerts provide excellent reasons to communicate timely parasite prevalence and associated risks with clients and local media. The Companion Animal Parasite Council just released its 2025 Pet … [Read more...]
Licensing deal, angel investment to drive innovation in ag technology
AgBoost, a leading provider of data-driven solutions for cattle producers, proudly announces the successful closing of a $500,000 investment round and the signing of a strategic licensing agreement with MedIrAlis, an animal health company in Australia. This step accelerates AgBoost’s mission to empower ranchers with cutting-edge technology to optimize genomic data for breeding, … [Read more...]
Factors affecting early pregnancy loss in cattle
This article references a review that highlights factors contributing to pregnancy loss and the rapidly evolving methods used to predict pregnancy failure. Bob Larson, DVM, and Brad White, DVM, review the study compiled by researchers at Texas A&M University. In what seems a bit like Murphy’s Law, the veterinarians say early pregnancy loss is due to issues with the … [Read more...]
Setting up beef-on dairy-calves up for success
The first few days are make-or-break for setting up beef-on-dairy calves for success, shares Gail Carpenter, DVM, PhD. She offers five key priorities so farmers can give their calves the best start possible, making sure they stay healthy and strong for their next chapter of life: Breed for the right calves Prioritize maternity management Ensure proper colostrum … [Read more...]
Habitat a priority in saving honey bees but there’s more species to consider
As seasonal plants arrive in local garden and hardware stores, consider the opportunity to support pollinators. Beyond honey bees, there are more than 4,000 species of bees in the U.S that help pollinate flowers, plants and crops. As few as three or four pots of the right plants can attract bees and butterflies on city streets, balconies and decks. We’re sharing three … [Read more...]
How to make an outdoor cat an indoor cat
Last week we offered an article on the pros and cons of allowing indoor cats to experience the outdoors <Link>. In the article here, LeeAnna Buis, CFTBS, FFCP, offers ways to help an outdoor cat transition indoors. She emphasizes it will take planning, consistent effort and time. Source: Preventive Vet, November 11, 2024. Link. Use a gradual process, slowly keeping … [Read more...]
Rendering important in today’s pet food supply chain
The research arm of North American Renderers Association, in partnership with IFEEDER, AFIA and the Pet Food Institute, released new research highlighting the essential use rendered ingredients have in pet food. In 2024, the U.S. pet food industry reached $51.7 billion in sales and produced 9.8 million tons of pet food. More than 600 safe, nutritious ingredients included over 4 … [Read more...]
Protein, not fur, causes allergies to cats
While cats produce at least eight allergens, it is Fel d 1 protein studies have shown to be the leading cat allergen. Fel d 1 is produced in cat saliva and skin glands and sticks to clothing and other surfaces. It can also remain airborne for long periods of time, making it easy to inhale. Source: AVMA Smartbrief, The Conversation, April 7, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Leave BUT out of communications
One word that often sneaks into our sentences and quietly undermines our intentions is “but,” writes Steve Keating. When used, the conjunction causes people to focus on what follows “but” because it signals contrast or contradiction. They ignore the first portion of the sentence. The brain latches onto the exception, not the rule. Swap out the “buts. “ Try different … [Read more...]
Recruitment expert shares when last-minute interview prep helps (and when it hurts)
Senior recruitment consultant Julia Yurchak says that despite the clear advantages of early preparation there are specific situations where strategic last-minute prep can benefit candidates. Source: Keller Executive Search. Link. The most successful candidates strike a balance between thorough advance preparation and strategic last-minute review.” … [Read more...]
Don’t assume, check to be sure
Every communication in your practice tells your story. Is that how you want your practice to be perceived? If you don’t share your story, people will fill in the gaps with assumptions that may not be accurate, writes René Rodriguez. He shares tips that can help you and your team create a better picture. Source: René Rodriguez, LinkedIn, March 13, 2025. Link. By refining … [Read more...]
National Pet Day is April 11th
Founded in 2006, National Pet Day is one of many designated days to celebrate the human-animal bond. The website’s content shares a plethora of pet statistics animal health pros will find interesting including: 22 percent of Americans are attracted to people whose pet is treated like family 94 percent of families with an autistic child benefit from having a pet 44 … [Read more...]
Handling the existing and looming threats of feral swine
Called wild, feral, pigs, boars, swine or hogs, these adaptable animals are an invasive species steadily encroaching into more than 35 U.S. states and several Canadian provinces writes Bruce Derksen. Wild pigs cause direct physical damage to pastures, forage fields, fences and crops and like deer are a direct competitor in pasture-based livestock management … [Read more...]
Stockmanship and Stewardship events dates set for 2025
We’ve often asserted that events like these are excellent opportunities for veterinarians to attend with their producer clients. The dates are set for the regional Stockmanship and Stewardship events beginning in Watertown, South Dakota June 26-28. Stockmanship and Stewardship is a unique two-day educational experience featuring low-stress cattle handling demonstrations, … [Read more...]
CSU avian influenza expert discusses how H5N1 affects wild and domestic animals
Understanding how the current H5N1 virus is affecting wild and domestic animals is a mission of the Colorado State University’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. The VDL runs as many as 600 samples on a busy day, including a growing number from cats. The VDL has detected outbreaks in commercial poultry and backyard poultry flocks, dairy cattle, domestic pet cats, wild birds and … [Read more...]
Orthobiologics in an equine veterinarian’s day-to-day practice
Orthobiologics are becoming more mainstream in everyday practices with PRP and stem cell therapies being among the more recognizable <Link>. Orthobiologic treatments still require repetition and experience, especially given the variability of individual animals. Stephanie Ruff shares orthobiologic information from a January 2025 seminar in this article. We noted the … [Read more...]
Should indoor cats experience the outdoors? 20 pros and cons
Edie Williams provides excellent contrasts between indoor and outdoor access decisions cat owners face. Risk mitigation is well-represented in her article which is a good resource to share, especially with first-time cat owners. Source: Cats Chef, March 11, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Earn CE online: A Guide to Proper Hoof Function and Form
Horse health begins where the hoof meets the ground. Certified Master Hoof Care Professional Steve Hebrock, MSC, will explore equine hoof function and form in this online CE course. The curriculum includes: Differences between biologically normal and common, typical hoof form Functions of the foot, the characteristics of a properly balanced foot and the optimal hoof … [Read more...]