Whether applied to machines or human brains, “multitasking” is a misnomer, writes Richard E. Cytowic, MD, MFA. He debunks the myth that we only use 10 percent of our brain stating, “We do use 100 percent of our brain, just not all of it at the same instant.” He explains the energy requirements of today’s rich social environments, saying that keeping ourselves alert and … [Read more...]
Building talent through delegation
Using a clinic’s professional staff to deploy their full educational training remains an everyday topic in veterinary medicine. Effective delegation is one of the most effective ways to develop the existing talent in your practice and free up your time to (fill in your top priority). The article shares 10 steps for successful delegation. Source: Giant Leap Consulting, … [Read more...]
Survey says unruly customers take a toll on frontline workers
Whether in person or on a call, customer impatience and retaliatory behaviors create difficulties for frontline employees and affect positive customer experiences. A survey by Perceptyx found more than half of public-facing workers have recently encountered customers who were verbally abusive, threatening or otherwise unruly. The report shares how frontline personnel are … [Read more...]
Could we be headed to a ‘manager crash’ in 2025?
Commentary Although sometimes suspect as subtle promotions for consulting groups, articles like this and the data they share are worth considering. The pandemic upset the proverbial apple cart and increased the need for excellent juggling skills at all levels of the animal health business, regardless of staff size and sophistication. A declining number of middle managers did … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – February 6, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, January 30, 2024. Link. Most read posts from January 30, 2025 AHD Bulletin Making the case for clinical obesity vs. obesity in veterinary medicine. Link. Storm clouds on the horizon evident in next generation of students. Link. Leadership advice. Link. Bird flu enters a new phase . . . the … [Read more...]
Study shows thorough cleaning, disinfection protocols reduce livestock trailer contamination
Looking specifically at swine production systems, a study underscores the importance of thorough cleaning and disinfection protocols in enhancing biosecurity in them. The study compared different methods and their effectiveness. The findings suggest routinely cleaning and disinfecting all market haul trailers leaving terminal points of concentration by either of the water-based … [Read more...]
2024 lessons inform pig farmers for 2025 (video)
The past two years have been challenging for U.S. pork producers. Jennifer Shike shares four ways experts behind the State of the Pork Industry Report grew from their experiences in 2024. They discuss their people, consumer choices, improving oversight and preparing for the inevitable ebbs and flows in the markets. Source: PORK, January 29, 2025. Link. [55:34] … [Read more...]
3 things nobody has ever told you about colostrum
There has been a lot of new research published in the past five years about colostrum and its role in the newborn's survival and health, writes Kalyn Waters. Despite cow-calf experiences, she was surprised to learn three new things about colostrum: Timing matters on the cow's side, too, as the chemical composition of colostrum in the udder changes by the hour. Colostrum … [Read more...]
New version of the H5N1 bird flu virus spills into Nevada dairy herds
Known as D1.1, a new version of H5N1 is circulating in wild birds countrywide and causing mass die-offs. It’s different than the one currently circulating in dairy cows and has caused only mild illness in humans and killed scores of domestic and wild cats. It is the latest surprise and reminder that his flu does not behave like a typical flu virus. This new finding suggests … [Read more...]
Lasers deployed to increase farm biosecurity, deter waterfowl
A New Ulm, Minnesota, turkey grower has added lasers to his biosecurity efforts. The laser bird deterrent system aims to scare away migratory birds that have the potential to infect domestic flocks with HPAI. While we see a green laser beam, migratory birds see a predator and they avoid the barn areas. Source: The Farmer, February 4, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
High prevalence of veterinary drugs in birds’ nest materials
A study published in Science of the Total Environment found high levels of veterinary insecticides in the nests of British songbirds and associated it with increased mortality in their offspring. Fipronil, imidacloprid and permethrin were detected in 100 percent, 89.1 percent and 89.1 percent of the nest material samples, respectively. Source: Science Direct, February 10, … [Read more...]
Cornell grad student shares guide to understanding ChatGPT in 5 minutes
Complimentary Content ChatGPT is a tool with seemingly limitless potential, but like any tool, its value depends on how you use it, says Jeremiah Pouncy. He says the best way to unlock the full potential of ChatGPT is through trial and error. Source: Bruce L. Truman, MBA, LinkedIn, February 1, 2025. Link. ChatGPT is about experimenting, learning, and exploring new ways to … [Read more...]
Your comfort zone
The ability to become comfortable in an uncomfortable situation will help when taking a giant leap into the unknown. Source: Giant Leap Consulting, January 6, 2025. Link. When employees face challenges confidently and courageously, a positive outcome is more likely than if they don’t.” INSIGHTS: Coaching to improve confidence and courage is focused on “do this” not “don’t … [Read more...]
Fear Free® launches Emergency & Urgent Care Practice Certification program
Fear Free’s new certification program bridges the gap between routine care and urgent or emergent scenarios, offering veterinary teams the training and resources necessary to implement Fear Free techniques in high-pressure environments. Detailed information about the Emergency & Urgent Care Practice Certification is here <Link> Source: Cision, January 27, 2025. … [Read more...]
6 strategies for navigating a multigenerational healthcare workforce
Jacob Kupietzky outlines strategies for leaders to successfully navigate the dynamics of their multigenerational teams so that all employees can thrive. His strategies apply to veterinary teams as they meet challenges and develop opportunities in animal medicine. Source: Fast Company, January 30, 2025. Link. Leaders who proactively address generational differences while … [Read more...]
Bird flu enters a new phase, meanwhile, the environment cannot be sterilized
The latest data from the CDC and USDA shows the continued devastating effects of bird flu outbreaks across the United States. New York Times writer Apoorva Mandavilli provides a relevant and updated situation analysis in the second article shared here. Not yet a serious human threat, she shares the expanding discoveries in mammalian species, including cats both wild and … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – January 30, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, January 23, 2024. Link. Most read posts from January 23, 2025 AHD Bulletin Managing your stress. Link. Johne’s disease no longer just a dairy disease. Link. 200 weeks and counting . . . the bull run continues. Link. ================================= Wings, turf, pigskin, cheese and more . . . … [Read more...]
Farm Bureau names its 2025 Farm Dog of the Year
Sirius, a 6-year old Maremma sheepdog, was recently named the annual award recipient of annual honor. He and his Florida owners were awarded $5,000, a trophy plate, a year’s supply of dog food and other Purina products. Source: American Farm Bureau, January 26, 2025. Link. Includes video. Photo credit: Big Foot Media, used with permission … [Read more...]
Beyond hooves: The human element in tackling lameness
Lameness remains a persistent challenge, with approximately one in four dairy cows lame at any given time. Laura Solano and Demetrio Bautista Ortiz discuss the importance of cultivating a supportive work environment within the on-farm hoof health team. Skilled on-farm hoof health teams need diverse skills to deploy, given hoof care cases are generally not … [Read more...]
Strategies for liver abscesses in beef-on-dairy cattle
The primary bacterium found in cattle liver abscesses is Fusobacterium necrophorum. Whether it colonizes and flourishes in the animal’s body is a different matter. The authors identify nine management strategies to help reduce the incidence and severity of liver abscesses in beef-on-dairy calves. They discuss husbandry and proper feeding practices, including feeding a … [Read more...]
Recognizing the value of how horses use smell
Mary Ann Simonds knows horses’ noses. In this Facebook reel, she shares how horses use smell and offers some ideas about using aromas to help with horse care and comfort. Source: Mary Ann Simonds, Facebook. Link. … [Read more...]
Cats before rats? What makes animals a pest?
While animals do nothing but be themselves, where we believe an animal belongs is what provides context to its existence. Bethany Brookshire shares the labels we apply freely to some problem animals but not others, even though in some cases, our solutions are to eradicate them. Brookshire’s article will prompt some thought about our existence with animals and how we judge … [Read more...]
Employee detachment threatens customer satisfaction
When employees disengage, customers feel it. Customer centricity is a competitive advantage and worth investing time and effort to ensure stronger alignments between employees and customers. Source: Gallup, January 28, 2005. Link. Employee pride in the quality of products and services is declining.” INSIGHTS: For small businesses, a simple phone call as follow-up may … [Read more...]
People buy benefits. Does your website share them?
Commentary Patrick Malone consistently coaches, “No one ever paid a dollar for a feature or function . . . they buy the benefit and what it will give to them.” Another way this can be expressed is we need to provide a “what’s in it for them” explanation. The results of a study published in JAVMA recently suggest that opportunities exist to increase communication of the … [Read more...]
Gender and appearance bias exacerbates equine DVM shortage
A study published in Equine Veterinary Journal shared results of a focus group study of current and former equine veterinarians to learn what stressors led to, or could lead to, them leaving the profession. Beyond compensation, student loan debt and work-life balance, discrimination was an overall challenge. Seventy-six percent of participants reported experiencing some form of … [Read more...]
Storm clouds on the horizon evident in next generation of students
Commentary The slide show here was disturbing because it confirms discussions with educators. Industry colleagues have previously shared their challenges with integrating Gen Z early adults in the workplace, and it seems apparent the next generation will be even more challenging. While there are obvious human resource and selection criteria issues to plan for, the role … [Read more...]
200 weeks and counting . . . the bull run continues
When it comes to beef demand, consumers ARE the business and they’re the market makers, writes Nevil Speer, MBA, PhD. Most producers are feeling (very) positive about the business, he says in his market analysis. Source: BEEF, January 9, 2025. Link. INSIGHTS: When cattle producers have confidence in the market opportunities, they are often willing to advance their animal … [Read more...]
NAVC’s 2024 VETTY Awards® recognize marketing excellence in animal health care
The 2024 VETTY Awards® winners represent the best in animal health care marketing worldwide. The winners will be recognized at the 42nd annual Veterinary Meeting and Expo, which takes place January 25-29 in Orlando, Florida. Source: PR Newswire, NAVC, January 20, 2025. Link. To view a complete list of winners, visit TheVETTYs.com/winners/2024-winners. … [Read more...]
FDA asks for veterinarians’ comments on cannabis-derived products
The FDA released a request for information soliciting comments from practicing veterinarians on the use of CDPs in animals. The focus of the request for information is on cannabidiol products and other products derived from hemp. The Federal Register notice that shares the RFI includes specific questions for veterinarians <Link>. Source: AVMA, January 16, 2025. … [Read more...]
Johne’s disease no longer just a dairy disease
Johne’s is a disease that veterinarians, animal scientists and cow-calf producers should start discussing before consumer confidence in the food we produce decreases and the pressure from outside sources to instill more regulation on the beef industry intensifies, writes Gregg Hanzlicek, DVM, PhD. While veterinarians have discussed Johne’s with dairy farmers for decades, … [Read more...]