Science writer Mary Roach is fascinated by the human body, especially, she says, the "gooey bits and pieces of us that are performing miracles on a daily basis." She also shares why pigs help us keep achieving those miracles. Source: NPR’s Fresh Air, September 16, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – September 18, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, September 18, 2025. Link. Most read posts from September 18, 2025 AHD Bulletin – Four worn out, unwelcome words or phrases in vet med. Link. Rabies is NOT a thing of the past. Link. “What Else?” Link. Which coaching approach is the best? Behavior-based vs mental-state. Link. Are veterinary … [Read more...]
Four worn out, unwelcome words or phrases in vet med
Wendy Hauser, DVM, shares four words used in veterinary medicine she thinks we should ban or use less frequently: Compliance Gold standard Standard of care Pet parent Source: Animal Health News and Views, September 2025. Link. . . . the sentiment behind pet parent normalizes the idea that pets are not property.” INSIGHTS: We agree and work diligently to refer … [Read more...]
Calf castration. The younger the better!
Sponsor Content When, why and the best modern practices for castration are the topics for the last segment in this week’s episode of Doc Talk with host Dan Thomson, MS, PhD, DVM. He explains the benefits of castrating calves in the first week of life compared to waiting until weaning, since the bull's testicles don’t produce testosterone until they hit seven to 10 months of … [Read more...]
Understanding probiotics and their role in dairy production [Podcast]
Sponsor Content In this podcast episode, Stephen Lerner, PhD, explains the science and practical applications for probiotics and enzymes in dairy farming. He says microbial solutions are becoming mainstream in dairy management, offering sustainable alternatives to traditional treatments, and transforming animal agriculture by improving gut health, feed efficiency, immune … [Read more...]
Understanding the liquid tools used in grooming
Having a thorough understanding of the science, technique and proper use of grooming products can be <quality of> life-changing for the groomer and pets, writes Cliff Faver, DVM. His article is timely as we close the summer dermatitis season and enter the turn-on-the-furnace season. It’s also important to understand that since most pets have hair as their first line of … [Read more...]
Equine dental specialists soothe horse toothaches
Equine oral health has been important since horses were domesticated. It makes sense as mouths hold bits, which help make them the great work and pleasure animals they can be. Humans have worked on horse teeth since 1150 B.C. Today’s scientific understanding of the way horses’ mouths work benefits horses and riders. Wayne Needham, Amarillo Texas, president of the … [Read more...]
How a probiotic reduces mastitis by 40 percent
Research trials on transition cows deployed an intervaginal probiotic gel that uses lactic acid bacteria to prime, prepare and restore a lactating cow’s reproductive tract through the transition period. Initial data shows reduced cases of mastitis, pneumonia and overall health disorders. Source: American Agriculturist, September 10, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
From heart valves to crayons: The pig’s many gifts
October is Pork Month. Beyond their value as the most consumed animal protein in the world, Kevin Schulz shares other ways pigs contribute to our lives. Source: The Farmer, September 8, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
New World screwworm webinar recordings now available
APHIS webinar sessions designed for animal industry professionals, veterinarians and state animal health regulatory officials are now online. They offer details on the serious threat New World screwworms represent to livestock, wildlife and pets. Source: BEEF, August 29, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
What is natural disaster clustering? Why does it matter for the economy?
As a follow-up to our August 5th post, “Climate disasters devastating to small businesses” <Link>, we’re sharing this research about disaster clustering. The article is worth considering by animal health pros with significant fiduciary responsibilities or those who lead expansion decisions into new geographies. The authors share the way in which overlapping natural … [Read more...]
Salmonella strain infecting cattle and people is highly similar
Researchers at Pennsylvania State University investigated how strains of the pathogen Salmonella Dublin are evolving and spreading across humans, cattle and the environment in the U.S. Taking a broader One Health approach, they examined genomic differences and stability across strains over time and from different yet related sources. S. Dublin can cause severe illness and … [Read more...]
Dung beetles combat flies; insecticide overuse harms beetles
Another conundrum in the war against flies. Insecticides often used to kill face flies on cattle can be effective. But, they may increase the problem by killing dung beetles that naturally control the flies. Cornell University researchers have been studying how differing ingredients in feed-through insecticides impact beetle numbers. They offer their perspectives and share … [Read more...]
20th annual Summit showcases startups, industry leaders, future of animal care
Snoretox captured the 2025 Animal Health Summit’s Innovation Award for its promising therapy, modeled after Botox therapy, to treat brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, a condition that affects short-snouted breeds. The innovations panel spotlighted feline medicine, telehealth and AI as forces that will affect clinical practice and reshape veterinary care. Keynote … [Read more...]
KC Corridor launches campaign to attract new talent into animal health
The KC Animal Health Corridor unveiled a new Workforce Campaign at the annual Summit that addresses the talent shortage in the animal health industry head-on. The Workforce Campaign challenges the common misconception that animal health careers are limited to veterinary medicine. Commenting about the talent gap threatening our industry’s future, Kimberly Young, president of … [Read more...]
Recognizing the early signs of joint disease (video)
Complimentary Commercial Content Many owners mistake the early signs of joint disease for training issues or attitude changes, but arthritis could be causing poor performance. Sherry A. Johnson, DVM, PhD, DACVSMR, explains what to watch for and why early recognition matters in the informative video. Source: The Horse, August 20, 2025. Link. INSIGHTS: This article is … [Read more...]
Preconditioning pay$
A quote from a March 2022 post remains top of mind, “Preconditioning starts when the calf hits the ground.” It’s truly a “Begin with the end in mind” statement. Many preconditioning articles can be found in the AHD archives <Link>. It’s no surprise to see the topic in media several times a year and considering a calf’s economic value, it is no wonder. In this article, … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – August 27, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, August 21, 2025. Link. Most read posts from August 21, 2025 AHD Bulletin – Many problems with extreme conformation in dog and cat breeds. Link. 8 Gen Z habits that make others say, “Huh?” Link. Time management or prioritization? Link. Expert views on the importance of recordkeeping. Link. … [Read more...]
How often do farriers encounter laminitis?
Data from the 2025 American Farriers Journal Business Practices Survey shows more than one-third of farriers see laminitis monthly. The article also shares information about farriers’ charges, trimming and more. Source: American Farriers Journal, August 20, 2025. Link. Image: Link. … [Read more...]
I’m not hot, so the cows must be fine
This article is a good reminder about heat stress myths dairy producers hang on to year after year. Gabriela Maldini, PHD, MSc, shares some of the top myths she has encountered. Note her comments as they pertain to dry cows and seasonality. Source: Progressive Dairy, August 13, 2025. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider sharing this article with dairy producers via social media or … [Read more...]
Vets urge smarter parasite control to combat drug resistance
Commentary The topic of parasite resistance is not new to U.S. livestock production. However, the British Veterinary Association’s actions described in this article are important. Many foreign production environments are more condensed than those in the U.S. and can foretell future domestic production issues. The BVA’s new policy position warns that routine, blanket … [Read more...]
Veterinary team targets FAD hotspots to protect U.S. livestock
This article is informative and timely. The related article* linked at the end of this post describes how researchers found a gap between biosecurity perception and practice on farms, as well as a reliance on veterinarians for biosecurity-related advice. The health and protection of food animals from foreign animal diseases remains a significant concern and efforts to stay … [Read more...]
USDA to build $750M sterile fly facility to combat New World screwworm spread
USDA is moving ahead with plans to build a sterile fly production facility at Moore Air Base near Edinburg, Texas, to produce 300 million sterile flies to combat New World screwworm and reduce reliance on foreign sources. Source: Farm Progress, August 18, 2025. Link. Also see: Emergency use of animal drugs authorized for screwworms, BEEF, August 19, 2025. Link. HHS … [Read more...]
Dr. Gary Smith awarded CAB’s Industry Achievement Award
Likely the most renowned meat scientist in the U.S., Dr. Gary Smith received the Industry Achievement Award from Certified Angus Beef during its Feeding Quality Program in Rochester, Minnesota, on August 24. Source: Certified Angus Beef, August 2025. Link (includes video). Dr. Gary Smith originally had no plans to become a meat scientist. But thank goodness he did. … [Read more...]
CattleCon 2026 registration is now open
Registration is now open for CattleCon 2026, the annual gathering for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and NCBA Trade Show. The event will take place from February 3 through February 6 in downtown Nashville, Tennessee. Source: NCBA, August 20, 2025. Link. Full convention details. … [Read more...]
Tetanus creates problems for animals after storms
Because animal environments are commonly populated with Clostridium tetani, or tetanus, any wound can easily become contaminated at any time. However, caution is warranted in areas damaged by storms. Storm damages provide abnormal opportunities for horses, cattle and hogs to be injured and get a tetanus infection. Source: Feedstuffs, August 6, 2025. Link. Following a storm, … [Read more...]
Analgesic relief during castration. The right thing and it pays
Sponsor Content A study at Kansas State University demonstrated how lidocaine-infused castration bands help calves transition through the painful castration phase more smoothly and comfortably than after standard castration practices. Increased lying time versus controls between days 21 and 35 post-banding demonstrated how Solvet’s LidobandTM improves calf comfort as … [Read more...]
Top 5 pre-season tips for hunters and their hunting dogs
Early hunting seasons are a month away. For hunters and their dogs, now is the time to listen to the ball games on the radio and get ready for days in the field. Ruth Ann Lobos, DVM, shares good advice to acclimate and condition dogs before opening day: Refine their off-season nutrition plan Take inventory and refresh the first aid kits (for dogs and hunters alike) … [Read more...]
CSU study finds fasting horses isn’t necessary before anesthesia (video)
Challenging the long-held belief that horses need to fast before surgery, Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital’s Rachel Hector, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVAA, conducted an in-house study to examine the age-old practice. They found that horses that weren't fasted passed manure sooner and produced more of it after surgery, with no increase in anesthesia risk or … [Read more...]
Horse-friendly motel listing helps those traveling with horses
When equine people travel with their horses, this worldwide horse motel resource could be helpful. Source: Horse Motels International. Link. The map program can be found here <Link>. Image: Link … [Read more...]