Producers are well into the summer grazing months when many “turn ‘em out to let them grow.” Among the things that need monitoring are grass height, fly load, supplement availability and lameness. J. Tarpoff, DVM, MS, reviews some of the common causes of lameness and the key differences between the clinical signs in this article. The estimates of 88 percent to 92 percent of … [Read more...]
H5N1 bird flu takes major toll on dairy herds
Managing different elements of production on dairies occupies a lot of content in livestock and veterinary publications. Like fine-tuning a race car, multiple factors affect production outcomes. In this article, Laura Reiley shares how H5N1 affects cows gleaned from a new paper published by a team of Cornell researchers. Bird flu causes severe mastitis and decreased milk … [Read more...]
4 ways feral hogs cost farmers and ranchers
It’s easy to know if feral hogs are on one’s land, according to Curtis Larson, Noble Research Institute ranch manager. “You can see exactly where they’re rooting up the pasture, going for stuff in the ground, grub worms and such,” he says. The critters cause an estimated $1.5 billion in damage yearly to land across the U.S. They now number about nine million in 36 states. … [Read more...]
New World screwworm webinar to take place July 30
The National Institute for Animal Agriculture Council of Animal Disease Issues and Emergency Management is hosting a webinar at 2:00 p.m. CDT on July 30 to explore the threat of NWS as a public threat. Dr. Anne Strailly, veterinary medical officer with the Centers for Disease Control and Dr. Sarah Speth, a board-certified preventive medicine veterinarian, will be the key … [Read more...]
FDA approves Merck’s northern fowl mite treatment for poultry
The FDA has approved Merck Animal Health’s EXZOLT™ (fluralaner oral solution), a parasiticide for chickens that treats and controls northern fowl mites (Ornithinyssus sylviarum) in production houses. Safe for laying hens and replacement chickens EXZOLT™ is a first-of-its-kind product which can be administered in drinking water. Source: FEEDSTUFFS, July 18, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
IMPORTANT! Animal health references missing in World Health Organization’s pandemic agreement
Viruses jumping from animals to humans are increasing around five percent annually, meaning these pathogens are forecast to cause four times the number of spillover events in 2050 than in 2020, according to article authors Carel du Marchie Sarvaas and John de Jong. Zoonotic disease incidence represents 60 percent of infectious diseases in humans. Although much of the world … [Read more...]
Half of moms in the sandwich generation say they’ve left jobs due to caregiving roles
A May 29 report from Motherly and the University of Phoenix Career Institute reveals the challenges employers face to support and retain mothers. Two-thirds of women with dual caregiving responsibilities said the benefits offered by their employer aren’t enough to meet the needs of their adult caregiving responsibilities, and 68 percent said the same about childcare. Source: … [Read more...]
Tips for preventing ear infections in dogs after swimming
A summer outing at the lake or beach is fun for pets and their people. Many dogs enjoy swimming in backyard pools as well. But those romps often result in swimmer’s ear problems or otitis externa. This Dogster article shares the importance of getting dogs’ ears dry and protected from potential infections. It also offers tips on avoiding infections caused by swimming. Source: … [Read more...]
Lead that sweaty horse to water and let him drink
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...]