Opinion Omnivores for the most part, wild animals are opportunistic eaters. Pet food left or put out for them is akin to a free drive-in restaurant. Yet, their human-provided takeout represents less than 20 percent* of their caloric needs. Foxes, coyotes, raccoons, opossums, squirrels, skunks, deer and rodents are reservoirs for zoonoses and contribute to the number of … [Read more...]
National Vet Technician Week – October 16-22, 2022
Don’t forget to celebrate and promote the valuable contributions veterinary technicians make to the veterinary profession and society. The AVMA and NAVTA have resources available to assist with social media, in-clinic or local media promotion of these important team members. Sources: AVMA. Link NAVTA. Link … [Read more...]
California court rules in favor of USDA’s new swine inspection system
Commentary Animal welfare and food safety questions often involve striking a balance between ethical positions and economic consequences played out in a political context. Whether or not animal health pros are directly involved in livestock production, the actions required in one species often affect other species. It is important to listen, track and understand potential … [Read more...]
Certified swine sample collectors will be key during an FAD outbreak
There are few people authorized to collect and submit diagnostic samples during a foreign animal disease response. A collaborative industry group was formed with funding provided by USDA's National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program to address the shortage. The resources and training requirements developed by a collaborative group will improve the swine … [Read more...]
African swine fever is spreading; know how to protect pigs
ASF hasn’t reached the United States yet. But in recent months, the disease has continued to spread into new areas. Through its Protect Our Pigs campaign, USDA is raising awareness of African swine fever to help producers and veterinarians quickly find and share actionable information to defend their herds, livelihoods and our food supply. Source: National Hog Farmer, … [Read more...]
October is National Pork Month
October is National Pork Month, “Porktober”, marking the time of year when hogs were traditionally marketed, writes Cheryl Day introducing a slide show, Great facts about pork. To celebrate National Pork Month, USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service is inviting pork producers, processors and anyone interested in the U.S. pork supply chain to participate in a series of free … [Read more...]
Parasite resistance in cattle, a widespread concern for veterinarians, livestock producers
Parasite resistance in cattle operations has moved from theory to a real-world scenario producers across the country face. Parasite management is no longer applying a dewormer. Today, ranchers must understand the parasites in a herd and learn to live with a few bugs, writes Jennifer Ryan who shares the experiences and perspectives of Christine Navarre, DVM, MS, … [Read more...]
Chicken coop bedding can make or break egg production rate . . . literally
Last week we shared information about fall and winter chicken care suggesting animal health pros help poultry keepers get ready for cooler weather. In this archive article, Ana M. Hotaling reminds us eggs are fragile and bedding choices make a difference. Source: Backyard Poultry, July 13, 2019. Link. . . . minimize the risk of shell trauma by choosing the best bedding for … [Read more...]
Help for an anxious horse
A perpetually anxious horse can be helped with some simple management changes. The author offers tips for helping a horse relax including: More frequent exercise Examine the horse’s environment Provide more turnout Source: EQUUS, September 24, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
The 24 behaviors of the ridden horse in pain: Changing how lameness is seen (video)
A documentary from Sue Dyson, Vet MB PhD, challenges the way to look at bad behaviors in horses and promotes the notion that lameness doesn’t start at the head bob. The film follows Dyson and Jim Myers, DVM, as they examine and diagnose a show jumper mare Galina, who not obviously lame, seemed increasingly unhappy under saddle. The film educates horse lovers on how to spot the … [Read more...]
Pet surrenders climb as pandemic conditions ease
Predictions that dogs and cats adopted during the pandemic would be returned to shelters in great numbers once the pandemic ended have not proven true. Other types of pets are not having the same luck. Advocates for smaller animals are seeing the beginning of a tide of reptiles, birds, rodents and fish being given up. Source: The New York Times, October 1, 2022. Link. Small … [Read more...]
Cats give the laws of physics a BIIIG stretch
Scientists still can’t fully explain why cats can fall from potentially infinite heights, pivot and survive, writes Katherine J. Wu. Apparently, physicists have been trying to explain the paradox of falling cats since the 1800s. The farther cats fall, the worse off they usually are—at least, up to a point. A smattering of research, including some from AMC, has hinted that … [Read more...]
Cushing, The Bridge Club to discuss the latest on veterinary telehealth
Complimentary Content Catch up on the discussion of VCPRs, access to care and staffing shortages, plus get the latest about veterinary telehealth from Mark Cushing, JD. Source: The Bridge Club, October 3, 2022. Link. Be a part of the discussion on Zoom, October 12th, 7:00 p.m. Central time. Free registration required. Register here <Link> … [Read more...]
Industry’s commitment to CE increases value of animal care
Commentary The animal health industry is generous with support resources. Thank you! I’ve lost count of the continuing education credit opportunities offered in the veterinary market. My last look showed 25 new programs were offered in September. This doesn’t include innumerable podcasts and YouTube videos being promoted, nor does it account for myriad free CE programs … [Read more...]
Consumer education critical in retail
Opinion Writing about the need to help pet consumers make product choices, Kathleen Sturgeon notes that CBD and hemp products are now in most pet stores. Despite all the claims, it is hard for pet owners to know which products will help their pets. Helping them understand the science behind the products will help. This also applies to the plethora of items offered in any OTC … [Read more...]
Nationwide seeking votes for 2022 Hambone Award
Nationwide created the Hambone Award to honor the strangest, most hair-raising pet insurance claim of the year. Each story highlighted is meant to exemplify the strength of our pets and their pet parents, and to spotlight the amazing skills of their trusted veterinarians. <the award> is also a way to highlight all the things that can happen—and have happened—and the … [Read more...]
Quality of life exams
“Quality of life exams should be approached as an open, objective conversation,” says Jenifer Chatfield, DVM, Dipl. ACZM, Dipl. ACVPM. “Client owners need to be prepared to answer questions and not anticipate being judged. . . there is no right or wrong outcome, no good or bad news . . . there’s just what comes out of the conversation.” When a pet owner finds themselves being … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – October 3, 2022
Pandemic-era pet ownership boom continues, why the next 10 years of e-commerce will smash the last 10, securing small business grants, securing and optimizing small business technology, quiet quitting, small business loan options and more . . . Congratulations to the IBPSA Pet Care Business Excellence Award winners. Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, October 3, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Make fire prevention a priority during National Fire Prevention Week
National Fire Prevention Week is October 9 – 15. This Farm Progress article is a timely reminder about fire risks and fire safety from an on-farm perspective. There are plenty of in-town risks, as well. Be sure to remove debris from air ducts and around HVAC units and keep outdoor break areas clutter-free. Fire extinguishers should be checked annually. The most important … [Read more...]
Risk, revolution and preventive medicine
Preventive veterinary medicine may not be the newest clinical approach, it has surely stood the test of time better than any other, writes Jenifer Chatfield, DVM, Dipl. ACZM, Dipl. ACVPM. She shares the progression of veterinary medicine and the integration of preventive measures which are expanding in the current context. Chatfield urges veterinarians to consider, “putting … [Read more...]
The big picture
Specialists are valuable but, in the future, it is likely they will be led by a generalist who can see around the corners and connect the dots. Source: CNBC, June 15, 2020. Link. Breadth of perspective and the ability to connect the proverbial dots is likely to be as important as depth of expertise and the ability to generate dots.” - Vikram Mansharamani, PhD INSIGHT: In … [Read more...]
HR leaders need talent intelligence to prepare for the future
If companies ignore opportunities to retrain employees for new roles, they risk losing them to competitors. Plus, it’s easier to upskill an existing employee than hire a new one. HR needs to create a company that allows people to transform themselves without waiting for them to tell you what they want to do,” Josh Bersin said. Source: Human Resource Executive, September 28, … [Read more...]
Pandemic? Likely too early to say it is over.
Covid-19 has caused more than one million deaths in the U.S. and 6.5 million deaths worldwide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Yet, some want to say the pandemic is over. IDSE editorial advisory board members shared their opinions on the pandemic’s status with Marie Rosenthal, MS. “I don’t know what to call the current period, but it’s not the … [Read more...]
Simmons: Animals are the solution to the world’s problems (video)
Speaking at the 2022 Ag Outlook Forum, Elanco’s Jeffrey Simmons shared his vision for a better future by 2030, environmentally, economically and nutritionally. He believes more sustainable livestock production should be considered as a contributor to solutions, not as a problem. Animals are the connecting link between the three major global issues; the health crisis, food … [Read more...]
U.S. pet insurance market poised to more than double by 2028
The United States Pet Insurance Market is flourishing at a significant growth rate mainly due to the increasing veterinary medical costs, growing consumer awareness, and the widespread use of expensive medical procedures and medications in the country.” – BlueWeave Consulting report Source: Yahoo! finance, September 16, 2022. Link. The U.S. pet insurance market is forecast to … [Read more...]
Cash is best to help Hurricane Ian victims
We’ve all seen photos and video of the damage last week’s Hurricane Ian brought to the Southeast. If you want to help pets, pet owners, vets, livestock and livestock owners, the best thing you can offer is cash. The Weather Channel offers links to key aid organizations. Source: The Weather Channel, September 29, 2022. Link. A financial donation can be spent on what is needed … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – October 6, 2022
Last week’s most read posts - The meaning behind different dog sounds. Link. Last AHD Bulletin - Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, September 29, 2022. Link. Can veterinary social workers help alleviate workplace stress? Source: Paulick Report, September 30, 2022. Link. Veterinary social work offers compassion, empathy, understanding, validation, … [Read more...]
FDA approves concurrent use of Pennchlor and Rumensin in rations
Producers can now get the benefits of therapeutic applications of chlortetracycline combined with the coccidiosis control and performance results of Rumensin for receiving/starter rations with the late July FDA approval of the combination. This combination approval of Rumensin and Pennchlor gives producers options for their receiving program to optimize productivity,” Sara K. … [Read more...]
Please stop flushing live goldfish down the toilet
Here’s an example where consumer education is needed. Goldfish finding their way into bodies of freshwater, accidentally or on purpose, is no new phenomenon. These fish are not native to North America but come from eastern Asia and have no natural predators here to curb their growth. Goldfish and lots of other things should never be flushed into the sewer systems. Source: … [Read more...]
Annual Comedy Pet Photo Awards sure to bring a chuckle
There’s no better group than animal health pros with whom to share these images. Our dedication to animal owners and the health of their animals deserves a few minutes to enjoy the images captured for this year’s Comedy Pet Photo Awards. Source: Treehugger, September 22, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]