From hemlock and ragwort to locoweed and yews, EQUUS editors share common plants that are poisonous to horses and where they can be found. Consider sharing this article in 4-H and FFA educational sessions, during events, on websites, in newsletters and blog posts. Source: EQUUS. Link. Some plants are cause for concern either because even a curious nibble can spell doom or … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – June 4, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 28, 2026. Link. Most read posts from May 28, 2026 AHD Bulletin – New insights on the hidden impact of veterinary care: global survey. Link. Malone: Bad and good pain. Link. Just trying to save lives and survive! (video). Link. Role ambiguity is the top workplace stressor, not workload. … [Read more...]
The science behind red light therapy for horses
Red light therapy, or photobiomodulation, has become one of the most talked-about modalities in modern equine wellness. PBM uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to stimulate cellular activity, particularly in the mitochondria. This article shares B to C content that supports educating animal owners. It covers professional and at-home use of PBM, areas … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 28, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 21, 2026. Link. Most read posts from May 21, 2026 AHD Bulletin – What Fear Free actually built in 10 years. Link. Producer-veterinarian relationships matter. Link. Deciding is the first step. Link. How research is helping solve equine pregnancy mysteries. Link. Free webinar: Why clients … [Read more...]
How research is helping solve equine pregnancy mysteries
With support from the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, researchers are reshaping the understanding of equine pregnancy loss. They are shifting the focus beyond the mare alone to include the biology of the embryo and placenta. While genetic abnormalities play a critical role early in gestation, placentitis remains one of the leading causes of later-term pregnancy … [Read more...]
Vesicular stomatitis outbreak confirmed in Colorado
A new VSV-positive equine premises has been identified in Montezuma County, Colorado. VSV circulates annually between livestock and insect vectors in southern Mexico and only occasionally results in incursion into the U.S. The contagious virus is transmitted by biting midges and therefore is seasonal. Source: The Horse, May 11, 2026. Link. There is no specific treatment for … [Read more...]
How to protect pets from the New World screwworm
There’s no need for owners to panic about NWS, but they need to develop habits to protect their animals from this emerging insect threat. Cochliomyia hominivorax are parasitic flies whose larvae infest wounds and can result in significant tissue damage if left untreated. Obligate parasites, the larvae consume the living flesh of warm-blooded hosts. When maggots are removed, … [Read more...]
EHV-1 resources seek to educate the horse community
Equine herpesvirus‑1 is a common respiratory virus that spreads through nasal droplets and contact between horses. Understanding how the virus spreads and which horses are most vulnerable is key to reducing transmission and improving outcomes. In the first link below, Lutz Goehring, DVM, MS, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM, shares how risk increases with travel and the potential transfer … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 14, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 7, 2026. Link. Most read posts from May 7, 2026 AHD Bulletin – Gartner: Managers face increased workloads and demands. Link. The pet economy is splitting in two. Link. Air filtration is critical to reduce disease, protect herd productivity. Link. Hill’s first World of the Kitten Report. Link. … [Read more...]
16-year study proves air filtration is critical tool to reduce disease risk, protect herd productivity
A University of Minnesota Department of Veterinary Population Medicine study shows that farms with commercial air filtration systems experience a significantly lower risk of PRRS outbreaks compared to unfiltered operations. The study results provide evidence not only for pigs and PRRS risks but support the investment sophisticated air filtration requires. Source: PORK, April … [Read more...]
What vet schools don’t teach about canine osteoarthritis
Matt Brunke, DVM, DCVSMR, CCAT, believes chronic, whole joint disease is primarily driven by pervasive inflammation, not a cartilage disease as it is often positioned in veterinary schools. His article asserts the need to reframe osteoarthritis as a disease of the synovium and to think in terms of inflammation management versus pain management. Brunke comments on NSAIDs and … [Read more...]
Golden Tempo’s victory in Kentucky Derby most-viewed on record
The 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby averaged 19.6 million viewers on NBC and Peacock, making it the most-viewed Run for the Roses since Nielsen began tracking average audiences in 1988. Source: AP, May 3, 2026. Link. Jose Ortiz rallied 23-1 long shot Golden Tempo from way back to claim the 152st Derby and make history for trainer Cherie DeVaux, who became the first … [Read more...]
Education course supports recognition of equine emotions
Whether a horse owner, equine enthusiast, veterinary team member or animal health pro serving the equine market, learning how to recognize and understand emotions horses exhibit will help advance animal welfare and owner satisfaction with their animals. Kris Hiney, PhD, shares research and a new online educational course to help horse owners accurately recognize and … [Read more...]
Champions of Animal Health is theme for upcoming KC Animal Health Summit
Mark your calendars and register for the 2026 KC Animal Health Summit. The Summit features a robust lineup of sessions, panels and networking opportunities where top industry voices speak on the forces redefining animal health while competing early-stage companies take the stage in a Shark Tank-style pitch competition. Event details Date: August 31 to September … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 7, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, April 30, 2026. Link. Most read posts from April 30, 2026 AHD Bulletin – Four stoic rules to master your emotions at work. Link. How Simon Sinek changed business strategy to an infinite game. Link. Great to good to average to mediocre. Link. Most read post in April 2026: Personal responsibility. … [Read more...]
The 3 most common skin-compromising conditions in horses (audio)
Includes commercial links This article and recording reinforces the importance of staying alert to conditions that can compromise dermatological health. Moisture, sun and insects are the primary categories to monitor. The content is a good review for veterinary teams and provides a timely educational opportunity to share on social media or in newsletters. Source: EQUUS, … [Read more...]
Nothing beats “eyes on animals” when monitoring for NWS
With New World screwworm getting closer to the U.S., experts are telling producers to quit worrying and take action. A panel of representatives from East Foundation, Florida Department of Agriculture, Texas Animal Health Commission, Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association and USDA-APHIS, recently shared ways to manage for NWS arrival from revamping breeding and … [Read more...]
Jackson transitions to barefoot
Jackson’s case continues to reinforce a central principle in chronic care: Successful outcomes are rarely the result of a single intervention but rather the thoughtful sequencing and integration of multiple approaches. Source: American Farrier’s Journal, April 15, 2026. Link. Following the previous phase of Jackson’s management, in which mechanical simplification was paired … [Read more...]
Laminitis risk assessment survey
This 8-question survey helps identify the likelihood a horse will develop laminitis. The survey has educational content accompanying each question and answer. Consider reviewing the survey as a tool, then communicate about it with horse owners. Individual results can be downloaded making them shareable and easy to discuss. Source: EQUUS, April 2026. Link. Horses who have … [Read more...]
Free guide to win visibility in AI search
AI tools like ChatGPT are changing how pet owners find veterinary care. Gain an edge in online visibility using LifeLearn’s free guide to optimize AI discovery: 5 Minutes to Winning Clients in the Age of AI Search. Source: LifeLearn Animal Health, April 21, 2026. Link. … [Read more...]
5 secrets to stronger hooves (audio)
Genetics aside, there’s plenty that can be done to improve a horse’s hooves through diet and management. As warmer weather arrives, consider sharing these hoof care tips with horse owners to encourage stronger hooves in any horse: Optimize nutrition Stick to a consistent shoeing schedule Maximize opportunities for exercise Consider feeding a hoof supplement … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – April 16, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, April 9, 2026. Link. Most read posts from April 9, 2026 AHD Bulletin – Building adherence with CAPC data. Link. Personal responsibility. Link. 7 signs your executive team lacks leadership maturity. Link. Why relationship-centered care wins in veterinary medicine. Link. Keeping cows on track … [Read more...]
USDA seeks public input on updating dog welfare regulations; Comment period extended to April 20, 2026
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is seeking public comments, scientific dat, and stakeholder input to help determine whether updates are needed to federal regulations governing the humane care of dogs. These standards, which apply to licensed breeders and other regulated entities under the Animal Welfare Act, have not had a major … [Read more...]
Universal ethogram created to help standardize equine social behavior
A relatively new universal ethogram represents a significant step forward in equine behavior science. By standardizing definitions and supplementing them with video clarity*, it enables consistent cross-study comparisons and deeper insights into equine welfare. For veterinary professionals, it offers a practical framework to better assess, interpret and optimize management … [Read more...]
Horses with PPID may need more frequent deworming
PPID, or Cushing’s Disease, is slowly progressive even in treated horses, writes Eleanor Kellon, VMD. She says the disease weakens the immune response, including waning immunity to intestinal parasites. For horse owners who may deworm horses twice a year, their PPID horse may still have long periods of parasite damage. The density also builds up in their … [Read more...]
Mosquitoes can transmit West Nile virus within their populations
Researchers from France and Thailand uncovered a route of transmission for mosquito-borne arboviruses that showed West Nile virus transmission occurs within mosquito populations through their excreta. It is critical for horse owners to keep mosquito breeding areas under control to help prevent the mosquito to mosquito spread of the West Nile virus.” Source: My Senior Horse, … [Read more...]
Road to the Horse 2026 recap (includes videos)
The 2026 Road to the Horse competition took place in Lexington, Kentucky, last month. Nick Dowers took the title, winning the Road to the Horse for the third time. The format of the competition is simple: the first two days, four Wild Card competitors compete for a spot in the Championship Competition. These competitors choose a colt from the Remuda provided by the Pitchfork … [Read more...]
Monitor calf health following exposure to wildfire smoke
In the weeks and months following a wildfire event, producers should remain vigilant and monitor calves for signs of respiratory disease or illness, writes Brock Ortner. He explains what happens when smoke particles settle in the lungs, making watching for early signs of illness important. Ortner says one practical approach is the D.A.R.T. method, which helps producers … [Read more...]
Tractor Supply surpasses $1 Million to expand hands-on learning for future ag leaders
Tractor Supply Company announced that its 11th annual Grants for Growing fundraiser raised more than $1 million. During the four-week event, Tractor Supply customers supported the effort by purchasing paper FFA emblems at checkout, which will in turn provide thousands of FFA members across the country with the resources to engage in hands-on learning experiences that prepare … [Read more...]
New CAPC 2026 Pet Parasite Forecast: expanding vectors, emerging hotspots, year-round risk
Released this week, the Companion Animal Parasite Council’s 2026 Pet Parasite Forecast includes models that predict what veterinary teams will see in 2026. At 94% percent accuracy, they are an early warning system for both veterinary and public health. The Forecast projects continued geographic expansion of Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis and heartworm risk across the … [Read more...]