Congratulations to the teams at Virox Technologies, Inc. on their 25-year milestone! An incredible team doing remarkable things in a rivalry of legacy established companies and chemistries, Virox continues to change the rules of the game!” - Randy Pilon MBA. ICD.D CEO & Founder at ViroxTechnolgies Inc. Source: Virox Technologies, Inc., YouTube, February 27, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
FDA finalizes guidance to provide further clarity on VFD
To assist stakeholders involved with veterinary feed directives – veterinarians, VFD feed distributors (medicated feed mills, feed retailers) and clients (owners or other caretakers of the animals) the FDA has finalized Guidance for Industry (GFI) #120: Veterinary Feed Directive Regulation Questions and Answers. While the core recommendations in final GFI #120 remain the same … [Read more...]
Phibro Animal Health to acquire Zoetis medicated feed additive portfolio
Zoetis Inc. and Phibro Animal Health Corporation announced they have entered into a definitive agreement where Phibro Animal Health will acquire Zoetis’ medicated feed additive product portfolio, certain water-soluble products and related assets. Source: Feedstuffs, April 29, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Growing concerns about fescue toxicosis in the dairy industry
Producers who use fescue in grazing pastures have growing concerns about the impact of fescue toxicosis on milk production, writes Carmen Burner. Tall fescue, a perennial grass, is found in 15 states. It is grown for benefits such as drought tolerance and resistance to various insects, viruses and fungal diseases. A fungal endophyte Neotyphodium coenophialum found in about … [Read more...]
7 common threads of top-producing dairies
Dairy production is competitive although competition is strongest when dairies work to increase their own production metrics. Karen Luchterhand, PhD, shared common actions from dairies that are getting the most from their cows including milking three times per day, prioritizing heat stress abatement and stall management. Source: Dairy Herd Management, April 26, 2024. … [Read more...]
We can’t ignore the real costs of PRRS any longer
The U.S. <still> has a lot of work to do concerning PRRS. “PRRS is not new, and it is not going to go away on its own,” according to Cara Haden, DVM. And the U.S. is not making progress at the rate of other countries. Jennifer Shike shares key takeaways Haden offered during the Ohio Pork Congress. There is a very real cost of PRRS when it comes to pigs, people and public … [Read more...]
Managing horses on pasture
Animal health pros who work with cattle producers will find Curt Arens’ article topics familiar. Terms like stocking rate, overgrazing, rotational grazing and more apply to horse pasture and health management, too. He shares the whys and basic management tips to keep the pastures healthy through the growing season and, consequently, provide optimal grazing forages for … [Read more...]
Cost versus value 1 of 4 nutrition challenges with pet owners
Chyrle Bonk, DVM, PhD, identified pet owner awareness, time constraints, information overload and, especially, pet obesity among the nutrition challenges facing the veterinary and pet food industry. These likely play out in everyday conversations in veterinary hospitals and retailers alike. Source: PETFOOD Industry, April 25, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
9 strategies to grow your loyal customer base
Commentary Considering how easy it is to quit doing the basics, Syed Balkhi’s nine ways to focus on your existing customers and explore ways to generate more revenue from them may be worth reviewing. After all, few of us ever dislike hearing ”dijuwanfrieswitdat?” at the drive-through window. Pursuing new prospects is great and all, but you shouldn’t disregard the … [Read more...]
Why vet bills are so high
Opinion article by Helaine Olen The circulation of The Atlantic is broad enough that Helaine Olens’ opinion piece will reach some clients of veterinary hospitals. She provides a well-informed opinion piece indicting Big Vet while recognizing pet owners’ inclinations to do whatever it takes to extend their pet’s lives. The emergence of Big Vet and the injection of cutthroat … [Read more...]
New program to open access to veterinary care to underserved animals nationwide
The Veterinary Innovation Council has announced the launch of new resources to address the nationwide problem of access to veterinary care and new comprehensive services to help veterinarians reach underserved patients. Through its Access to Care Resource Hub, veterinary professionals will find the tools, knowledge and resources they need to offer greater access to veterinary … [Read more...]
Alcohol ingestion stimulates mosquito attraction
Prompted by a past article in National Geographic <Link> we dug into the effect of beer and alcohol on mosquito attraction. And, yes, mosquitos choose alcohol drinkers over those drinking water but why is not known. Exhaled carbon dioxide is how mosquitoes lock onto you as a target, heat may be how they figure out where to bite you. Sources: Beer can make you a … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – April 29, 2024
Pet bereavement leave efforts, pet industry reaches $143 billion in 2023, pets over paycheck trends, managing cash flow, cybersecurity and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, April 29, 2024. Link. Nominations for the Pet Care Business Excellence Awards are open through May 31st at com. This fall, plan to attend the IBPSA FLOW Business Conference, September 24-26th … [Read more...]
4 ways to spot a fake job posting on LinkedIn
Job seekers have enough on their plates without having to dodge fraudulent job ads and recruiters. Even LinkedIn, one of the most reputable job search platforms, isn't safe from scams . . . and it's up to job seekers to learn how to apply with caution, writes Paola Peralta. Exercising caution and verifying job postings are essential steps in finding legitimate employment … [Read more...]
CDC’s new HeatRisk tool
The CDC and National Weather Service have teamed up to roll out two experimental tools nationwide that will help public health officials and citizens to better prepare for dangerous heat: HeatRisk Dashboard and HeatRisk Forecast. Given the challenges heat brings to livestock production and companion animal safety, these tools can help animal health pros stay safe and more … [Read more...]
DVM changed his mind about supporting lasers
From skeptic to advocate of photobiomodulation therapy, Michael Perry, DVM, shares how his choice to upgrade to a class IV laser changed his approach and created many new treatment possibilities. Pain management is a huge part of my practice. A lot of my patients with chronic osteoarthritis cannot take NSAIDs . . . for various reasons . . . so I rely on physical modalities . … [Read more...]
You ARE a potential leader and in sales!
A clinic’s success is not dependent on one or two people. Everyone working together influences the customer and the staff. The most successful clinics encourage and support leadership skills throughout their organizations. Source: Repertoire Magazine, April 2024. Link. Leaders are determined by their followers. No committed customers. No sales … [Read more...]
Fair compensation is crucial for veterinary team retention (video)
Referencing the Stay, Please study findings, AAHA looks at what fair compensation means for retention and attrition with veterinary teams. The video presents three key takeaways including the significance of fair compensation with non-DVM roles which was nearly two times as important compared to DVMs in the study. Source: AAHA NEWStat, April 29, 2024. Link. (2:18) … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – April 25, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, April 18, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the April 18th AHD Bulletin – NAAVR launched to elevate, support veterinary client service pros. Link. Solitude. Link. Top beef cow counties in the U.S. Link. ===================================== Scientists say animal consciousness needs a … [Read more...]
AKC announces AKC® DNA + Health: DNA identification with genetic health and traits testing
The AKC® DNA + Health test promises to be a powerful resource for breeders as they plan for litters and work to strengthen their breed(s). The AKC DNA + Health test, developed with trusted lab provider Neogen, offers an AKC DNA profile, plus more than 328 markers for health and traits. Source: AKC, April 11, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
FTC bans noncompete agreements that restrict job switching
The Federal Trade Commission on April 23 banned employers from using noncompete contracts to prevent most workers from joining rival firms. The rule prohibits companies from enforcing existing noncompete agreements on anyone other than senior executives. Sales staff, engineers, doctors and salon workers are among the most common types of workers affected by companies’ … [Read more...]
Dangers in the coop (for humans)
Asian flu was a concern when this article was written in 2021. Janet Garman shares things about which human caretakers should be aware. In addition to possible respiratory risks, she names Salmonella sp., Campylobacteria, E. coli and avian flu. All people who handle birds, coops, and equipment are at risk . . . hand washing is still the best defense.” Source: Backyard … [Read more...]
H5N1 adapting, not stopping
Since the avian flu arrived in 2020, more than 90 million birds have been culled in the U.S. Unlike other avian flu viruses, H5N1 has infected a wide variety of birds and mammals, including seals, skunks, dolphins, polar bears and dairy cows. The virus continues to evolve and scientists are especially worried about pigs because they’re susceptible to human and avian flu … [Read more...]
Summer sores; prevention, causes, clinical signs, diagnostics and treatment
Summer sores are skin lesions in horses mostly seen during hot summer months when flies are active. The sores are a parasitic infection caused by specific types of nematodes in the family Habronematidae (roundworms). Flies play a primary role in the life cycle of Haronematidae worms, depositing the infective nematode larvae in the body, typically in moist regions such as lips, … [Read more...]
CAPC warns parasitic pet diseases will spread further in 2024
Warning of continued expansion of heartworm, Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases throughout the United States in 2024, the Companion Animal Parasite Council says the risks of contracting Lyme, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis and heartworm diseases are increasing. Among the factors cited are rehoming of pets, urbanization and changes in the wildlife host and vector … [Read more...]
Tui na helps prevent injuries in dogs
Tui na techniques, part of Chinese medicine, have been used on animals and humans for thousands of years. These techniques enhance the flexibility and stability of the surrounding muscles, tendon attachments and joints. The authors share two techniques considered to be rubbing techniques that warm, increase circulation and invigorate tissues. They prepare the tissues for … [Read more...]
How pet owners define a “good death”
Sponsored Content End-of-life decisions are difficult for pet owners and veterinary teams alike. While much has been written about end-of-life conversations, much less is known about owners’ preferences when it comes to the actual procedure, writes Lori Kogan, PhD. Kogan shares what was learned from research investigating what factors matter most to pet owners when … [Read more...]
Symptoms of heart attacks in women (video)
Heart disease is the number one cause of death for women in the U.S. Regardless of your gender, knowing heart attack symptoms in women and men is important. Source: Health, June 2023. Link. Chest pain is the most common symptom of a heart attack in men and women, but there are distinct symptom differences between the sexes. Females are more likely to experience a variety of … [Read more...]
When procrastination is productive
When genuinely more important things interfere with side projects, procrastinating on the side project is the correct thing to do, writes Scott Young. He shares the important distinction between maintenance activities and aspirational goals asserting achieving goals is an optimization problem. Source: Scott H. Young. Link. Productivity isn’t throwing out all your existing … [Read more...]
How perfectionists can get out of their own way
Perfectionism can be a double-edged sword, writes Alice Boyes. She shares five ways perfectionists can self-sabotage in the workplace: Struggling to make decisions or take action Worrying excessively about sunk costs Avoiding challenges to avoid failure Applying their high standards to others Ruminating about weaknesses, mistakes, and failures Source: … [Read more...]