There has been a lot of new research published in the past five years about colostrum and its role in the newborn's survival and health, writes Kalyn Waters. Despite cow-calf experiences, she was surprised to learn three new things about colostrum: Timing matters on the cow's side, too, as the chemical composition of colostrum in the udder changes by the hour. Colostrum … [Read more...]
New version of the H5N1 bird flu virus spills into Nevada dairy herds
Known as D1.1, a new version of H5N1 is circulating in wild birds countrywide and causing mass die-offs. It’s different than the one currently circulating in dairy cows and has caused only mild illness in humans and killed scores of domestic and wild cats. It is the latest surprise and reminder that his flu does not behave like a typical flu virus. This new finding suggests … [Read more...]
Lasers deployed to increase farm biosecurity, deter waterfowl
A New Ulm, Minnesota, turkey grower has added lasers to his biosecurity efforts. The laser bird deterrent system aims to scare away migratory birds that have the potential to infect domestic flocks with HPAI. While we see a green laser beam, migratory birds see a predator and they avoid the barn areas. Source: The Farmer, February 4, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
U.S. Equestrian Federation board adds to the prohibited substances list
The substance additions ban certain injectable medications and other potentially deadly substances from being used in competition and also from being brought onto show grounds. The list of substances includes formaldehyde, oxytocin and pentobarbital, with an exception for veterinarians to use the latter in euthanasia. Source: The Chronicle of the Horse, January 29, 2025. … [Read more...]
Veterinarian warns cat owners about H5N1 risks amid rising cases
“Vigilance is key in preventing further bird flu infections,” said Susan Nelson, DVM, discussing the detection of H5N1 in cats. The article offers preventive measures to minimize the risk of infection in cats and other animals, including up-to-date rabies vaccinations, keeping cats indoors and avoiding feeding raw meat or unpasteurized dairy products. Source: PHYS.ORG, … [Read more...]
Mental stimulation matters
Includes Commercial Content Ongoing research has exposed the needs of dogs beyond physical exercise and continues to share the benefits of mental stimulation. A recent AHD post <Link> shared how dogs associate words and use soundboards. Mental stimulation doesn’t require fancy buttons or technology. Rather, there are DIY activities dog owners can implement to tap into … [Read more...]
FDA warns six sellers of unapproved seizure drugs for animals
Six companies selling unapproved products claiming to treat and control seizures in dogs and cats have been warned. The products named in the warning letters are not FDA-approved or conditionally approved and are being sold on the firms’ websites, social media pages and Amazon shops without a prescription or other veterinary oversight. Source: FDA, January 7, 2025. Link. The … [Read more...]
High prevalence of veterinary drugs in birds’ nest materials
A study published in Science of the Total Environment found high levels of veterinary insecticides in the nests of British songbirds and associated it with increased mortality in their offspring. Fipronil, imidacloprid and permethrin were detected in 100 percent, 89.1 percent and 89.1 percent of the nest material samples, respectively. Source: Science Direct, February 10, … [Read more...]
Understanding Feng Shui and its impact on animal spaces
Applying Feng Shui principles in animal spaces offers veterinary teams a holistic approach to enhancing well-being. Focusing on location, element balance, comfort, stimulation, cleanliness and organization enables practitioners to create environments that support physical health and emotional stability. Source: IVC Journal, January 28, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – February 3, 2025
Iconic brands entering pet space, understanding today’s pet owners, AI and automation for pet care businesses, FDA urging pet food companies to revisit safety amid bird flu outbreaks, diabetic alert dog tracks five blocs to find child with low blood sugar and more - Source: IBPSA, February 3, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Cornell grad student shares guide to understanding ChatGPT in 5 minutes
Complimentary Content ChatGPT is a tool with seemingly limitless potential, but like any tool, its value depends on how you use it, says Jeremiah Pouncy. He says the best way to unlock the full potential of ChatGPT is through trial and error. Source: Bruce L. Truman, MBA, LinkedIn, February 1, 2025. Link. ChatGPT is about experimenting, learning, and exploring new ways to … [Read more...]
Your comfort zone
The ability to become comfortable in an uncomfortable situation will help when taking a giant leap into the unknown. Source: Giant Leap Consulting, January 6, 2025. Link. When employees face challenges confidently and courageously, a positive outcome is more likely than if they don’t.” INSIGHTS: Coaching to improve confidence and courage is focused on “do this” not “don’t … [Read more...]
30,000 from 86 countries, 2025 VMX celebrated the emotion, art behind veterinary science
As the dust settles for those who traveled to Orlando for VMX 2025, many animal health pros stayed behind to run practices and keep customers serviced. To get a taste of the event, review the news release here and note the video link as well. Congratulations to the NAVC for another record-breaking conference! Source: NAVC, January 30, 2025. Link. VMX 2025 was a … [Read more...]
Fear Free® launches Emergency & Urgent Care Practice Certification program
Fear Free’s new certification program bridges the gap between routine care and urgent or emergent scenarios, offering veterinary teams the training and resources necessary to implement Fear Free techniques in high-pressure environments. Detailed information about the Emergency & Urgent Care Practice Certification is here <Link> Source: Cision, January 27, 2025. … [Read more...]
6 strategies for navigating a multigenerational healthcare workforce
Jacob Kupietzky outlines strategies for leaders to successfully navigate the dynamics of their multigenerational teams so that all employees can thrive. His strategies apply to veterinary teams as they meet challenges and develop opportunities in animal medicine. Source: Fast Company, January 30, 2025. Link. Leaders who proactively address generational differences while … [Read more...]
Client education, the main objective of National Pet Dental Month
Commentary Sponsored by the AVMA, February is National Pet Dental Month. Our industry has presented and marketed dental care myriad ways over the past three decades. Foundationally, the dental market sought the "endorsement" of veterinary dental products <Link>. When the World Small Animal Veterinary Association Global Guidelines recommended pet dental care in 2017, … [Read more...]
6 ways to develop today’s managers to be tomorrow’s leaders
Commentary Employee development is an underlying theme in our animal health industry. Collectively, we are challenged to find enough veterinarians and technicians ready to provide full veterinary services. Beyond the science, we face challenges to identify aspects of professional roles and improve the ongoing need to cultivate opportunities for personal development and … [Read more...]
Bird flu enters a new phase, meanwhile, the environment cannot be sterilized
The latest data from the CDC and USDA shows the continued devastating effects of bird flu outbreaks across the United States. New York Times writer Apoorva Mandavilli provides a relevant and updated situation analysis in the second article shared here. Not yet a serious human threat, she shares the expanding discoveries in mammalian species, including cats both wild and … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – January 30, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, January 23, 2024. Link. Most read posts from January 23, 2025 AHD Bulletin Managing your stress. Link. Johne’s disease no longer just a dairy disease. Link. 200 weeks and counting . . . the bull run continues. Link. ================================= Wings, turf, pigskin, cheese and more . . . … [Read more...]
Feather in Her Cap Association names 2025 Winners
Laurie Hueneke Martens, Eve Hanks, and Chelsie Estey were honored for their leadership, innovation, and impact as mentors in the Animal Health industry. Source: The Feather in Her Cap Association, Inc., January 29, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Farm Bureau names its 2025 Farm Dog of the Year
Sirius, a 6-year old Maremma sheepdog, was recently named the annual award recipient of annual honor. He and his Florida owners were awarded $5,000, a trophy plate, a year’s supply of dog food and other Purina products. Source: American Farm Bureau, January 26, 2025. Link. Includes video. Photo credit: Big Foot Media, used with permission … [Read more...]
Senior Dog Veterinary Society announces strategic alliance with Elanco
The Senior Dog Veterinary Society, an organization dedicated to advancing the care of senior and geriatric dogs, has established a strategic alliance with Elanco Animal Health Incorporated. This collaboration aims to foster excellence in senior and geriatric dog care through education and awareness, research and innovation, and community support. Source: Senior Dog … [Read more...]
IDEXX launches Cancer Dx™ panel for early detection of lymphoma in dogs
IDEXX Cancer Dx™ is a first-of-its-kind diagnostic panel. It is an affordable and accessible blood test that can be added to panels for sick pets and integrated into annual wellness screenings for as low as $15, providing veterinarians in the U.S. with actionable results within two to three days. It will increase access to cancer diagnoses and care while allowing veterinarians … [Read more...]
AVMA CVTEA seeking comments on veterinary technician educational standards
Public comments on proposed changes to some of the educational standards for accredited veterinary technology education programs are due no later than March 15, 2025, via an online survey. Source: AVMA Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities®, January 6, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Beyond hooves: The human element in tackling lameness
Lameness remains a persistent challenge, with approximately one in four dairy cows lame at any given time. Laura Solano and Demetrio Bautista Ortiz discuss the importance of cultivating a supportive work environment within the on-farm hoof health team. Skilled on-farm hoof health teams need diverse skills to deploy, given hoof care cases are generally not … [Read more...]
Strategies for liver abscesses in beef-on-dairy cattle
The primary bacterium found in cattle liver abscesses is Fusobacterium necrophorum. Whether it colonizes and flourishes in the animal’s body is a different matter. The authors identify nine management strategies to help reduce the incidence and severity of liver abscesses in beef-on-dairy calves. They discuss husbandry and proper feeding practices, including feeding a … [Read more...]
Sugar solution found to fight metritis infection in dairy cows just as well as antibiotics
The research on alternatives to antibiotic therapies continues. Penn State researchers found a concentrated sugar solution could be just as effective as antibiotics at treating clinical metritis, a common uterine infection in dairy cows post-calving. Source: Feedstuffs, January 20, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Recognizing the value of how horses use smell
Mary Ann Simonds knows horses’ noses. In this Facebook reel, she shares how horses use smell and offers some ideas about using aromas to help with horse care and comfort. Source: Mary Ann Simonds, Facebook. Link. … [Read more...]
Q and A: Why broodmares are prone to colic
When discussing colic in the broodmare, the cause of the pain can be broadly divided into two categories: pain originating from the gastrointestinal tract and pain originating from the reproductive tract shares, Katy Dern, DVM, MS, DACVS. She discusses gastrointestinal conditions seen before foaling and those seen in the post-parturient time period. Source: Paulick Report, … [Read more...]
Cats before rats? What makes animals a pest?
While animals do nothing but be themselves, where we believe an animal belongs is what provides context to its existence. Bethany Brookshire shares the labels we apply freely to some problem animals but not others, even though in some cases, our solutions are to eradicate them. Brookshire’s article will prompt some thought about our existence with animals and how we judge … [Read more...]