With contracts that stipulate every calf is tracked from birth with sire, health and performance data, Lee Leachman calls the closed-loop production model for beef on dairy a game changer. Greg Henderson explains how Blackshirt Feeders’ closed-loop system links the semen provider to the dairy to the feedyard and from where value will be derived. Source: Drovers, June 25, … [Read more...]
How the U.S. cowherd is distributed
70 percent of the U.S. cowherds use grass and maintain healthy grasslands, while the other 30 percent are finishing in an efficient feeding system or are maintaining a high-energy diet through a dairy production cycle. Source: Five Rivers Cattle Feeding, Facebook, June 13, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Keeping the bees buzzing (video)
There are so many things that can kill honey bees, says Kaitlyn Krebs, DVM, MBA, DABVP. She lectured about common diseases that affect honey bees and their hives at the 2024 AVMA convention. Krebs speaks about viral diseases that veterinarians should be aware of in caring for honey bees and tips when answering questions from beekeepers in their communities in the video … [Read more...]
Sport horse DVM answers 6 questions about osteoarthritis
Steve Allday, DVM, has been the lameness specialist for many equine legends. He shares his perspectives on osteoarthritis with a focus on prevention. Content like this can help veterinary teams educate their clients about what it takes to keep a horse sound. Social media posts or newsletters offer practices ways to proactively communicate best health practices to horse … [Read more...]
Safeguarding the equine industry: The importance of biosecurity practices
A recent study sheds valuable light on the current understanding and practices of horse owners across the country. In addition to the critical role veterinarians play in providing horse owners with medical information and guidance on biosecurity practices, the study revealed how horse owners prefer education and several key biosecurity techniques that horse owners can … [Read more...]
BARK hopes for industry-wide adoption of its Dog Toy Safety Standards (video)
There are more than 40 safety standards for various children’s products in the U.S. alone, yet there are zero safety standards for dog products. Bark’s safety lab has been testing since 2022 and developing standards to ensure toys are safe as demonstrated in the video. The company plans to publicly share its safety protocols, encouraging industry-wide adoption to ensure the … [Read more...]
14 cat overpopulation statistics
As Adopt A Cat Month comes to a close Matt Jackson shares updated statistics about the massive feline overpopulation problem. In addition to approximately 75 million pet cats, there are an estimated 30 to 40 million stray and unhomed cats in the U.S. Most of these are not neutered and will never enter a shelter. Source: Catster, June 24, 2024. Link. The population of cats is … [Read more...]
Wild Thang is officially the world’s ugliest dog
It took him five tries, but Wild Thang was named winner of the World Ugliest Dog competition last week during the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, California. He and his owner, Ann Lewis, will get $5,000 and an appearance on the Today show. Source: BBC, June 22. Link. (video, 1:00 minute) … [Read more...]
Preventing pink eye with autogenous vaccines
Includes Sponsored Content Before commercial pinkeye vaccines were approved, autogenous vaccines offered veterinarians and producers a way to protect against herd-specific strains of bacteria that cause pinkeye in cattle. In the article linked here, Gregg Hanzlicek, DVM, PhD, reintroduces the value of autogenous vaccines, the challenges with cross-protection and how pinkeye … [Read more...]
7 ways to set an effective puppy schedule
Sharing advice for new puppy owners, the author urges them to set a schedule for their puppies and be patient and consistent about following it. This is good to share via social media, newsletters and in new puppy kits. Source: Happy Puppy Tips. Link. INSIGHTS: For puppies that attend daycare, pet owners should mirror the daycare schedule at home as much as possible. … [Read more...]
Iowa Great Dane, world’s tallest dog has passed away (video)
Measuring 3’, 2” from his feet to his withers and almost 7’ when he’s on his hind legs, Kevin was crowned the world’s tallest dog by Guinness World Records. The original story includes a fun video link from X. Sadly, Kevin passed away shortly after the receiving the tallest dog designation. Guinness World Records said Kevin, a Great Dane, became ill and underwent an unplanned … [Read more...]
The ROI of pet insurance according to HR professionals
Commentary, Commercial Content Petpartners shares case study results from a 2024 survey of human resources professionals. The study explored how pet-friendly benefits boost employee well-being, reduce stress and cultivate a more supportive work environment. The findings emphasize the importance of pet-friendly benefits and pet policies in today’s multi-generational … [Read more...]
Dr. Jen the Vet to implement Healthy Pet-keeping Seal program at Best Friends Fur Ever
Complimentary Commercial Content Elevating the standards of pet care facilities and bridging the gap between pet care and veterinary care is core objective of the Healthy Pet-keeping Seal program, shared Jenifer Chatfield, DVM, Dipl. ACZM, Dipl. ACVPM, last October <Link>. Best Friends Fur Ever recognizes the opportunities of implementing an industry-leading initiative … [Read more...]
Reminder: Salmonella outbreaks associated with pig ear dog chews
Tim Wall shares the outcomes of research on Salmonella cases related to pig ear dog chews from 2015 to 2019. While retrospective, the article and results serve as a reminder to animal health pros and pet owners who choose pig ears as treats. Source: PETFOOD Industry, June 21, 2024. Link. Also see: Are pig ears safe? Canine Journal, November 2, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
RSPCA urges animal lovers to reject the rising trend of puppy yoga
Puppy yoga involves litters of puppies being brought into human yoga classes. Esme Wheeler, RSPCA dog welfare expert, asserts that puppy yoga may be cute, but especially young puppies can be overwhelmed and frightened causing a detrimental effect on their welfare. Source: Pets Mag, June 20, 2024. Link. Puppy yoga was recently banned in Italy and it will soon be outlawed in … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – June 24, 2024
CDC to implement new rules for any dogs entering U.S., leveraging pet trends, RedRover enables pets in homeless shelters, keeping local listings current, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to hold buy now - pay later programs to the same consumer protection standards as credit card companies and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, June 24, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Audubon’s 2024 Audubon Photography Awards
Animal health pros always enjoy great photos and video of the wildlife world around us. Audubon’s annual contest features stunning work from professionals, amateurs and young people that highlights the beauty of birds and the joy of capturing them through photographs and videos. Mathew Malwitz won the grand prize for his photo of Blackburnian Warblers, shared in this … [Read more...]
You really are a mosquito magnet. Here’s what you can do about it.
Tired of getting bit up on an evening walk or working in the yard? New research proves mosquitos can pick you out in a crowd. Connie Chang shares research on the odors they’re drawn to, what scientists recommend to keep them away and how a future personalized repellant might work. . . . even in complex situations with multiple sources of odor, mosquitoes do seem to prefer some … [Read more...]
Horses, dogs and cats can transfer poison ivy’s urushiol oil to humans
Poison ivy is somewhat ubiquitous across the U.S. While our companion animals are not sensitive to it they can transfer the urushiol oil that causes a red, itchy rash from the plant to humans. Emily Fought also reminds readers that burning killed plants is even more dangerous. Source: COWGIRL, June 23, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Rest is NOT a waste of time
Rest is an elusive need that many of us have trouble making time for, despite how badly we need it. Source: Repertoire, May 2024. Link. With the busyness of our work schedules and daily lives constantly compounding, it’s important to build time to unplug from our phones and calendars to recharge and reset. You will be better at whatever role you have by simply taking time … [Read more...]
Exploring holistic care remedies and therapies for common dog ailments
If for no other reason than to answer animal owner inquiries, we recommend veterinary teams review the information in the article linked below. Anderson Cox covers acupuncture to essential oils and more. Exploring natural remedies and therapies for common dog ailments is not a trend, rather a shift towards a more balanced, whole approach to canine health, Cox says. He … [Read more...]
Biosecurity compliance research shows motivation is not the problem
Commentary An exploratory study conducted to establish a baseline for worker motivation and to identify the primary factors that could be affecting biosecurity compliance in swine operations showed motivation is not the problem. Biosecurity compliance is influenced by job resources, availability of performance feedback and rewards. The preliminary study discoveries should … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – June 20, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, June 13, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the June 13th AHD Bulletin – Comedian: Taking my dog to the vet. Link. Brakke study shows pet owners not always aware of e-retail options. Link. Debunking fly spray myths. Link. ===================================== Woof! A new wrinkle in marketing real … [Read more...]
Enter the AAHA Trends Teams@Work annual photo contest
Our industry celebrates technicians with National Veterinary Technician Week in October. Now named the Teams@Work photo contest, AAHA seeks photos to reflect and feature veterinary assistants. Share your best photos of technicians and assistants working in the practice. Enter here <Link>. Source: AAHA NEWStat, June 17, 2024. Link. Also see: Winners from the 2023 … [Read more...]
NAVC and MFA seek to chart new course, define future animal health and pet care
The North American Veterinary Community and the Michelson Found Animals Foundation announced a partnership that will engage industry leaders and visionaries within and outside of the animal health and pet care sectors to define the future of animal health and wellbeing. The first event will form under the Compass brand and bring together industry leaders and mavericks from … [Read more...]
Adopt a Pet, Zoetis announce 1st round of 2024 Shelter Grant recipients
Adopt a Pet and Zoetis have named the inaugural group of animal welfare organizations selected as recipients of the 2024 Zoetis petcare product grant. Each grant recipient will receive flea, tick, and heartworm disease prevention for cats and dogs, along with core vaccines and antibiotics needed to support healthy shelter pets in their care. Source: Zoetis, June 5, … [Read more...]
Cheese now drives dairy growth
Consumption of dairy products has reached an all-time high driven by the consumption of cheese products worldwide. The size of the world cheese market is anticipated to grow by $39.1 billion by 2027. Dairy is not declining; dairy is growing. We’re simply eating more of our dairy than we’re drinking.” - Michael Dykes Source: STgenetics, June 12, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
The average dairy cow is still growing
There is a vital need for reevaluation of current feeding and grouping strategies, writes Alvaro Garcia. Separating first-lactation cows from older ones in dairy barn settings serves several critical purposes including tailored management, particularly in nutrition. The herd’s social dynamics often significantly impact younger cows. With most cows spending a limited time on … [Read more...]
Make cows earn their living
Running a cow-calf operation costs money, a lot of money. Understanding more about the details of the costs producers incur may help veterinary teams and suppliers reposition their value and likewise support producer profitability. Elizabeth Hodges shares the different economic categories Aaron Berger shared with young farmers and ranchers. Commentary Although one might … [Read more...]
Extremely rare, sacred white buffalo calf born in Yellowstone
A rare white buffalo calf was born in June in Lamar Valley of Yellowstone National Park. Jason Bittel shares the significance of this leucistic calf in the current time as well as some of the indigenous lore surrounding white buffalos. White buffalo are sacred animals in Native American culture and considered both a blessing and a warning." Source: National Geographic, June … [Read more...]