Merck Animal Health announced plans to invest $895 million in the expansion of its biologics facility in De Soto, Kansas. It is one of the most significant economic development projects in Kansas history and the largest to date for Merck Animal Health. The project reinforces the Kansas City region’s position as the center of the global animal health industry, building on its … [Read more...]
K-State researchers update African Swine Fever virus stability to cold, heat
A new study from Kansas State University found that the ASF virus was still detectable in samples that were repeatedly frozen and stored at 4 degrees Celsius (39.2 degrees Fahrenheit), thawed and then frozen again. ASF is known to be a particularly tough virus to destroy. Still, the viability may allow for samples of the virus could be frozen and stored or transported over … [Read more...]
USDA closes southern border, NCBA supports decision to halt the New World screwworm
Despite the United States' work to control the New World screwworm, weak governmental participation in Central America allowed the insect to spread north out of Panama. This has been coupled with a lack of timely action by officials in Mexico and now the U.S. cattle herd, other livestock, wildlife, pets and humans are at risk again. Consequently, the USDA has closed the U.S. … [Read more...]
Can oxytocin boost colostrum?
Seeking what might be called the holy grail of dairy production, researchers at Cornell University recently completed a study to evaluate whether supplemental oxytocin at the first milking could improve colostrum volume, quality, or both. They found: First-calf heifers responded favorably to the highest dose of oxytocin Generally, multiparous cows did not show the same … [Read more...]
Let’s review: Foot rot
Foot rot, also known as interdigital necrobacillosis, is an infectious disease that affects the sensitive tissues of the feet in cattle. Foot rot can affect cattle of all ages, with increased incidences during or following wet, muddy and humid conditions. Fusobacterium necrophorum is the primary agent responsible for foot rot. Although a common skin bacterian, F. … [Read more...]
Choosing the best hay for horses
Horse hay has its own set of standards that are exclusive to equine, writes Amber Friedrichsen. She reviews grass types, how to cut the best hay and more. Source: Hay & Forage Grower, May 13, 2025. Link. Regardless of hay type, the best forage for horses must be free of weeds, mold, and dust. Weeds can be unpalatable, toxic, or painful to eat. Also see: Search Results … [Read more...]
A review of respiratory viruses and performance horse health
Haylie Kerstetter provides a review of the prevalence of respiratory viruses, their clinical and subclinical effects on horses, and management strategies in this article. It reminds us of the importance of managing airway inflammation and reduced respiratory efficiency in active horses. Source: The Horse, April 25, 2025. Link. Respiratory viruses pose ongoing challenges for … [Read more...]
Top U.S. States where cats can safely explore the outdoors (video)
The folks at FelineFam share insightful information in this video about where U.S. cats can safely roam. Well-narrated and filled with images of cats in the wild, it’s worth the time to view and consider for an industry integral to One Health, animal health, and wellness. Source: Feline Fam, April 2025. Link. [8:42] Commentary Shown on January 30, 2000, during Super … [Read more...]
Dog trainer’s graphic explains dog park risks
Veterinary teams understand the risks of popular dog parks. Dog trainer Angie Barber’s Instagram posts caught our attention, and we’re sharing this image with her permission. Consider using it to underscore the need for preventatives, along with the obvious safety and wellness concerns. Source: State of Mind Dog Training. Website <Link>, Instagram … [Read more...]
NASCAR goes to the dogs; Why many drivers bring their dogs to every race
When Shane van Gisbergen was offered the chance to move from Australian Supercars to NASCAR two years ago, he had one question: Can I bring my dog? And when we say dog, we really mean horse because Ronald is much closer to a small pony than he is to a large dog. Source: Los Angeles Times, May 12, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
There’s no place for shock and prong in dog training
Contains commercial links Two professional organizations recently updated their policies. Only one made a commitment to reward-based training, writes Zazie Todd. She reviews evidence against aversive training and stances of various organizations noting these most recently: The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants decided to rule out the use of … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – May 12, 2025
Consumers don’t understand how small businesses contribute, capitalizing on pet parent psychology, outlasting small business shortfalls, validation-driven marketing and more . . . Source: IBPSA, May 12, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
When it’s too late to prepare for the unknown and catastrophic
Whether you are a business owner or managing your personal life being prepared for those events that can’t be predicted is critical. Tom Seeko, CexP shares the various elements of preparedness in this article. It is a good read. Source: DVM 360, May 12, 2025. Link. The best gift to give yourself is to remove the “might-be-okay” and add certainty to your life so you can live … [Read more...]
Study: Employers hire for personality over capability
Employers often prioritize likability over skills during hiring, leading to higher turnover and reinforcing biases, according to research by Textio. The preference for likability over capability comes with real consequences, shares Tony Case. The Textio study reveals troubling patterns in how these likability assessments play out across gender lines. Female candidates are … [Read more...]
Being present
When communicating in-person, more than 90 percent of the message is in something other than the words used. Pay more attention to how something is said rather than focusing on what is said. Source: LinkedIn, April 23, 2025. Link. When someone feels seen and understood, not just heard, they're more likely to trust, engage, and respond. Be interested in others and others … [Read more...]
NAPHIA’s 2025 State of the Industry Highlights Report
Commentary There is a lot to digest in this 2025 report from NAPHIA for those interested in numbers*. In 2024, the overall penetration rate for pet insurance in the U.S. marketplace reached 3.92 percent (based on the population of 163.5 million pets). The top claims paid by dog or cat breed and the most common medical conditions are interesting. Source: NAPHIA, LinkedIn, … [Read more...]
How to better utilize vet techs
Commentary Yes, it’s another article on using veterinary technicians at the top of their license. We have found each iteration of this topic is helpful for animal health pros at all levels as we gain more understanding of opportunities and barriers in practices and various regions. Adrienne Kruzer, BBA, RVT, LVT, tackles this topic covering pros, cons, economics and more. … [Read more...]
The cost of ignoring pet insurance: a valuable lesson in preparedness
A cat owner reflects on a challenging experience with a pet cat by sharing how clear the stress and uncertainty of the situation could have been alleviated with pet insurance. Sharing what animal health pros know, she says, “Pet insurance provides peace of mind by ensuring that pets receive timely and necessary veterinary care without the added stress of financial … [Read more...]
Is the future of veterinary medicine feline?
For veterinary teams, product developers, investors and strategists, the message is clear: cats are here to stay and they're driving measurable industry growth, writes Jill Lopez, DVM. One of those sharing insights on the new 2025 CATalyst Feline Market Insights Report (Volume 1), she notes cats are gaining a growing share of pet ownership and that feline visits are up in the … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 8, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 1, 2025. Link. Most read posts from May 1, 2025 AHD Bulletin – Chewy Health president shares 3 trends revolutionizing pet healthcare. Link. Extended colostrum feeding adds $500 per heifer, slashes treatment costs, boosts lifetime milk. Link. New lifestage infographics-pet owner education, identify … [Read more...]
Three 3 rules of three for successful communications
When you convey information, don’t rattle off a list of 47 things the listener must understand. All good things come in threes, writes Mike Figliuolos. Communicating in threes like “stop, look, and listen” from childhood makes remembering easier. Source: thoughtLEADERS, LLC®, LinkedIn, May 7, 2025. Link. Threes work. They’ll help your communications. They’ll make your ideas … [Read more...]
Sovereignty comes from behind to win muddy Kentucky Derby
Sovereignty charged past race favorite Journalism down the stretch to win a muddy 151st Kentucky Derby by 1 1/2 lengths in front of 147,406 onlookers at Churchill Downs in Louisville. The victory was a first for all of Sovereignty’s connections <Link>. All 19 of those horses are descended from Secretariat <Link>. Source: NBC Sports, Facebook. Link. … [Read more...]
Hay, forage outlook for 2025
Marian Viney provides a timely look at hay prices in different areas and how drought can affect availability and prices. Forage availability and costs play into producer confidence and their relationships with animal health pros. Source: Progressive Forage, May 1, 2025. Link. Related: Tips to manage cow-calf pairs through a drought, UNL Beef, April 1, 2025. … [Read more...]
Where are the horses in the U.S.?
The map from the 2022 USDA Agricultural Census can help animal health pros visualize where the majority of horses live in the U.S. Wild and feral horses are likely not captured in this population depiction. The American Horse Council estimates that there are about 6.6 million horses currently in the U.S. <Link>. Source: Brandiwyne Tack & Feed, Facebook, April 19, … [Read more...]
FDA approves PRRS-resistant pig
After years testing a rainbow of pigs, Genus has received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the gene-edited PRRS-resistant pig in the U.S. food supply chain. Source: National Hog Farmer, April 28, 2025. Link. Addressing PRRS can allow us to improve animal welfare and reduce the environmental impact of raising pigs. Recent research indicates that PRRS … [Read more...]
ScribbleVet achieves SOC 2 Type 2 Compliance, validating data security in veterinary care
With cyber threats on the rise, SOC 2 Type 2 compliance ensures ScribbleVet's infrastructure meets enterprise-grade security requirements. Veterinary practices using ScribbleVet can confidently safeguard patient records and client data, mitigate risks associated with digital transformation, and meet regulatory and insurance obligations for data protection, the company … [Read more...]
PBI-Gordon Companies acquires TriviumVet
The acquisition of TriviumVet brings the addition of an innovative new product, Felycin®-CA1, to the PRN® Pharmacal portfolio of products. Felycin is the only FDA conditionally approved drug for the management of ventricular hypertrophy in cats with subclinical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), one of the most common and life-threatening diseases in cats. TriviumVet adds … [Read more...]
Large animal internship guidelines emphasize mentorship, supervision, outcomes
It’s a first! AVMA’s Large Animal Hospital Internship Guidelines and Veterinary Large Animal Ambulatory Internship Guidelines outline the structure of a successful large animal internship for both scenarios, accounting for issues specific to working in such practices. Source: AVMA, April 28, 2025. Link. The internship guidelines say that such programs should be a one-year … [Read more...]
Better feed, fewer burps: Scientists target dairy gas emissions
University of Florida research provides a different perspective on methane gas which is consistently under fire in the greenhouse gas dialogue. When cows’ stomachs make methane, they lose valuable energy that could otherwise be used to make milk or meat. Keeping methane in is better than having it come out. The researchers investigated a potential dairy cattle … [Read more...]
Lowering unit cost of production in cow-calf herds
Although the beef market remains strong, there is a limit to how much an animal will bring in the marketplace. At some point, cow-calf producers must consider managing input costs to yield higher profits. Aaron Berger shares ways to address the costs of production in this article. Source: The Stockman, April 2025. Link. Commentary Historically, producers often reduced … [Read more...]