It’s human being, not human doing for a reason, writes Ryan Holiday, who shares his experiences and the consequences of pushing himself too hard too long. He says moderation, being present and knowing your limits are key to not burning out. This takes as much discipline as pushing yourself hard. Source: Ryan Holiday, March 5, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
You won’t be ready to change your life until these 5 things are in place
Change is easier said than done. For many, limiting beliefs get in the way. Sustainable change, however, requires more than willpower alone, says Maja Djukic PhD, RN, FAAN. It requires five integral parts of one’s being to move in the same direction simultaneously: motivation, behavior, emotions, mind and body. Dijikic calls this system the “wheel of change.” Source: Fast … [Read more...]
Business storms
Did you ever notice how fresh the weather feels after a storm? Source: LinkedIn Pulse, April 19, 2024. Link. Leadership, much like weathering a tempest, demands a mix of resilience, foresight and the ability to venture beyond familiar territories.” INSIGHTS: Weather, either good or bad, doesn’t last forever. … [Read more...]
Americans perceive gaps in mental, physical healthcare
Three-quarters of Americans think mental health issues are identified and treated worse than physical health issues in the U.S., according to a new survey from West Health and Gallup. Critical for the animal health industry, these perceptions challenge how we provide benefits and support for animal health pros. Beyond the stigma, the metrics identify access and cost of care as … [Read more...]
Employees are the biggest security threat
According to the 2024 Data Breach Investigations Report, the number of data breaches last year involving a human element is the same number reported the previous year, 68 percent. The problem hasn’t gotten worse nor has it gotten better. The biggest security weak spots are organic, not digital, writes Dennis Scimeca. Employees present the largest holes in cybersecurity … [Read more...]
Understanding telemedicine and teletriage
Jennifer Bailey, DVM, shares the differences between telemedicine and teletriage in her article for dog owners. The difference between the two and her explanation of VCPR is good information to share with pet owners on social media or in newsletters. Source: Whole Dog Journal, April 29, 2024. Link. Telemedicine and teletriage can play an important role in your dog’s … [Read more...]
Why we need fewer performance reviews and more check-ins
Leadership expert, author Ashley Goodall, argues that check-ins are a more personal way for teams to set goals. He shares when Cisco researchers looked at the relationship between frequency and effect, they found that a biweekly conversation had a clear, positive effect, and that a weekly conversation had a very big, indeed positive effect. Source: Fast Company, May 6, 2024. … [Read more...]
Follow your dreams and other terrible career advice
An industry leader shared Bonnie Hammer’s essay with us along with this comment, “This message needs to be sent to the new generation of animal health professionals.” Hammer, vice chair of NBCUniversal pulls no punches. She says: It’s no wonder that when young people start working, too many feel betrayed or bored having been told that they could do anything growing … [Read more...]
Nature can’t run without parasites. What happens when they start to disappear? (video)
Commentary Millions of dollars are spent annually to get rid of parasites. This article challenges much of the traditional thinking about parasites as bad things. In some ways, it reminds me of the microbiome discoveries and advancements of the last 50 years that continue to change how we think about the role of intestinal bacteria. Parasite ecologist Chelsea Wood … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 2, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, April 25, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the April 25th AHD Bulletin – 9 Gen Z work trends, not new but hit differently now. Link. Employee engagement in the U.S. hits 11-year low. Link. Cull cows, beef value now important for dairy profits. Link. ===================================== The … [Read more...]
Virox celebrates 25 years
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...]
Saipan Humane Society completes crucial training program conducted by Banfield Foundation and BluePearl Cares
A LinkedIn post by Kim Van Syoc <Link> alerted us to veterinary work being done on the western Pacific Ocean island of Saipan by the Banfield Foundation and BluePearl Cares in support of the Saipan Humane Society. She shared, “There hasn’t been a veterinary clinic on the U.S. island of Saipan for 10 years.” Source: Saipan Tribune, April 23, 2024. Link. Looking ahead, … [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...]
Horse health issues associated with different stabling types
Researchers in Sweden recently evaluated the health differences between horses stabled in open environments with social interaction and free movement and horses stabled in stalls, explains Nancy Loving, DVM. The study authors concluded it’s best to stable horses in group housing with sufficient space and minimize regrouping of horses when possible.” Source: EquiManagement, … [Read more...]
7 cleaning tips about washing pet toys
Even though a dog’s toys may look clean to the naked eye, one cannot know what’s lurking on them, writes Lavanya Sunkara. She offers tips for cleaning dog toys to keep them from becoming health hazards. For rope, cloth or plush toys, she recommends washing weekly or bi-weekly, depending on how many dogs are playing with them and how they are being used. Source: Great Pet … [Read more...]
Pros and cons of feline sunbathing
Many cats enjoy sunbathing and find benefits from it. However, like so many things, too much can be detrimental. Lauren Demos, DVM, shares how sunshine is good for cats and what problems can come from too much exposure to sunlight inside or out. Source: Catster, April 24, 2024. Link. INSIGHTS: Cat owners will likely appreciate the guidance Demos shares about UV filters … [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...]
World Pork Expo registration is now open
The National Pork Producers Council is set to welcome the global swine community at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines on June 5th and 6th. They are packing a lot of activities into the two-day event; food, fun, show pig contests, education and the latest advances showcased in the trade show. Source: NPPC. Link. Register here <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...]
Utahns reunited with pet cat they accidentally shipped with Amazon return
A cat may have used a couple of its nine lives when it was accidentally shipped with an Amazon return from Utah to California. A Utah couple got the surprise of their life when they got a call that their missing cat was found in Los Angeles. Source: KSL TV, April 24, 2024. Link. The incident reinforces the importance of microchipping pets.” … [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...]