Complimentary commercial content “We are very excited to be placing our first completed commercial MiQLab system in the Penn Vet [school] microbiology laboratory for their evaluation. This is a tremendous step in delivering our technology into the veterinary market and beyond,” stated Dr. Jack Regan, LexaGene’s CEO and Founder. Designed for in-clinic, point-of-care, … [Read more...]
Drs. Weese and Anderson review Covid-19 in animals
In a series of blog posts, Scott Weese, DVM and Maureen Anderson, DVM review Covid-19 in animals by family. Industry pros are thankful for the efforts being made to help keep Covid-19 in perspective. Thank you Drs. Weese and Anderson!” Source: WormsandGerms Blog. Link. Worms & Germs Blog is an educational website coordinated by Drs. Scott Weese and Maureen Anderson of the … [Read more...]
Scott Weese, DVM, discusses mutating Covid-19 in mink
Weese and others have been forthcoming since January 2020 about the need to approach emerging diseases proactively by looking for potential problems and taking steps to control them early, rather than waiting for definitive evidence of a problem. Now with as many as five strains of Covid-19 virus identified in mink, the early warnings of viral mutation have become reality. How … [Read more...]
Floor resurfacing reminder
Providing confident, non-skid footing for dairy cattle is vital to their health, performance, and well-being and is one of the basic elements required in any dairy housing system. Dan McFarland discusses various surfaces and the importance of stable footing for cows. Source: Dairy Herd Management, May 26, 2020. Link. Reconditioning flooring surfaces cattle use may seem like … [Read more...]
Emerging arboviruses manuscript collection
Collectively, the authors have assembled a manuscript collection to provide scientists up-to-date information on diverse pathogens and their respective insect vectors. It is estimated 60 to 75 percent of emerging infectious diseases in humans are of zoonotic origin. Up to one third of these emerging infectious diseases are caused by vector-borne pathogens, which cause more … [Read more...]
Comedy Wildlife Photo Awards will make you smile
The annual Comedy Wildlife Photo Awards have become a tradition at AHD. From a turtle flipping the bird to langurs on bikes, you’ll get a kick out of these. Source: The Comedy Wildlife Awards 2020. Link. The seventh Comedy Wildlife Awards competition opens March 1, 2021. INSIGHTS: Get your cameras ready for next year! … [Read more...]
Creativity – nature or nurture?
Some people think creativity is static. You are either born creative, or not. Jesse Hemphill believes creativity is more of a muscle that you can strengthen. Sure, some people are born preternaturally fit, but we can all do a lot to get a lot stronger. Source: LinkedIn Pulse, November 2, 2020. Link. If you are looking to grow professionally as a writer or a hotel staffer or … [Read more...]
TIME puts veterinary diversity issues front and center
Melissa Chan’s article is a must-read for all animal health pros. The call to action is clear. Pet owners are diverse, but veterinarians are overwhelmingly white. Veterinarians are projected to be among the most in-demand workers in the next decade. Yet ,pet lovers are faced with a predominantly white world once it’s time to see a vet. Of the more than 104,000 veterinarians … [Read more...]
Podcasts. Who listens, who might pay?
Podcasts are communication options often considered in the face of pandemic restrictions. But, will a podcast reach its audience? Morning Consult surveyed adults who frequently listen to podcasts. Spotify and Apple are the favored platforms and demographics indicate white males and millennials are the largest audiences. The survey also considered the pros and cons of paid … [Read more...]
VVCA Mark Five series: VCPR Changes Since COVID-19
Complimentary Content In this second Mark Five video, Mark Cushing, J.D. covers the complex subject of how Covid affected telemedicine VCPR policies. Fortunately, veterinary medicine was declared essential across all of the United States. Three different types of took actions that affected they did something about telemedicine VCPR policy: 17 states suspended their … [Read more...]
Detecting heat in high production cows
High producing cows exhibit fewer overall standing events, coupled with a high proportion of heat periods classified as short duration and low intensity. This makes the practice of using tail paint rubs less precise. Joseph C Dalton discusses milk production specifically from the many factors that influence mounting and standing activity. Source: Dairy Herd Management, … [Read more...]
Burnout Survey reveals high risk of veterinary technician burnout
A second portion of Dr. Ivan Zak’s dissertation reveals veterinary technicians have a dangerously low level of job satisfaction, which is substantially worse than doctors’ satisfaction rates. Source: Veterinary Integration Solutions, November 9, 2020. Link. Often, techs are the undervalued force in the clinic setting and are stretched thin with the heavy caseload, excessive … [Read more...]
Covid exposure risks outside of work increasing for clinicians
Medscape reports non-work exposures were more likely to lead to Covid-19 infections in human health care. It’s worth consideration. Source: Medscape, November 2, 2020. Link. <firewall> One-third of Covid-19 exposures among health care providers in Minnesota are due to family or community exposure, not patient care, according to a study conducted by the Minnesota … [Read more...]
Pandemics: Beyond “women and children first”
Jenifer Chatfield DVM, DACZM, DACVPM, outlines the factors involved in determining who will receive a vaccine. She discusses common questions as we wait for a Covid-19 vaccine: Who gets the vaccine first when it becomes available? Who gets it if the supply is limited? Who decides who is at the front of the line? Source: DVM 360, October 21, 2020. Link. Like … [Read more...]
The science behind the masks
Despite all the evidence face masks help protect us and others from coronavirus exposure, we occasionally run into doubters. This short animation vividly shows how even a simple mask works to reduce the virus spread. Source: The New York Times, October 30, 2020. Link. The public health debate on masks is settled, said Joseph G. Allen, director of the Health Buildings program … [Read more...]
Researchers discover a second key that makes SARS-CoV-2 so infectious
Researchers believe they have found another way the coronavirus gains entry into our cells. They discovered a receptor called neuropilin-1 gives the novel coronavirus a leg up in infecting our tissues. This particular protein is relatively abundant on cells lining the nasal cavity, making it a piece of cake for the virus to establish a home inside our bodies, raise a virus … [Read more...]
New CDC guidance, 15 minutes of exposure and what it means for you
New guidance from the CDC updates our understanding of the transmission of SARS-Cov-2, the virus that causes Covid-19 and recognizes the ease with which this virus can spread. It suggests that there is more of a dose-response relationship between viral exposure and risk of disease. Which is to say, the more virus you are exposed to, the higher your risk, even if the exposure … [Read more...]
What to do when a teammate shares their grief
It is inevitable that someone in your workplace or network will share a difficult event they go through. Lara Hogan shares the importance of being prepared and setting boundaries to avoid: jumping into problem solving mode turning our response toward ourselves and our similar experiences responding to avoid hurting this person Hogan suggests asking open questions … [Read more...]
Learn to say, “No.”
To make the most of your time, you will need to say no to things that are not particularly aligned with your personal or professional goals. Source: Forge, September 21, 2020. Link. The question is not would I rather do this thing or nothing, it’s would I rather do this thing or everything else in my already packed life that I’m currently living. INSIGHTS: Time is a … [Read more...]
Virtual reality grant to help increase interest in animal welfare
This is great news, but I wonder, “how will the scratch ‘n sniff be deployed”? Joking aside, congratulations to Nicole Anderson for a sizeable grant to use virtual reality to increase student interest and understanding of farm animal welfare. The funds will help develop four virtual reality modules that focus on operating commercial dairy and swine farms. Source: … [Read more...]
Llamas, great for small farms
Llamas, members of the camelid family, are a growing choice of ruralpolitan farmers and small acreage owners due to the animals’ relatively small size compared to horses, ponies or cattle. Their unique digestive system and highly efficient use of forage means llamas require less acreage per animal. They are excellent guardian animals, but require planning and education for good … [Read more...]
Dr. Jen the Vet discusses colic
“Colic is an issue that strikes fear into most horse-loving hearts,” says Jenifer Chatfield, DVM, Dipl. ACZM, Dipl. ACVPM. In this episode of Is this a thing,? she tackles colic as a symptom, behaviors that signal gastro discomfort and some of the ways DVMs help horses and their owners. Source: LinkedIn, October 30, 2020. Link. Find a 3-minute preview video here. Source: … [Read more...]
Considerations for breeding a dog
Industry research indicates demand for dogs will continue to increase. Shelter and rescue organizations can’t keep up and provide little support for individual breed development and continuity. The number of breeders is likely to grow with the demand leaving a common question among folks new to breeding. What is the best age to breed a dog?” Source: Breeding Business, March … [Read more...]
Top 10 cities roundworm report
Cities across the U.S. are experiencing increases in roundworm infection. The September Top 10 report emphasizes the need to continue communicating the importance of year-round broad-spectrum protection for pets against roundworms and routine testing, regardless of where pets reside. An increase in roundworm prevalence not only alerts communities to a persistent threat to the … [Read more...]
Oral care at home, COHAT in the clinic
Opinion, Sponsored Content from Addison Biological Laboratory, Inc. Last week I asked the question, “What ever happened to COHAT?” an acronym Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment. The logic made sense and leads to reasserting the need for in-home oral health to be presented as a priority. Dental exams are a component of COHAT often required more frequently … [Read more...]
Finding someone who will choose to work for you
Complimentary Commercial Content Our industry needs more animal health professionals, especially ones who can work as veterinarians and veterinary nurses and techs. But, what does your employee wanted ad represent? is your ad all about you? Or does it express why someone will enjoy working for you? It's a Job ad, not a Job description!” That’s the premise of the … [Read more...]
FBI and DHS issue warning about ransomware, cyberattacks on hospital systems
Sponsored Content Cyberattacks don’t recognize borders, says Clint Latham, JD. Anytime health care industries are put in the cross hairs of cyberattacks, it also encompasses veterinary practices. He shares perspectives, outlines risks and discusses how to reduce possible damage. Source: Lucca Veterinary Data Security, October 29, 2020. Link. Also see: FBI warns … [Read more...]
Maybe we don’t need so much Zoom
Zoomed out? Beyond the social connections made during Zoom calls, most activities can be done by leaders, discussed in chat or dealt with by email. Yet, organizations are defaulting to virtual meetings instead. Zooming has taken over too many calendars. This article shares a flow chart to help answer the question, “Should this be a meeting?” Source: NOBL Academy, November … [Read more...]
Turn curbside customers into loyal clients
Commentary Tony McReynolds shares results from an appropriately robust discussion with industry consultant Josh Vaisman, CCFP, MAPPCP (PgD). Truly, curbside services are uncharted territory for veterinary teams. While no one really knows exactly what works and what doesn’t, I believe the secret sauce is as close as the treatment foo-foo coffee customers get at Starbucks. … [Read more...]
VVCA series addresses telemedicine questions, challenges
Responding to feedback from veterinarians, veterinary techs and nurses, the Veterinary Virtual Care Association created a series of short videos by Mark Cushing, founder and managing partner of the Animal Policy Group, and co-founder of the VVCA. In the first video he reviews the policies that govern veterinary telemedicine. His focus is on the basics of the veterinary client … [Read more...]