Noted as a significant achievement in the fight against New World Screwworm, the USDA announced the completion of a U.S.-based sterile fly dispersal facility in Edinburg, Texas. This facility expands USDA’s ability to disperse sterile flies along the border and into the United States, if necessary. Source: USDA, February 9, 2026. Link. This sterile fly dispersal facility is … [Read more...]
CattleCon 2026 breaks attendance record, NCBA sets policy priorities
A record of more than 9,400 cattle producers and industry stakeholders attended CattleCon 2026, the annual cattle industry convention and trade show, last week in Nashville, Tennessee. During the event, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association announced its 2026 policy priorities. Source: NCBA, February 2, 2026. Link. The organization will advance regulatory reform, animal … [Read more...]
The quiet evolution of veterinary containment
Includes Commercial References Today's best animal housing systems are evolving with subtle, thoughtful design shifts that support the goals veterinarians care about most: reducing stress, improving outcomes and creating a recovery space that heals as much as it holds. We believe clients care about those spaces, too. John Freytag writes about what he calls purposeful … [Read more...]
Waiting is not free
The status quo is certainly comfortable and safe, but what is the cost of doing nothing? Source: LinkedIn Pulse, January 30, 2026. Link. Stop viewing ‘waiting’ as a free action. In business, standing still has a burn rate.” INSIGHTS: When the cost of doing nothing exceeds the perceived cost of other options, change becomes profitable. Be sure to see Andy Williams’s … [Read more...]
Does a positive drug test follow you? Experts explain what employers can and can’t see
Includes Commercial references Privacy laws create stronger protections than social media horror stories suggest. It’s common for people to assume that a positive test becomes part of some industry-wide database that all future employers can access. But that's not how it works. An individual’s test results belong to the company that ordered the test, and they're bound by … [Read more...]
People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care
Commentary If you’re working to develop or sustain business relationships, you’ll likely draw some inspiration or perspective from this piece about Jim Niekamp, former Midmark sales and marketing executive, whom some animal health pros will recognize. His philosophy of “Owning the Relationship” has been shared worldwide. It’s about going beyond a standard business … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – February 9, 2026
In this week’s Fast Bites: Association received positive note from customer of K9 Resorts Brookfield, Wisconsin Seats still open for Pet End-of-Life Legal and Emotional Guidance symposium Legislative news from: Rhode Island; Iowa; Austin, Texas The Modern Reservation Strategy member webinar: February 18th at 1:00 p.m CST. Reservation Link. Source: IBPSA, … [Read more...]
Pet insurance data shows a surprising Valentine’s Day hazard for dogs
Insurance data can be very useful to veterinarians and pet owners alike, writes Ann Hohenhaus, DVM, DACVIM. Around Valentine’s Day, it suggests that while chocolate remains a classic risk, jewelry ingestion may be an even more common cause of veterinary visits for dogs. Source: Schwarzman Animal Medical Center, February 11, 2026. Link. Image: Link. … [Read more...]
Equine circadian rhythms and the effects of lighting
Karen Elizabeth Baril’s article here provides an in-depth follow-up to a July 2025 post <Link>. She focuses on circadian rhythms which affect every cell in the horse's body. Modern management routines and competition schedules play havoc with lighting and can disrupt a horse's circadian rhythm and may contribute to undesirable behaviors. Baril’s circadian-friendly … [Read more...]
Farrier shares: signs, symptoms, treatment options, anticipated outcomes of thrush
Includes Commercial Content David Hallock is well acquainted with thrush and explains there are several opportunities for it to become prevalent and persistent. The article is complete with photos and guidance for farriers and horse owners that veterinary teams may find useful. Treating the thrush should result in a big, healthy, clean and open frog. Consistent cleaning … [Read more...]
Comedy wildlife competition TedX video
Tom Sullam, cofounder of the annual Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards, shares hilarious animal photos that dissolve the distance between humans and nature. The result? A fun comedy and informative video. ENJOY! Source: TEDNext 2025, November 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Review: Feeding pregnant cows to improve daytime calving
Feeding cows late afternoon or evening has been shown to move more calving times to between 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. This management practice is known as the Konefal feeding system, writes Maddy Krueger. It is believed calving can be triggered by low rumen pressure. Rumen contractions increase in frequency after feeding, causing increased rumen pressure which declines by … [Read more...]
Review: Know your dewormers
In the U.S., name‑brand and generic dewormers fall into four anthelmintic drug classes: avermectins (macrocyclic lactones), benzimidazoles, imidazothiazoles and sulfonamide derivatives, each with its own distinct molecular structure that harms parasites in different ways. Sandy Stuttgen, DVM, reviews the drug classes, their activity against parasites, potential resistance … [Read more...]
New PRRS strain moving fast through Indiana, Ohio swine facilities
A new strain of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus is plaguing pig farmers in Ohio and Indiana. PRRS 1-10-4 L1C.5.35 is moving fast through barns and is more aggressive than other strains. These pigs still get very sick very quickly and get very quiet when this PRRS strain hits, according to Bethany Heitkamp, DVM. The most unusual thing she is seeing is … [Read more...]
Syngenta, Ducks Unlimited to scale regenerative seed production across Midwest
This is a promising pilot program! By integrating cover crops with seed corn production, the approach offers a model for accelerating resilience and environmental benefits across privately managed lands in the Midwest. For animal health pros working closely with producers who graze crop stubble, the added forage is important to evaluate as part of the herd management … [Read more...]
CAAMS seeking DVM feedback regarding antimicrobial use in dogs
Companion Animal Antimicrobial Stewards committee is recruiting participants to participate in a research study to learn more about veterinarians’ preferences for perioperative and postoperative antimicrobial use in dogs. To participate, you must be a licensed veterinarian who treats dogs greater than 18 years of age. Source: AAHA Trends, February 4, 2026. Link. Link to … [Read more...]
BIVI secures emergency use authorization for Ivomec (ivermectin) 1% for NWS
Under the FDA’s Emergency Use Authorization, IVOMEC (ivermectin) 1% Injection is authorized for the prevention of infestations caused by NWS (Cochliomyia hominivorax) larvae (myiasis) when administered within 24 hours of birth, at the time of castration, or at the appearance of a wound in cattle, except for female dairy cattle producing milk for human consumption and calves … [Read more...]
JAVMA article reinforces strong safety profile of Synovetin OA
An article in JAVMA <Link> confirms that any radiotherapy exposure to veterinary staff and pet owners from dogs treated with Synovetin OA® is insignificant; just a fraction of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s allowance of 100 millirem per year of radiation. The studies show that exposure is very low; practically insignificant. This is important because some … [Read more...]
Veterinary clinic certification program aims to encourage sustainability
The Veterinary Sustainability Alliance launched the Green Paw sustainability certification program for veterinary clinics in the U.S. and Canada. The program helps practices take practical steps to reduce their environmental impacts, mental impacts and is open to all clinics, including teaching hospitals. Source: AVMA, February 4, 2026. Link. Clinics earn Green Paw … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – February 12, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, February 5, 2026. Link. Most read posts from February 5, 2026 AHD Bulletin – Pet humanization predicted to double global pet care market by 2035. Link. Why Ro is spending $233,000 per second on a Super Bowl ad. Link. The pro/con list – useless. Link. Dental revenue remains behind; 90 percent of … [Read more...]
90 percent of cat owners make these winter mistakes. The cat suffers, but they don’t notice
Commentary Kristin Wuhrman often says, “The smallest changes in daily routines are often where the biggest health signals begin.” So, when we discovered the video shared here, it was logical to ask Kristin to review it and write a post we could share on Animal Health Digest. Guest Post by Kristin Wuhrman, Certified Cat Behavior Consultant This video is an excellent … [Read more...]
Why Ro is spending $233,000 per second on a Super Bowl ad
For those of us who scratch our heads calculating the total costs committed to Super Bowl media, this piece informs and enlightens. Ro’s Zachariah Reitano shares what makes a Super Bowl ad unique, why it is not just another ad buy, the potential economic benefits and other reasons why the company is investing in one. Super Bowl advertising is an anomaly in the normal scope … [Read more...]
Pet humanization predicted to double global pet care market by 2035
A comprehensive new market intelligence report by Future Market Insights projects the global pet care market as poised for a decade of transformative growth. Acknowledging some inflationary pressures, the article positions the expanding digital accessibility and accelerating demand for functional foods, customized supplements and eco-friendly accessories as drivers of future … [Read more...]
Software integration is key to greater veterinary AI adoption
Commentary Destined to become a clarifying pivot point in veterinary technology development, we’re sharing a new paper, Companion Animal Veterinary Software: Part I, Navigating Practice Challenges with Support of Technology and AI, authored by Jon Ayers, Jeff Dixon, Dr. Adam Little, and Adam Wysocki, with contributions from Andrew Luna. As might be expected given this … [Read more...]
General practice dental revenue remains behind, yet 90 percent of animals need dental care
Sarah Rumple, CVJ, shares tips from Monique Weldon, DVM, and Paul Camilo, CVPM, focused on building dental revenue in veterinary practices. The article shares ways to increase dental revenue through outreach, client education, standardizing codes, staff training, reassembling fee structures and promoting wellness plans. Source: Today’s Veterinary Business, February 1, 2026. … [Read more...]
The pro/con list – useless
The pro/con list puts options before clarity. It skips the criteria completely. It flattens the discussion and distracts us from what matters, asserts Andy Williams (not the singer). Source; LinkedIn Pulse, January 16, 2026. Link. Remember to maintain agency over the ends you design. Navigate your <decisions>. Don't just compute it. Human nature is in a rush to … [Read more...]
Vetiquette: Elevate client service with simple habits
It’s not rocket science, says Stacee Santi DVM. But every interaction matters. She shares 10 ways to cultivate the most loyal clients. Her article includes tips for interacting on the phone, via text and email. We would add the importance of developing a unified team approach to client services to manage client experiences with each touch or interaction. Source: Today’s … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – February 2, 2026
In this week’s Fast Bites: OSHA compliance period has begun From diagnosis to life after loss (FREE Symposium) – session schedule continues Member webinar, February 18th: Modern reservation strategy. Link. US Department of Labor compliance toolkit providing resources to help employers understand their basic responsibilities under federal labor laws. Link. Most … [Read more...]
Playing tug can create whiplash
Playing tug of war with pups is a fun game, but injuries can occur if the human in the game gets too active on their end of the rope. Dog behavior specialist Deb Nabb shares the importance of the human just holding the rope and letting the dog shake it back and forth. Source: Deb Nabb, Facebook. Link. When people shake the tug rope back and forth, it is easy to cause … [Read more...]
Demonstration leads to daily habits (video)
Sponsor Content When it comes to oral care products, exam room demonstrations make a positive difference in pet owner adoption of daily oral care practices at home. MAXI/GUARD® products are well-suited to improve convenient daily use in home settings. This communication explains the benefits of using MAXI/GUARD® Oral Cleansing Wipes daily at home. They are ideal for … [Read more...]