Getting the most out of replacement heifers was the focus of a presentation by calf and heifer specialist Bethany Dado-Senn, PhD, at the recent Central Plains Dairy Expo. She shared benchmarks from birth to 12 months of age, highlighting specific areas along each growth stage, including possibly managing heifers out of first-calf heifers separately. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, … [Read more...]
New ISU guides help hog producers manage heat stress
Swine producers have new resources available from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach to mitigate summer heat stress. These resources are available for download from the ISU Extension store: Heat Stress in Swine Production: Breeding Herd Considerations Heat Stress in Swine Production: Basic Research Source: National Hog Farmer, April 6, 2026. Link. … [Read more...]
Why dairy cattle bunch: What published research reveals about this costly behavior
Published research shows there are clear reasons “cows just stand around for no reason” and they’re almost always environmental. Leading peer‑reviewed research on why dairy cows bunch, what environmental factors drive the behavior and how dairies can reduce it is shared in this article. Key reasons for bunching include: Stable flies (Stomoxys calcitrans) Heat … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – April 16, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, April 9, 2026. Link. Most read posts from April 9, 2026 AHD Bulletin – Building adherence with CAPC data. Link. Personal responsibility. Link. 7 signs your executive team lacks leadership maturity. Link. Why relationship-centered care wins in veterinary medicine. Link. Keeping cows on track … [Read more...]
Building adherence with CAPC data
Chris Carpenter, DVM, talks about the value of CAPC data and forecasts in this Fountain Report Conversation. It’s <now> proven that when veterinarians share a forecast for what’s gonna happen in that county and send that forecast in an alert-type format to the owner, they come in and they purchase.” - Chris Carpenter, DVM Source: Antelligence, Fountain Report … [Read more...]
Why relationship-centered care wins in veterinary medicine
A must-read Today’s pet parents want to be active participants in decisions about their pets’ health, not passive recipients of one-time services. Chewy Health’s Mita Malhotra asserts that practices that prioritize long-term partnership over episodic service often see stronger patient health outcomes, deeper trust and greater lifetime loyalty from clients. Nearly 82 … [Read more...]
USDA seeks public input on updating dog welfare regulations; Comment period extended to April 20, 2026
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is seeking public comments, scientific dat, and stakeholder input to help determine whether updates are needed to federal regulations governing the humane care of dogs. These standards, which apply to licensed breeders and other regulated entities under the Animal Welfare Act, have not had a major … [Read more...]
Personal responsibility
Finger pointing has gotten out of hand – from, “my parents didn’t love me” to, “the dog ate my homework.” It is time to shoulder the blame and forgive yourself. Source: AXIOS, March 5, 2026. Link. Article PDF. Hans Nichols shares the authors’ self-help acronym from the book From Mistakes to Meaning to confront and conquer your mistakes: DUET (disclose, unpack, empathize, and … [Read more...]
7 signs your executive team lacks leadership maturity
When maturity is missing at the executive level, the consequences ripple through the entire organization. Marlene Chism shares seven signs your executive team may be struggling with leadership maturity. Executive maturity isn’t about being perfect. It’s the discipline to face reality, regulate reactions and engage in the conversations that move the organization … [Read more...]
The power of introverts
Introverts are a third to a half of the population. Yet, in a culture where being social and outgoing are prized above all else, it can be difficult, even shameful, to be an introvert. Still relevant, Susan Cain’s passionate talk asserts that introverts bring extraordinary talents and abilities to the world, and should be encouraged and celebrated. Source: TED2012, February … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – April 6, 2026
This week’s Fast Bites welcomes 22 new provider members. Congratulations! Welcome aboard! Source: IBPSA, April 6, 2026. Link. Related: The PACCC Insider, Spring 2026 Edition. Link. Updates from the pet care industry, highlights of certified professionals, and tools to advance your career. Is boarding still worth it for veterinary practices? AAHA Trends, … [Read more...]
Despite being engaged at work, nearly half of employees plan to quit
Commentary Reports like this deserve consideration. It is easy to dismiss such results as not applying to “my” situation. However, the results Michael Popke shares here likely parallel animal health industry articles of the last several years. According to Firstup’s 2026 State of Employee Engagement Report for North America, nearly half of self-proclaimed “engaged” U.S. … [Read more...]
What is an emotional support animal?
ESAs have grown in popularity in the past few years, but the rights and regulations surrounding them remain hazy. Michelle K. explains that in order for a dog (or any animal) to legally be considered an emotional support animal, it must be prescribed by a registered doctor or mental health professional as a means of treatment for a diagnosed mental illness. ESAs and Service … [Read more...]
An update on fleas, flea-borne diseases, and flea control
Despite decades of effective ectoparasite control for cats and dogs, fleas on cats continue to be a major issue in veterinary medicine, writes Brian Herrin DVM, PhD. He provides an excellent review in this article that supports year-round adherence with highly effective flea control methods. Year-round adherence is key to preventing home infestations, reducing flea allergy … [Read more...]
Second skunk rabies case confirmed in Missouri
Rabies cases are always a good reason to communicate with clients about wild animal safety and basic pet vaccination. Wild animals are often found under sheds, farm buildings and junk piles. Pet owners who play with or exercise their pets in parks and forests can encounter rabies-spreading animals near brush and rock piles. Working with local media can be an effective way to … [Read more...]
10 common causes of sudden death in cats (and which ones are preventable)
Sudden death in cats is one of those topics that feels too heavy to think about proactively, but understanding the real causes is one of the more useful things cat owners can do for their cats. There’s little doubt veterinary teams will agree with Dan Seymour’s assertion and quickly reference the limited time they have available to educate even their best feline … [Read more...]
De-exaggerate extreme features in popular dog breeds
To preserve the breeds we love, we need to ‘de-exaggerate’ extreme features by only breeding individuals with healthy and robust features, and petition kennel clubs to update the breed standards to match, according to Karyn Kanowski, BVSc, MRCVS. Referencing health challenges in breeds like the French Bulldog, Clumber Spaniel, Dachshund and Shar-pei, Kanowski advocates for … [Read more...]
Universal ethogram created to help standardize equine social behavior
A relatively new universal ethogram represents a significant step forward in equine behavior science. By standardizing definitions and supplementing them with video clarity*, it enables consistent cross-study comparisons and deeper insights into equine welfare. For veterinary professionals, it offers a practical framework to better assess, interpret and optimize management … [Read more...]
Taming aggressive rooster behavior
Never introduce a new rooster to a flock that already has a rooster, writes Rhonda Crank. Her timeless article shares rooster behaviors and ways to manage their natural aggression. She also addresses keeping the flock safe and how to avoid attacks on people. Source: Backyard Poultry, May 4, 2021. Link. In the rooster world, he who runs away, walks away, or hides is the … [Read more...]
Keeping cows on track from calving to conception
Commercial references The picture above defines the what and how of optimal cow management. The first 100 days, a critical stress window, is the when. Management and nutrition in this period largely decide whether a cow breeds back on time, writes Angie Stump Denton. Alltech’s Anne Koontz and Shelby Roberts provide details on prevention‑minded nutrition and management, … [Read more...]
Defining the next chapter of beef-on-dairy with genetics, data
The days of “any black bull will do” are over, shares Karen Bohnert in this article, relaying information from the recent High Plains Dairy Conference in Amarillo, Texas. The reason the beef-on-dairy movement has been so successful is rooted in its ability to solve the beef industry’s greatest challenge: variability. Source: Dairy Herd Management, April 6, 2026. Link. To … [Read more...]
Benefits of adopting the PRRS-resistant pig
“PRRS has been the most frustrating thing we’ve had to deal with as veterinarians,” says Jason Hocker, DVM. “The virus changes and adapts and seems to always be one step ahead of us. It’s something we’ve not been able to make a lot of progress on as an industry.” The decades-long PRRS trajectory could finally be changing with FDA approval of the gene edit used in PIC’s … [Read more...]
Replacement heifers have different needs than finishing heifers
When short on grass and hay, cattle producers may contemplate how to manage replacement heifers in a dry lot or in confinement. The Nebraska wildfires were the catalyst for Karla Wilke’s article, but it is good guidance to share with producers who face similar challenges. Source: BEEF, April 6, 2026. Link. Replacement heifers do not need the high-energy diet fed to finishing … [Read more...]
Chewy to acquire Modern Animal accelerating a fully integrated pet healthcare strategy
Chewy, Inc., announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Modern Animal, Inc., a technology-forward veterinary platform with 29 owned clinics, 24/7 virtual care and a high-retention membership model. This acquisition represents an important strategic step in Chewy’s evolution into a fully integrated pet healthcare ecosystem, combining care, commerce and … [Read more...]
New World Screwworm: Regulations, readiness and response
The first Cattlemen's Webinar of 2026 will be led by Julia Herman, DVM, NCBA beef cattle specialist veterinarian, and Sigrid Johannes, senior executive director of government affairs. They will review NWS, provide a regulatory update and outline what changes may impact producers in the months ahead. This webinar promises to equip producers with the knowledge and action … [Read more...]
April’s national wildfire forecast. SCARY!
Every state in the West is expected to face an above-normal threat of wildfire this summer, according to the latest projections, released last week by the National Interagency Coordination Center. Citing an ongoing snow drought, rapid snowmelt and a recent unprecedented heat wave, the latest maps feature the red-colored risk areas spilling across the Southwest and into the … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – April 9, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, April 2, 2026. Link. Most read posts from April 2, 2026 AHD Bulletin – Local leadership, not logo on door, makes a vet clinics shine. Link. Defining the decision. Link. When AI misses the diagnosis, who gets sued? Link. ========================== Research on heartworm reveals older, complex … [Read more...]
Employees’ financial stress costs employers $1.1 trillion
The central finding of a new report from industry analyst firm Valoir, estimates that employees’ financial stress costs U.S. employers more than $1.1 trillion in lost productivity each year. We noted: The average worker spends 3.3 hours per week handling personal financial issues while on the clock, while about eight percent spend 10 or more work hours per week. Eighty … [Read more...]
Local leadership, not the logo on the door, makes a veterinary clinic shine
The corporate-versus-independent debate is getting stale, writes Bob Lester, DVM. He asserts it is time to stop pointing fingers and start focusing on what drives hospital success. The answer: strong, local, boots-on-the-ground leadership. Here are some of Lester’s thoughts to consider: Veterinary medicine is more complex than ever . . . leadership is the most crucial … [Read more...]
When AI misses the diagnosis, who gets sued?
We need this <liability> conversation to be MUCH MUCH louder, writes Michele Pfannenstiel, DVM. What follows is a thought-filled, researched treatise that raises concerns about what AI can do, how it is validated and who is responsible if AI can’t. Pfannenstiel is not anti-AI. She wants new tools to work. But wanting them to work is not the same as knowing they work, … [Read more...]