When equine people travel with their horses, this worldwide horse motel resource could be helpful. Source: Horse Motels International. Link. The map program can be found here <Link>. Image: Link … [Read more...]
Combine disease. A good reminder for livestock producers
Kevin Schulz shares an important reminder as crop harvesting season arrives. Whether swine, cattle or poultry, maintaining good observation of animals is critical despite the focus on gathering crops. Source: The Farmer, August 11, 2025. Link. You’re spending too much time on the combine and not enough time in the barns. You need to pay more attention to your sows, even … [Read more...]
Does vaccination influence PRRSV evolution?
A new paper from the University of Minnesota shares strong experimental evidence that vaccination influences PRRSV-2 evolution and can drive genetic changes that result in viral populations distinct from the original challenge virus. Vaccinated animals harbored viruses that were more genetically diverse and distinct from the parent virus. However, even though viruses … [Read more...]
Should we target longevity or extend lactation length for dairy cows?
Commentary For animal health pros who work with dairy producers or monitor elements of dairy production, this article from Stephen LeBlanc, BSc(Agr), DVM, DVSc, may challenge some of the corporate thinking being applied to the dairies you serve. His discussion of where a cow fits in dairy management decisions and how various scenarios influence culling provides perspectives … [Read more...]
Farmer’s Almanac releases winter forecast
Farmers’ Almanac 2025 – 2026 winter forecast calls for a season of dramatic swings and widespread wintry weather. The season officially begins with the winter solstice on December 21, 2025, but the cold and snow might make an appearance as early as September in some areas of the country. Source: Farmers Almanac: Link. … [Read more...]
Farmina Pet Foods Genius AI wins Pet Care Innovation of the Year Award
Farmina Pet Foods Genius AI is a free, online chatbot that seamlessly integrates AI with human expertise, delivering instant, trusted advice 24/7 to pet parents on pet health, nutrition and care. Genius AI also enables consumers to schedule one-on-one appointments for a personalized and in-depth level of pet care, according to the company. Source: PR Newswire, August 7, … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – August 14, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, August 7, 2025. Link. Most read posts from August 7, 2025 AHD Bulletin – Goodbye trial by fire, hello strategic onboarding. Link. Team successes dependent on emotional intelligence (video). Link. The ABCs of dog blood work: What the results really mean. Link. Financial strain often shapes horse … [Read more...]
Financial barriers revealed in 2025 Hill’s Pet Nutrition State of Shelter Pet Adoption Report
This report confirms much of what we suspected. The cost of veterinary care ranked as the number-1 perceived pet ownership expense or that two-thirds of Americans say vet care costs directly influence their decision to adopt a pet. Three of the top five barriers to pet adoption are financial reasons: veterinary care, the initial cost of the pet and ongoing pet food expense. … [Read more...]
Climate disasters devastating to small businesses
News sources cover the physical destruction from tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, drought, wildfires and winter storms, but what is less visible is the economic impact on small businesses in communities over a prolonged recovery period. Noting the contributions of small businesses to our economy, this article shares the importance of contingency planning and risk … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – August 4, 2025
This week’s Fast Bites arrived in a new format with reminders of resources for pet services businesses, an announcement of a new webinar to help elevate pet care businesses and the weekly link to the last AHD Bulletin. Registration for The Forum is still open and rooms are available at the convention hotel. Source: IBPSA, August 4, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
The best defense against rats and leptospirosis is a good trash can
The scene? Urban Boston where One Health researchers sought to better understand the risks from leptospirosis. Rats, being typically asymptomatic carriers of leptospirosis, can be an important source of exposure to humans (and pets) in urban environments. Since the organism is shed in the urine, common methods of exposure include direct contact with rat urine or with … [Read more...]
The ABCs of dog blood work: What the results really mean
It is common when reviewing articles on client feedback for pet owners to express confusion about test results and to indicate veterinary teams sometimes don’t take time to explain the results. In this article from AAHA’s Your Pet, blood work results are explained in the context of helping pet owners understand the numbers, their importance and why doing bloodwork is part of … [Read more...]
Steve Dale. Safety first. Use the leash!
There are at least seven reasons to always keep dogs on a leash in public areas. Steve Dale shares the list and a video to drive home the importance of leash use as a safety measure for pets and people. Consider sharing this piece on social media and in newsletters. Source: Steve Dale Pet World, July 28, 2025. Link. Image: Link. … [Read more...]
Financial strain often shapes horse owners’ veterinary decisions
A University of Kentucky study motivated by frequent references to the challenges of keeping equine practitioners in the profession confirms that financial constraints affect decisions about veterinary care. Nearly 50 percent of respondents reported being able to accommodate unexpected medical expenses of $5,000 or less. Source: Veterinary Advantage, June 2025. … [Read more...]
It’s (past) time to rethink gun use when handling cattle (video)
Trey Patterson shared 2022 National Beef Quality Audit data that revealed a significant problem: 100 percent of non-fed slaughter plants reported finding foreign objects in beef, with half experiencing customer complaints about items like shotgun pellets. This is an all-cattle issue happening predominantly in the production phase, whether it be cattle gathering techniques or … [Read more...]
Beware of blue-tinted pig tissue, an indicator of rodenticide contamination
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife urges hunters to always use caution when harvesting game animals and be aware of potential risks. Wildlife can be inadvertently exposed to rodenticides either by eating rodenticide bait or by eating other animals that have ingested rodenticides. Rodenticide baits often contain dye to identify them as a poison. Blue-colored … [Read more...]
Dairy calf production practices offer insights to beef calf producers
Comparing the management approaches between beef and dairy calves, Kansas State University experts revealed opportunities for beef calf producers to learn from how dairy calves are raised. Regardless of the production system, early digestive development is key to future performance, shared Billy Brown, MS. “Whether a calf is on pasture or in a hutch, getting the rumen … [Read more...]
Essential tips to optimize cow comfort in the holding area
If you get uncomfortable waiting in line for a concert or sports event, think about cows doing something similar two or more times per day. The importance of crowd gate management cannot be overstated, writes Shaun Hardtke. Cow flow should be smooth and calm, with no unnecessary crowding or rushing in the holding area. He reminds us that cow comfort is the ultimate priority … [Read more...]
CDC ends emergency response to H5N1 bird flu
“As reports of animal infections with avian influenza A virus have declined and no human cases have been reported since February 2025, CDC’s H5N1 emergency bird flu response was deactivated to transition back to regular program activity on July 2, 2025.” Source: CNN, July 7, 2025. Link. Surveillance, readiness and response for influenza, including H5N1 bird flu, will … [Read more...]
AAHA introduces four new Standards of Accreditation
Updates to the AAHA Standards of Accreditation will now address 1) nontherapeutic ear crops, 2) devocalizations and 3) feline declaws. The fourth encourages practice teams to talk to families about microchipping and to verify the chip’s functionality and location annually. Source: AAHA Trends, July 22, 2025. Link. AAHA is the only organization that accredits veterinary … [Read more...]
7,000 steps/day is the new sweet spot
A new study reveals that walking just 7,000 steps per day delivers the biggest gains in longevity. Piling on more may not help much. Source: Super Age, Mindset, July 25, 2025. Link. In a world where health advice often feels complicated, this research offers something refreshingly simple: Walking works. And 7,000 steps a day might just be your longevity sweet spot.” … [Read more...]
Managing and supporting neurodiverse team members
Having neurodiverse minds within a company gives a fresh perspective, a new way of thinking, and, often, a competitive advantage, writes Alex Partridge. While accommodating neurodiversity in the workplace can present some challenges, too many managers and business owners see neurodiversity as a problem, which is pure ignorance built on old-fashioned stigmas and … [Read more...]
Remind employees to use their FSA benefits
There are 154 days remaining in 2025 so now is a good time to remind employees to check on and use their FSA benefits. Millions of dollars in these accounts are left unused and the money is forfeited at year end. Lee Hafner suggests sending emails, putting posters up in office breakrooms and including FSA and HSA reminders during meetings to keep these benefits top of … [Read more...]
From the ridiculous to the sublime. Dog preventive wellness mirrors that of their humans.
As we spend more on self-care, we spend more on our dogs’ care. Take a limo (what else?) ride with Dug, who, after being abandoned as a puppy, ended up in the life of Reilly. You’ll go from a sound bath to aqua training to deep tissue massage and everything in between. Source: The Los Angeles Times, July 21, 2025. Link. Dug sits upright on the limo’s black Corinthian leather … [Read more...]
Counting calories for cats
Includes commercial links Sources have indicated that today’s cat owners are more invested in their cats’ health, including seeking out resources like this article. BtoC content like this does affect pet owner perceptions between clinic visits. Consider sharing this article in newsletters, on social media or directly with specific pet owners to set up the discussions … [Read more...]
13 ways to entertain cats and reduce boredom
Cat owners dedicated to keeping their felines indoors have to work harder to provide environmental enrichment to keep their cats from becoming bored. This article offers some ways to keep cats entertained and mentally stimulated. Share a link in newsletters or on social media. Source: Modern Cat, July 22, 225. Link. Photo compliments of Nancy Woodrow … [Read more...]
It’s National Mutt Day . . . are they really healthier than purebreds?
National Mutt Day is celebrated on July 31st. A mutt is a dog of mixed or unknown breed heritage, and there’s a common belief that mutts are healthier due to hybrid vigor. Ann Hohenhaus, DVM, DACVIM, shares perspectives on the topic in this article. Source: Schwarzman Animal Medical Center, July 30, 2025. Link. Image: Link. … [Read more...]
Buzz off! Deer flies irritate horses and pester riders, too!
Gina Fortunato, MBA, shared a recent horse riding experience with disruptive, biting deer flies that aggravated her horse despite fly shields. She shares her experience and some facts about deer flies, including feedback horse owners offered via social media. Gina (right) and a friend are pictured with their horses. Source: Gina Fortunato, Animal Health Digest, July 28, … [Read more...]
Tight nosebands associated with reduced stride length
Noseband tightness is a welfare concern with equestrians. A new study published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Equine Veterinary Science provides an informative perspective of a new issue caused by tight nosebands. The study found that not only do tighter nosebands increase pressure on the nasal bone, but they also cause a significant decrease in stride length when compared to … [Read more...]
Timing BRD vaccines likely improves calf health, performance
A comprehensive review article published in Applied Animal Science examines vaccination strategies across three critical phases of cattle development: maternal vaccination during pregnancy, early calf vaccination from birth through branding (60 to 120 days of age), and vaccination timing around weaning (approximately 205 days). The study found that current vaccination … [Read more...]