Designed to make the Beef Quality Assurance manual more user friendly, new print and digital versions have been developed to make the information more user friendly. The digital guide contains embedded links and videos that allow producers to interact with various BQA elements.” Source: BEEF, July 2020. Link. To learn more visit bqa.org … [Read more...]
BVD tears at dairy profits
Complimentary commercial content from Zoetis Bovine Viral Diarrhea is a disease issue in cattle worldwide. It is like a shadow in herds that robs production and herd health. BVD can be controlled with diligent management steps revolving around testing, culling, vaccination and farm biosecurity. . . . often BVD is a subclinical disease, and its symptoms get lost amid the … [Read more...]
Be sure you’re welcomed on the farm
As farmers and ranchers work to ensure employee and family safety from Covid-19, angst may be elevated for some. A recent Farm Journal survey shows 45 percent of them have reservations about allowing reps on their farms. Thirty six percent are not concerned. Source: Dairy Herd Management, July 13, 2020. Link. Which of the following would you require to allow input suppliers … [Read more...]
VFD forced beekeepers and veterinarians together
Since the 2017 implementation of the veterinary feed directive, beekeepers and veterinarians are learning from one another. It was a surprise to the bee community. They did not anticipate the rule, which restricts beekeepers from using certain antimicrobials in honeybees without a veterinary feed directive or prescription from a veterinarian. It won’t take many years to get us … [Read more...]
FDA hand sanitizer warning list grows to 59
The FDA has added more products to its warning against using selected hand sanitizers potentially containing methanol. Methanol can "be toxic when absorbed through the skin or ingested and can be life-threatening when ingested," the FDA noted. Source: Newsweek, July 14, 2020. Link. The administration also raised concerns for "products that are fraudulently marketed as … [Read more...]
15 items that need wiped down every day
Cleaning as usual is not enough during this pandemic. We all know we need to be extra careful and take the necessary measures to keep us, our families and colleagues safe. Noah Holland shares 15 things you might forget to wipe down on a daily basis. Here are five of them: Smartphones Eyeglasses Doorknobs, light switches Toilet handles Communal … [Read more...]
DVMs, MDs collaborate to address zoonoses
The prevalence of zoonoses points to the need for veterinarians and their human counterparts to connect and work together today in ways most haven’t historically.” - Audrey Ruple, DVM. The progressive nature of the coronavirus pandemic has underscored the need for medical professionals from all disciplines to interact, share knowledge and activate their collective … [Read more...]
Choosing a backup generator
Weather events are the most common reasons for the power to go out. Aging power grids in the U.S. are susceptible to outages as more and more electricity is demanded. Daniel D. Chapel shares factors to consider when making an electrical backup generator decision. Source: DVM 360 Hospital Design, June 2020, page 6. Link. . . . the average duration of an electrical power … [Read more...]
Signs of a coyote attack
Complimentary commercial content from Nite Guard, LLC Canis latrans, the coyote, is an increasingly present inhabitant of suburban landscapes. One of the more adaptable of all wild mammals, the coyote is implicated in the deaths of chickens, livestock and backyard pets. They are bold and yet stealthy predators with appetites befitting a 25- to 40-pound working dog. … [Read more...]
What to do when the rats show up with the chickens
Ana Hotaling discusses dealing with rat infestations in chicken coops. Her concepts are directed toward prevention of the rodents and to avoid the infections and parasites rats carry for chickens, pets and humans. She also warns against using poisoned baits to avoid accidental poisoning of a cat or dog that finds a rat away from its burrow. A female Norway rat gives birth to … [Read more...]
Articles to help cat owners
Cat owners can be as curious as their cats. Many religiously participate in feline social media groups and share their experiences peer to peer. B-to-C publications also provide perspective on feline health, owner issues and wellness solutions, although the cover-to-cover reading habits for which cat owners are known has not drastically changed their habits with wellness … [Read more...]
Articles to help dog owners
Meeting the needs and curiosities of dog owners is part of what B-to-C publications seek to provide. Not all the material gets read thoroughly, so we assembled recent articles that can help dog owners better understand their canine pals. Source: How to satisfy your working dog’s instincts, Animal Wellness, July 6, 2020. Link. Satisfying a working dog’s instincts begins with … [Read more...]
Training and behavior products category booming
Let’s face it, there is a growing need for canine companions to be well-behaved in a variety of settings. In fact, the need has created a fast-growing product/services category that includes innovative training and behavior products. Client education is also a strategy for retailers to serve clients who need help with improving their pets’ behaviors. Source: Pet Product … [Read more...]
Family dogs likely encourage toddler’s social and emotional development
Animal health pros likely have a good grasp on the value of dogs in homes. A newly published study focuses on children too young for school. Toddlers from dog-owning families who participated in the study published in Pediatric Research were 30 percent less likely to have conduct and peer problems compared to preschoolers from families who didn't own dogs. Source: CNN, July … [Read more...]
Make the oral health discussion memorable
Amanda Carrozza shares suggestions for making actionable recommendations in the examination room and promoting ongoing oral care at home. Her ideas reflect a team approach and prioritizing home care as part of communications. Source: DVM 360, June 29, 2020. Link. Too often clients perceive discussions about their pet’s oral health as “friendly suggestions” instead of … [Read more...]
Infection prevention is everyone’s business
Complimentary commercial content Virox is hosting a free webinar, “Ask an Infection Prevention Expert”, Thursday, July 16 at 2:00 p.m. EDT. Registration allows viewers to submit their questions about infection prevention and control. This topic is timely as people return to work with concerns about staff, animal owner and animal safety. The webinar will feature Nicole … [Read more...]
Facing the heat in a face mask
Come on man! A face mask in this heat? Really?!?! Sound familiar? This common objection is not new territory per se’, but ideas for making mask wearing more bearable are timely. Molly Longman shares ideas learned from doctors to make wearing a mask on a 100-degree day worth it. . . . the fact is, face masks work. They reduce transmission, helping to curb the spread of … [Read more...]
Rabies reported in cattle in 3 states
Considered rare, five rabies cases in cattle have been reported in three states. Rhonda Brooks shares information about historic incidences in cattle, rabies forms and protecting livestock. In the U.S., several distinct rabies virus variants have been identified in terrestrial mammals, including raccoons, skunks and foxes. In addition to these reservoirs, multiple species of … [Read more...]
CE Webinar to address 5 challenges to managing vet clinics post Covid-19
Complimentary sponsored content from Virox Animal Health™ To help equip practices with the necessary information to plan and execute returning to regular operations, Virox® Animal Health and Bash Halow, presenter, veterinary business advisor, and a veteran practice manager ,have partnered to produce resources that will help guide veterinary hospitals back to … [Read more...]
Managing wounds; an equine DVM’s perspective (podcast)
If you own horses, there will be wounds. Merck technical services veterinarian Earl Gaughan, DVM, DACVS, breaks down wound management from the veterinarian’s eyes. Evaluating the horse’s health first is important before attending to the wound. A wound happens from the outside in but diagnostics need to happen from the inside out” - Earl Gaughan, DVM, DACVS Source: … [Read more...]
465 sick, 1 dead, 1/3 of sick are children – Chickens to blame
Backyard chickens can be fun and educational, but families have to be aware of how to safely manage the animals, according to the CDC. It's a little different than raising a dog or cat. The CDC sends out regular warnings about the salmonella risks from backyard flocks. Chickens should be outside animals only and while they may be cute please "don't kiss or snuggle backyard … [Read more...]
2 letters that make goat owners go pale: C L
During a recent veterinary episode on Nat Geo TV, a woman arrived at a clinic with a prized herd doe. The goat’s face was badly swollen and she was gaunt from not being able to eat. A physical exam ruled out injury and dental issues. A blood test confirmed what the owner feared. It was Caseous Lymphadenitis (CL). CL is the curse of the goat industry. It is a highly … [Read more...]
Keeping eyes on African Swine Fever
Although it seemed like diseases like African swine fever (ASF) took a backseat during the pandemic, the Covid-19 crisis taught the industry an important lesson about disease outbreaks: more work is needed, writes Jennifer Shrike. She shares four lessons shared during a June webinar. We need: more research and funding at the federal level effective … [Read more...]
Helping cattle stand the heat
Every summer, livestock media sources of all types feature piece about heat stress in cattle. Whether cow-calf, feeder or dairy cows, heat can damage their ability to maintain their rate of gain or milk production. The combination of hot temperatures, high humidity, and lack of air movement can result in severe cases of heat stress for cattle. When temperatures remain above … [Read more...]
Watch for resistance when controlling flies on cattle
It’s no secret horn flies cut cattle performance. Each fly pierces its host 20 to 30 times a day drawing blood each time. Insecticide ear tags and pour-on products are easy to use and cost-effective. It is important to monitor for resistance because it can cause entire classes of insecticides to become useless. The practical tips will help producers monitor fly populations and … [Read more...]
Quiz: Boost your fly warfare expertise
Whether on the farm, in the stable, near the kennels or backyard patio, flies are a nuisance. Barb Crabbe, DVM, offers a 10-point quiz followed by the answers and some facts about each question. It’s likely there will be few perfect scores! Source: Horse and Rider, June 15, 2020. Link. INSIGHTS: At least half of the answers can be used in social media posts, newsletters or … [Read more...]
Which telemedicine bucket does your veterinary practice fall into?
When it comes to telemedicine platforms, there are three big buckets: basic/DIY, plug and play for human health-care providers, and premium plug and play for veterinary professionals, writes Stacee Santi, DVM. She breaks down each segment discussing functionality along with pros and cons. We’ve included references to the Veterinary Virtual Care Association along with Dr. … [Read more...]
When you are closer to the end than the beginning
Arthur Brooks, who recently retired as president of the American Enterprise Institute, is one of my favorite writers. His recent work, Love your Enemies: How Decent People Can Save America from the Culture of Contempt, is some of his best work. This Atlantic column deals with another disturbing topic – our decline – but also offers some sage advice. Source: The Atlantic, … [Read more...]
Elanco CEO shares crucible moment perspectives (video)
Jeffrey Simmons, president and CEO at Elanco speaks about the collision of a pandemic with a societal awakening as a crucible moment. He asserts this period as a once in a lifetime event. Simmons shares his observations via video and in these written sections: The innovative will separate themselves The basics matter, but done with excellence The human-animal bond … [Read more...]
Build a ‘rest ethic’ as strong as your work one
Co-authors John Fitch and Max Frenzel offer creative and thoughtful ways to best use time off to gift you with inspiration, ideas and recovery. They want us to unlearn workaholism by learning “noble leisure” of the past and developing a quality rest ethic. Source: Fast Company, June 19, 2020. Link. Aristotle said rest is not just relaxation. He warned relaxation is often … [Read more...]