Like all backyard animals, chickens can get injured. Access to veterinary care is not always timely, so Victoria Peterson suggests putting together a first aid kit for the flock and keeping it in toolbox or container. Injuries are common when birds fight or when attacked by a predator. Source: AcreageLife, February 2020. Link. Also see: Variety is key to selling first aid … [Read more...]
Chatting with the farrier
Natalie Voss shares some questions to ask the farrier while holding a horse instead of just being quiet. Here’s a sample: When do I call you? What should I be watching for this season? Do I see you enough? Source: AcreageLife, February 2020. Link. INSIGHTS: Good information to share on social media and in newsletters. … [Read more...]
Winter goat care
Temperature can be the least of challenges when determining how to keep goats warm in cold weather, writes Karen Kopf. She discusses the components of cold climate herdsmanship. Source: Backyard Goats, December 18, 2019. Link. Acclimation, nutrition, and habitation along with breed selection are all part of preparing to keep goats warm in cold weather. Also see: Search … [Read more...]
New tech protects piglets from crushing mortality
If one of your swine operator customers has a problem with piglet mortality due to lay-ons, a new AI-based technology may offer a solution. SmartGuard can locate exactly where a piglet is getting crushed and alert the sow to roll over or stand up using vibration. The new technology has reduced the incidence of crushing and mortality of piglets by 35 to 40 percent in commercial … [Read more...]
Swine research; alive, proactive
National Hog Farmer’s December 2019 edition is dedicated to myriad research projects that challenge the status quo in swine production. Weaning and transport stress, cross-fostering and odor control are among the research presented, in addition to getting a handle on emerging diseases. Source: National Hog Farmer, December 2019. Link. … [Read more...]
Mastitis steals nutrients, as well as milk
Everyone is aware that cows with mastitis give less milk. Ron Munneke looked beyond the milk loss of clinical cows to consider how subclinical cases affect milk production. The immune cells burn up a lot of energy during the hunting and killing process of the invading bacteria. Source: Progressive Dairy, December 24, 2019. Link. Once the immune system is activated, the immune … [Read more...]
Dehorning, castration guidelines updated to include pain mitigation
The American Association of Bovine Practitioners is the go-to organization for government and policymakers when it comes to cattle health, production and well-being issues. Its animal welfare committee has updated the sections in the guidelines on proper restraint, local anesthesia and systemic pain relief. Source: Bovine Veterinarian, December 30, 2019. Link. In 2019, the … [Read more...]
BQA is trust insurance
Beef Quality Assurance certification is proof that cattlemen really care about how they raise their animals, said Josh White. More than 85 percent of beef comes from BQA-certified producers. While most cattlemen are familiar with the program, it is important to re-certify every two years to keep current with changes, updates and new information regarding cattle handling and … [Read more...]
A new twist to tick infections
Scientists have found that temperature has little impact on the types of bacteria ticks carry. What they did find was humidity and competition among bacteria had the greatest influence on the combinations of pathogens carried by Ixodes Ricinus, one of Europe's most common tick species. Humidity, competition among bacteria influence pathogens ticks carry Source: UPI, December … [Read more...]
Avoid using debit and credit cards in these locations
Approximately 50,000 animal health pros will be traveling to conventions in the first quarter of 2020. Credit cards make our lives easier, but the rise of hacking and identity theft undermines their convenience. Alan Gleason shares situations that call for caution. Here is a sampling: Self-service gas pumps Mobile applications Cell phone charging stations Source: … [Read more...]
Adrenaline junkies beware
Before you say “yes” to a thrill-seeking diversion during an industry meeting or winter break, read about the 11 outdoor activities with the highest death rates. Boating, rock climbing, cycling and skiing top the list. Source: The Outdoor Wear, January 3, 2020. Link. Some activities and hobbies put your life in danger more than you may want to admit. … [Read more...]
Most-read posts from January and February 2019
AHD selects actionable articles from more than 250 media sources we continuously review. These include about 40 sources directed to veterinarians and veterinary staff, more than 150 sources that focus on animal owners and popular press, blogs and social media. Source: Animal Health Digest, Most-read posts, January 2019. Better ways to say, “You screwed up.” Link. … [Read more...]
VIDEO: Quality acronyms and terms, Banfield-style
Leaders from Banfield review quality acronyms live on video. There’s a bit of memory prodding required while revealing the disciplines required to provide safety and best care for animals, clients and staffers. Source: Quality talk with Banfield leaders, YouTube, October 21, 2019. Link. Note the discussion of the five domains for quality and the focus on culturally competent … [Read more...]
Myths about mental illness cause high rates of unemployment
Awareness of inequalities with respect to race, gender, age, sexuality, class and other related factors, as well as the benefits of diversity, is growing, but society has a long way to go with mental illness, writes Bandy X. Lee. She says, to dispel stigmas surrounding mental health in the workplace, we need first to tackle several myths: Everyone has different abilities … [Read more...]
Mental health resources for farmers and ranchers available. More on the way.
The holidays may add to everyday stress for some folks. Farmers and ranchers are no different. There is a great list of mental health and suicide prevention references with links. Keep it. It may come in handy one day. Source: Successful Farming, September 8, 2018. Link. If you need help or know someone who is contemplating suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention … [Read more...]
Feral hogs are a northern problem, too
Imported as hunting livestock in the 1980s and 1990s, Eurasian boar mated with domestic pigs in Canada and have thrived. They’re heading south, too. Add the wild hogs that short-sighted, hunting enthusiasts transport from the southern U.S. and a likely invasion of the most destructive invasive species known is coming. State and federal agencies are monitoring the U.S./Canadian … [Read more...]
VIDEO: Alarm bells going off for African swine fever
Dr. Bob Rowland, co-executive director of the North American PRRS Symposium, reveals two big headlines from the recent conference. He also explains how the symposium has evolved to include all emerging diseases and offers an update on diagnosing challenging diseases. Source: The Pig Site, November 26, 2019. Link. “You can almost see the alarm bells going off in terms of … [Read more...]
Gates Foundations fund hub for livestock vaccines
Researchers from The Pirbright Institute in the U.K. have been awarded $5.5 million by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to establish a Livestock Antibody Hub aimed at improving animal and human health globally. The aim is to use Pirbright’s expertise in livestock viral diseases, cutting-edge technology and unique high-containment facilities to bring antibody discovery, … [Read more...]
Deep slumber as important for horses as for people
We know that restorative sleep is important to equine health, but mostly leave it up to the horse, writes Kim Mariette. Environments such as bustling modern barns, modern equine facilities and even nearby construction can be disruptive and make it difficult for horses to get REM sleep. Source: EQUUS, May 28, 2019. Link. To achieve REM sleep a horse must lie down in either … [Read more...]
Best hiking dog breeds and activities to share
Media advertising and images consistently weave in images of pets. Articles from an outdoor company share information about dog breeds suited for hiking and ideas about where to go play together. We noted there was no reference to disease protection or injury prevention in either article. Source: Best Dog Breeds for Hiking, The Outdoor Wear, December 11, 2019. … [Read more...]
Quiz: Proper use of gastroprotectants
Gastroprotectants, which include antacids and acid suppressants, are one of the most widely used classes of medications in veterinary medicine. Because acid suppressants and antacids are inexpensive and readily available over the counter, inappropriate use of these drugs is of great concern. Source: Clinician’s Brief, November 2019. Link. Emily Nissa Gould, DVM, MS, DACVIM … [Read more...]
Cat Friendly column celebrates first year of content
2019 was the inaugural year for the Cat Friendly Column produced by the American Association of Feline Practitioners to compliment the Cat Friendly Practice effort. The December issue is dedicated to the most popular articles from 2019. What can I catch from my cat? Link. How to feed a cat. Link Cats should love their carriers. Link. Feline poison prevention. … [Read more...]
As seen in AAHA NEWStat
With a focus on accredited practices, AAHA’s NEWStat is a reliable source for practices and the animal health pros who work in them or with them. The following links share recent sponsored content and a feature on how big-box veterinary clinics are redefining consumers’ concept of pet healthcare. Source: Big-box veterinary clinics redefining consumers’ concept of pet … [Read more...]
North American Veterinary Anesthesia Society focuses on team education
The American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia along with the Academy of Veterinary Technicians in Anesthesia and Analgesia identified a need to elevate standards of care and practice for veterinary anesthesia and analgesia, as well as support those providing anesthesia and analgesia to animal patients. The NAVAS was created as a non-profit to engage anyone … [Read more...]
4 tips to limit party liability
Still have a holiday party to attend? With the potential for great fun and bonding with colleagues, comes the opportunity for some missteps, as well. Lisa Nagele-Piazza, JD, SHRM-SCP suggests four tips to limit party liability. One is to carefully plan the day and time of the event. Setting a timeframe helps maintain control. Another is to manage alcohol consumption for … [Read more...]
Take the stress out of work and the holidays
Everyone is affected by stress and the holidays only seem to add to the level of it. Stephanie Sarkis offers tips for managing this increased stress level. Source: Forbes, November 19, 2019. Link. If you’re feeling stressed out, don’t take on new assignments. You may be concerned that it will reflect poorly on you, but your health is the most important thing. If you aren’t … [Read more...]
Opinion: Poo smell in Kansas City blamed on rare weather event
The greater Kansas City, Missouri, area had a stinky experience in early November. We monitored media to see if animal health pros might add some thoughts about it. To date we’ve seen nothing, but questions remain. If smells from hog operations, cattle feedlots, poultry operations and ethanol plants can be trapped in a low, fast moving front and transferred over 300 miles, … [Read more...]
Rats, cats and feral hogs invading national parks
A new study published in the Biological Invasions journal says our national parks are under a deep and immediate threat from invasive, non-native species. The researchers are urging the National Park Service to create and implement a systemwide approach that involves everybody from National Park Service leadership to their staff and park visitors. Source: CNN, December 4, … [Read more...]
5 tips for better blanketing
Horses will appreciate their caregivers following this advice when selecting and using his blankets this winter: Check the fit of blankets each year Consider getting your horse “underwear” Multiple blankets? Mark them according to the appropriate conditions for their use If temperatures fluctuate, blanket for the anticipated high of the day Remove blankets … [Read more...]
Why do some vaccinated horses still get sick? (podcast)
Elizabeth Davis, DVM, explains how vaccines prime the immune system and why some horses might still get sick. The idea of vaccination is intended to provide, in a very safe way and at a small level of exposure to the immune system, so that on future exposure to the immune system at the time of disease challenge, that the horse is is protected. Source: The Horse, October 22, … [Read more...]