Commentary Before you say, “well, duh” or “it’s a global issue” or “we diligently promote vaccination,” take a few moments to read this article and skim the World Organization for Animal Health report. You’ll likely find some convincing facts to share the next time you encounter vaccine hesitancy. It warns that infectious diseases are spreading into new territories, placing … [Read more...]
New video series targets foreign animal disease preparedness (video)
A new video series from the University of Vermont covers important topics for farm producers and industry allies about foreign animal disease preparedness and response. The 11 animated videos cover topics that are important for anyone involved in animal agriculture to understand. They combine science-based knowledge about disease spread with practical answers on how to … [Read more...]
Redesigned Secure Beef Supply website offers new biosecurity resources
Users can now easily access more than 100 resources, including enhanced and daily biosecurity tools, at https://www.securebeef.org/. Grants have supported the development of new educational materials, including bilingual handouts (English and Spanish) and engaging training videos. Source: BEEF, June 20, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Rethinking calf transport for better health and growth
The decisions made before, during and after transport can have serious impacts on calf health, growth and long-term productivity, explained David Renaud, DVM, PhD, during a MSU Extension webinar. Sharing study results, he asserts producers should look at transportation as a management tool, not a necessary evil. Renaud’s tips for setting calves up for transport success … [Read more...]
Hey doc, the vaccine didn’t work
For more than 30 years, Chris Chase, DVM, MS, PhD, has talked about the difference between vaccination (administering the vaccine) and immunization (developing an immune response). His explanations in this article emphasize a strategic vaccination plan that considers the animal, not the calendar, is still crystal clear. Source: Progressive Dairy, June 19, 2025. Link. Most … [Read more...]
Dos and donts to reduce the disruptive effects of artificial light on horse health
Exposure to natural light is crucial for maintaining healthy circadian rhythms and overall well-being of horses, shares the author. The article focuses on avoiding artificial light inside and outside to maintain circadian rhythms. Red light is recommended for checking on horses at night as they do not disrupt melatonin production and sleep patterns. Source: EQUUS, May 15, … [Read more...]
Daily water requirements for cats
Commercial Content Links Included Lorna Whittemore, BVMS, MRCVS, shares facts about cats and their water requirements in this article. She includes how long felines can survive without water and how much water they need per day. The article includes a chart worth sharing in newsletters or social media. Source: Catster, June 24, 2025. Link. Felines require around 3.5 to … [Read more...]
Report: Misinformation, misconceptions can make pet obesity discussions difficult
Commentary We liked Don Vaughn’s approach to this article. He involves several veterinarians, is realistic about non-veterinary obesity information influences, time management restrictions during clinic visits and the relative lack of comfort many veterinarians have when discussing obesity. The lack of nutrition education in veterinary curricula is noted and … [Read more...]
Is it play or fighting? Evaluating rough play.
Includes Commercial Content This AKC article and video from the pandemic period <Link> initiated more digging for pet owner guidance on fighting and play. We discovered the Dunbar Academy resources as linked in the video here where Jamie Dunbar discusses play behavior versus aggression. By removing sound in a dog-to-dog interaction, he provides an informative dialogue … [Read more...]
Bearded dragon learns to brush its teeth (video)
Sponsor Content We shared the story of Dragatini, a bearded dragon at the National Aquarium previously <Link> but it bears resharing. Dragatini was trained by her veterinarian and care staff to clean her teeth using a foam brush and MAXIGUARD® Oral Cleansing Gel. Big or small, oral care matters.” Source: Addison Biological Laboratory, LLC, Facebook, June 27, 2025. … [Read more...]
13 plants that gardening experts say repel mosquitoes
As garden centers close out spring flowering plants to get ready for the fall planting season you may still be able pick up one or two of these plants that help keep mosquitoes away. Locally, marigolds, lavender, citronella and basil are still available. Source: Martha Stewart, April 15, 2025. Link. Image: Link. … [Read more...]
5 things to know before getting a second dog
Abby Driver’s personal experience with adding a second dog is spot-on and resonates with recent experiences*. The article is worth sharing to help dog owners research deeply before adding another dog to a household. She shares five realities to consider. Source: Pets Radar, May 4, 2025. Link. If you're thinking about adding another furry friend to your household, it's a big … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – June 30, 2025
Trends in the pet health business sector, what’s shaping the pet food industry, new grants for small business, animal care is catching up with human trends, new standards establish minimums for dog and cat breeding, keeping and traceability across EU, and more . . . Source: IBPSA, June 30, 2025. Link. Note the digital marketing strategies webinar on July 16th and the … [Read more...]
Gallant’s rebranding reflects regenerative medicine mission
Complimentary Commercial Content Gallant’s recent LinkedIn post about its rebranding caught our attention <Link>. The company focuses on regenerative medicine for everyday use designed to reduce inflammation and support the body’s natural healing process. Reviewing the website, we found the recent study results linked below. The new study examined how small animal … [Read more...]
Microsoft study: work may be stopping us from being productive
Includes Commercial Links Microsoft’s June 2025 Work Trend Index Special Report has warned of "the infinite workday," which it says is a "significant shift" in the hours we work, largely thanks to the influence of hybrid working locations - and, of course, AI. They found a major increase in users coming online by 6:00 a.m., when 40 percent of them are scanning their inbox to … [Read more...]
Elanco’s Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody FDA-approved as a preventive measure
Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody is the first and only U.S. Department of Agriculture conditionally approved treatment to target parvo. The USDA has now approved the use of CPMA for passive immunity (i.e., prophylactic treatment) to prevent parvo infection in puppies exposed to the virus, expanding the potential to protect dogs from this devastating disease. Source: … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – July 3, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, June 26, 2025. Link. Most read posts from June 26, 2025 AHD Bulletin – New World screwworm update and swine perspective. Link. 10 steps for pet owners to take if a coyote enters their yard. Link. Neuroscience and perspective. Link. DVM discusses half-dosing vaccines. Link. … [Read more...]
Krista Martin joins Project Sticker Board of Directors
In her new role, Krista Martin, MSSW, LCSW, C-AAIS, will also help lead the oversight and development of one of Project Sticker’s cornerstone initiatives: exploring the impact of daily veterinary tasks on mental health. Project Sticker’s current work includes building the first centralized site, StickWithUs.vet, to connect veterinary professionals with mental health resources, … [Read more...]
Novel milking speed trait is highly heritable
Commentary While the economics and science are apparent, I can’t help but chuckle at the thought of a discussion about speed milking. The whole topic, albeit valid seems parallel to what makes NASCAR cars winners. The pit stop will be different, though. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, June 23, 2025. Link. Image: Link. … [Read more...]
New World screwworm update and swine perspective
Ann Hess shares an update and perspectives on the advancing risk of the New World screwworm and where the risks exist for swine in the U.S. She includes how the changes in the Darien Gap increase risks. The Darien Gap has served as a biological barrier for keeping New World screwworm away from our border. Source: National Hog Farmer, June 13, 2025. Link. Fly control will be … [Read more...]
What separates the top-tier pork producers from the rest?
Farm Credit’s Chris Ford looked back over several years to see what differentiated pork operations that have done well and those that have struggled. He notes the challenges that PRRS continues to bring and identifies three main areas where producers can excel: Optimizing production Good bookkeeping Risk management Source: PORK, June 23, 2025. Link. Image: … [Read more...]
Research in action: Shedding light on the age-old mystery of early pregnancy loss in mares
The answer to a foal lost during pregnancy is most often, “I don’t know.” Not satisfied with that answer, Mandi de Mestre, BVSc, PhD, PGCAP, MRCVS, refocused on the embryo to uncover possible reasons why they survive. Her ongoing research on the genetics of equine embryos overlaps with similar questions in human pregnancy loss, specifically recognizing gene copying … [Read more...]
Understanding the benefits of horse liniments
Includes Commercial References Available in liquid, paste or gel form, liniment is a topical treatment that helps relieve muscle soreness, joint stiffness, swelling, pain and circulation. Most horse liniments are applied directly to the skin, writes Taryn Holliday, DVM. She shares ingredients, actions and applications in this article to help us understand what some over time … [Read more...]
In stressful times, our anxiety can rub off on pets. Causes and cures for pet anxiety.
The Associated Press has featured this piece and other coverage about pet anxiety. Cedar Burnett shares a good article on the reasons for pet anxiety as it relates to pet owner issues and expectations. “Dogs are incredibly responsive to our expressions, our body language and our scent, so when the owners are nervous, the dog gets nervous. Our cortisol levels rise and fall in … [Read more...]
Is there a Plan B for dogs? Not in the U.S.
In some countries a drug called Alizin (aglepristone) is available by veterinary prescription to effectively terminate early pregnancy in dogs when administered within the first 45 days after mating. Alizin can be effective in safely ending a canine pregnancy under professional supervision, writes Mary Cope, PhD. Cope continues to explain options U.S. veterinarians have for … [Read more...]
Heat warning as seen on the internet
A friend sent this sign they saw on Instagram. It is a good perspective as temperatures rise this summer. One would think pet owners would know to protect their pets on hot days, but we still see too many of them walking their dogs when it is too hot for man or beast. Maybe sharing this sign graphic will resonate with someone in your communication sphere. Source: … [Read more...]
A bigger fire hazard than the dryer’s lint trap
Veterinary clinics and pet service businesses run load after load of laundry through their washers and dryers every day. Mary Cornetta shares the fire risks of not cleaning beyond the lint trap in this article. She shares how to clean under the lint trap, plus how often to do it. Source: Better Homes and Garden, June 11, 2025. Link. INSIGHTS: We decided to share this … [Read more...]
10 steps for pet owners to take if a coyote enters their yard
Across the U.S., coyotes are frequently seen in urban and suburban settings. Wildlife in general is moving to town <Link>. Mathew Abraham provides good ideas to help keep pets and people safe from hungry coyotes seeking an easy meal. By now, adult coyotes are not only hunting for themselves but for four or more rapidly growing pups. Abraham asserts the need for … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – June 23, 2025
Grants and resources for veterans, new guidelines for professional dog and cat groomers, the influence of premiumization and humanization in the pet industry, Volume II of the CATalyst Council’s 2025 Feline Market Insights Report and more. . . Source: IBPSA, June 23, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
DVM discusses half-dosing vaccines
Scott Weese, DVM, shares the short answer to a common question about half-dosing vaccines, emphazing “we don’t know.” He covers these key elements in this article: a) half-dose efficacy, b) adverse reactions and c) liability. Source: Worms and Germs, May 28, 2025. Link. About client requests, Weese writes, veterinarians are expected to act professionally and reasonably, … [Read more...]