Recent media buzz (see second source below) claimed the newest Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPPC) suggested consumers eat less meat in order to curb climate change. The report < link > focused on land use and land use change, it didn’t tell consumers to eat less meat. Frank Mitloehner, UC Davis, says by focusing on eating less meat, consumers are being … [Read more...]
Teach aseptic technique in the kitchen, reduce salmonellosis
“The most formidable challenges of my veterinary career in food safety can be boiled down to the two primary foodborne pathogens of poultry: Salmonella and Campylobacter. I consider them my professional nemeses,” writes Foster Farms’ Robert O’Connor, DVM, MAM. He explains his approach to avoiding these pathogens in the kitchen. O’Connor reminds us that while chicken and other … [Read more...]
Consumers not coming through with animal welfare cash
Consumers often say they are willing to pay more for meat from animals raised with heightened welfare standards. Reality proves otherwise. This was one key finding during the 12th Expert Forum on Animal Well-Being, sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim. Participants also noted the likelihood that farm assurance programs did not meet consumers’ expectations for animal … [Read more...]
The importance of county fairs
It is fair season. County fairs are a part of the livestock industry history. For some kids, the county fair may be the only show they participate in all summer. For others, it might be a stepping stone to state level contests or more. The common threads fair participants all share are lessons learned that include hard work, perseverance, sportsmanship, public speaking, animal … [Read more...]
Today is Check the Chip Day!
To remind pet owners to have their pets microchipped and to keep registration information up to date, AVMA and the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) created “Check the Chip Day.” Heather Loenser, DVM, shared these top reasons to microchip pets: • You’ll improve your chance of being reunited with your pet • It’s quick • It’s inexpensive • It helps provide proof of … [Read more...]
Select chicken breeds that work best for city backyards
Persons wanting to keep chickens in urban backyards should consider breeds that can tolerate a more controlled existence. Keeping a rooster may be out of the picture, writes Pam Freeman. She discusses the benefits of sex-link chickens and shares information about bantam breeds that are preferred for smaller spaces. Source: Backyard Poultry, August 5, 2019. Link. Regardless … [Read more...]
You can prevent Salmonella spread in horses
There is NO vaccine to protect horses against Salmonella. Thus, environmental and equipment disinfection, isolation of sick or new horses, good hand hygiene, and education are critical to an infection prevention program, writes Lucas Pantaleon, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM. He says it is easy for horses to make contact with the insidious bacteria as they move from venue to venue. Pantaleon … [Read more...]
AirBnb flies with traveling pet parents
Airbnb is a great option for traveling pet parents. Gerry Allen offers preparation tips to help travelers’ experiences will be smooth. Consider Allen's tips for social media posts and newsletters. Source: Animal Wellness, August 6, 2019. Link. Allen shares a summary of what to consider when selecting an Airbnb destination: The type of dwelling Are there other animals … [Read more...]
Top 5 methods for assessing tooth vitality (with slideshow photography)
Clinicians must be able to identify nonvital teeth to recommend appropriate treatment, writes Kendall Taney, DVM, DAVDC, FAVD. He shares his top 5 methods for assessing tooth vitality: Visual inspection of the crown of the tooth Sensibility and vitality testing Dental radiography Direct examination of the pulp Histopathic evaluation Source: Clinician’s … [Read more...]
Invest one minute to avoid bites, scratches (includes handout)
Phil Seibert, CVT, underscores the importance of prevention and caution for veterinary professionals. His tips for handling an injured or stressed animal in a vehicle are also applicable to waiting and exam rooms: Approach the patient from posterior side. Put a slip leash on the animal. Always apply a muzzle. Use a portable stretcher or cart. Source: FIRSTLINE, … [Read more...]
Proper storage critical to vaccine efficacy
“Producers cannot afford to overlook the importance of how they store vaccine and handle it prior to injection,” says Glenn Selk. His article is a good reminder during hot summer months. It is important for producers to monitor storage temperatures. Veterinary clinic and retailer staffs need to be diligent in managing the cold chain for items that need refrigeration. If the … [Read more...]
New technology holds promise for monitoring sows
Advancements in technologies are sometimes blamed for taking jobs. But in the U.S. swine market, monitoring sow health prior to farrowing is a 24/7 business that often doesn’t get done. Now, new technologies in precision livestock farming may help by monitoring sows’ individual behavior. Source: National Hog Farmer, August 6, 2019. Link. Technology in the farrowing room will … [Read more...]
African swine fever virus inactivated by Virox products
Virox Technologies®, the creators of the patented technology Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide® (AHP®), recently conducted an independent efficacy test against African swine fever. AHP technology is found in the Intervention farm disinfectant, known as Intervención in Mexico, and Prevail disinfectants in Canada. The results give swine producers an improved option from the points … [Read more...]
Beyond Lyme, more tick-borne worries
The order Rickettsiales contain species Anaplasmataceae and Rickettsiaceae)that infect dogs, according to Brian Herrin, DVM. These intracellular bacteria pathogens are transmitted by a variety of tick vectors, maintained in wildlife and domestic reservoirs. They can cause clinical disease in humans, dogs and other domestic animals. Herrin discusses basic epidemiology, clinical … [Read more...]
Differing views create Lyme wars
Endemic or not in any geography is no longer easy to define. It seems the medical community is at odds with its approach to diagnosis and treatment. Parallel to the human discussion is the ongoing debate about vaccinating dogs. These two articles are helpful resources for making decisions about Lyme prevention, treatment as well as addressing animal owner questions. One thing … [Read more...]
Ongoing training essential to animal welfare
Good animal care must become a habit and part of the culture, writes Dave Sjeklocha, DVM. Training workers and family members on animal handling and care has never been more important. Documenting this training equally important. And we must continue to train, retrain and redocument, he says. Dr. Sjeklocha recently reviewed recent activities by animal rights groups. He … [Read more...]
Group calls for national CWD strategy
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) strategies have historically been managed state by state. The fatal prion disease is now in 26 states and continues to spread. So far, fears it could cross species barriers to affect livestock or humans have not come to fruition. It has not been found in animals other than deer, elk and other cervids. Recently, a multidisciplininary team of … [Read more...]
Goats can’t safely eat everything
You may think goats can eat nearly everything. Katherine Drovdahl, MA, CA, CR, CEIT, DipHlr, QTP, tells us differently. Knowing what to feed goats involves education. Even good plants can develop into a dangerous toxic condition called enterotoxemia if goats overeat on any plant they are not used to. She shares a few common toxic plants and suggests consulting a local … [Read more...]
Heed OSHA heat stress requirements for dairies
Dairymen always worry about cows dropping milk production because of the heat, but may forget to keep workers cool, as well. Anna-Lisa Laca shares the Cal/OSHA rules for helping employees avoid heat stress when the temperature exceeds 80° F. Source: Milk, July 16, 2019. Link. Remember: When temperatures exceed 95 degrees, employers must implement "high heat" procedures, … [Read more...]
Boehringer Ingelheim introduces BVDVTracker.com
Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is an ongoing challenge facing the cattle industry. The virus often goes undiagnosed and the consequences are severe. To help producers address the challenges BI launched BVDVTracker.com. The website’s mission is to support veterinarians, producers and industry professionals in the control of BVDV. Source: Drovers, July 16, 2019. Link. … [Read more...]
China approves use of Thermo Fisher Scientific’s African swine fever diagnostic workflow
China has approved Thermo Fisher Scientific’s PCR-based workflow to detect, monitor and help limit the spread of African swine fever (ASF). PCR is the preferred ASF testing method there. It allows for earlier detection of the virus compared to other diagnostic methods. The Thermo Fisher ASF workflow passed stringent validation protocol carried out by China’s Ministry of … [Read more...]
Don’t forget the horses’ salt
Like shade and fresh water, salt is essential for horses, especially in hot weather. Salt is lost via their sweat and if it’s not replenished, an electrolyte imbalance may develop, leading to low blood pressure or even neurological or cardiovascular problems. This is good to use in social media, newsletters and discussions with horse owners. Source: EQUUS, July 25, 2019. … [Read more...]
Select the perfect horse shampoo
Fair and show season is well underway. Add challenging weather and it is likely that horses may experience skin issues. Eliza R. L. McGraw offers savvy considerations for horse shampoos and bathing. The article is a good resource for use in social media, newsletters and with horse owners seeking the best product for their animals. Source: EQUUS, April 25, 2005. Link. … [Read more...]
The scoop on Insulin Lispro in cats
Insulin Lispro has been tested successfully in dogs as an alternative to regular insulin. Insulin lispro is a new-generation, short-acting insulin that is more rapidly absorbed in humans following subcutaneous injection and contributes to improved diabetic control when compared to regular insulin. Andrew Bugbee, DVM, DACVIM, reviews results of a cat trial where lispro and … [Read more...]
Pay attention to arthritic dogs’ diets
Arden Moore shares information from two veterinarians that will help some dogs with arthritis. Both agree that keeping dogs trim is a top priority. Food heals or harms . . . what and how much you put in a dog’s food bowl does impact the dog’s quality of life.” Source: Dogster, July 8, 2019. Link. Jean Hofve, DVM, identifies these five safe “arthritis-fighting” foods: … [Read more...]
Pig ears recalled
Lennox Intl Inc. voluntarily recalled its Natural Pig ears because they may be contaminated with Salmonella, according to an FDA posting. The recalled products affected were shipped to nationwide distributors and/or retail stores from May 1 to July 3, 2019. Salmonella can affect animals eating the product and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated products . . … [Read more...]
Cancer, yards and pets
Weed killer and other common lawn maintenance chemicals are dangerous for family pets. According to a study from Tufts University, bladder cancer, convulsions and other conditions have been linked to exposure to insecticides and fertilizers. It is important to educate owners about potential dangers in their yards. Source: St George News (via NAVTA Animal Health Bi-Weekly), … [Read more...]
Lyme disease, an unlikely bioweapon
Recent public communications fueled talk of lyme disease being a bioweapon that escaped or was placed into ticks. Ticks can indeed carry infectious agents that could be used as biological weapons but there has been no release of the Lyme disease agent or any other onto American soil, accidental or otherwise, by the military, writes Sam R. Telford III, ScD. Source: The … [Read more...]
Decade-long study highlights the merits of 4-H for personal youth development
Amanda Radke summarizes key takeaways fom a 10-year study conducted by Tufts University evaluating the effectiveness of various youth programs. The study revealed that 4-H youth are: four times more likely to give back to their communities two times more likely to make healthier choices two times more likely to participate in STEM (science, technology, engineering … [Read more...]
Mares and the challenges of heat cycles
David Ramey, DVM offers two articles to address heat in mares. Part 1 describes how the heat cycle works. Part 2 discusses many of the different treatments that people use to try to keep their mare’s heat cycle under control. Folks try to keep mares from coming into heat in any number of ways, some of which work, and many of which don’t . . .but still get used. Source: Help! … [Read more...]