Cattle Mooves is a University of Illinois project that uses advanced imaging and motion analysis to understand how cattle move, with the goal of improving health, structure and welfare. 3D imaging, specialized cameras and computer vision capture subtle differences in gait, posture and skeletal movement that may not be noticed during routine observation. Researchers emphasize … [Read more...]
Animal health preparedness is business preparedness
The recent swine pseudorabies event showed us how vulnerable our industry is. Sharing what the Iowa pseudorabies response taught us, Tom Brincks writes, “The right response is neither panic nor complacency, but discipline. We should use this event to strengthen surveillance, improve traceability, tighten site-specific biosecurity and take feral swine exposure seriously wherever … [Read more...]
Petland Charities advancing animal welfare, breeder education initiatives
Petland Charities is reporting strong progress in advancing its renewed focus on animal welfare, breeder education and strengthening the human-animal bond. A key milestone to this advancement includes the launch of an enhanced website, petlandcharities.org, which shows real-world examples of breeder practices and animal care. Source: Petland Charities, May 19, 2026. … [Read more...]
More potent bird flu strain emerging
H9N2 avian influenza demonstrates significantly greater ability to replicate, spread and infect chickens, with more spillover potential. Source: Feedstuffs, May 15, 2026. Link. The study underscores the need for continued surveillance of avian influenza viruses, stronger biosecurity measures in poultry production and ongoing monitoring of viral evolution and gene exchange. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 21, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 14, 2026. Link. Most read posts from May 14, 2026 AHD Bulletin – Words + Action = Trust. Link. 1 common skin bacteria, 2 outcomes. Link. These pet brands dominate ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and Perplexity. Link. Turn feline visits into lasting relationships. Link. Vesicular stomatitis … [Read more...]
Vesicular stomatitis outbreak confirmed in Colorado
A new VSV-positive equine premises has been identified in Montezuma County, Colorado. VSV circulates annually between livestock and insect vectors in southern Mexico and only occasionally results in incursion into the U.S. The contagious virus is transmitted by biting midges and therefore is seasonal. Source: The Horse, May 11, 2026. Link. There is no specific treatment for … [Read more...]
1 common skin bacteria, 2 outcomes
Commercial content A researcher at the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, is studying S. pseudintermedius with a different lens. Rather than looking only at dogs with active infection, Felix N. Toka, DVM, PhD, Dsc, DAVM, is including dogs that naturally carry the bacteria and remain healthy. He examined bacterial strains in both healthy and affected dogs and … [Read more...]
Instead of boondoggles, give your employees a sabbatical
Research shows sabbaticals boost retention and creativity, writes Jackie Dunham. Among companies that have introduced sabbaticals, the results are consistently positive: lower turnover, higher engagement and employees who return with renewed energy and fresh ideas. Kira Schabram describes them as “extended time off with a purpose other than your regular job.” One of the most … [Read more...]
Blocking mobile internet can give you 2.5 more hours each day
Important well-being read Daniel Pink summarizes the results of a study published in PNAS Nexus that examined the effects of blocking mobile internet on smartphones, making them dumb phones. The results were closer to "new medication" than "digital detox," he says, noting the attention gains were roughly equivalent to reversing 10 years of age-related cognitive … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – May 12, 2026
2026 Industry Benchmarking Report survey results webinar, Thursday, May 21st at 12 pm Mountain Time. Register here. Link. The webinar presentation will break down: The 4 distinct performance tiers shaping the industry The biggest gaps between top and underperforming operators The 5 operational disciplines that drive scalable growth Actionable insights you can … [Read more...]
Addressing hantavirus concerns
Dogs and cats are not thought to be susceptible to hantavirus infection and are not thought to play a role in spreading the disease to people, writes Ann E. Hohenhaus, DVM, DACVIM, emphasizing the need for rodent control. Consider her article for newsletters or social media posts to reduce pet owner concerns. Source: Schwarzman Animal Medical Center, May 13, 2026. Link. The … [Read more...]
Turn feline visits into lasting relationships
Recent research by the Catalyst Council has led to a deeper understanding of the feline veterinary business and opportunities as cat visits now account for nearly one-fourth of veterinary traffic. Catalyst Council leaders share actionable opportunities in this edition of Feline Findings from the CATalyst 2026 State of the Cat 60,000-household survey report. Change the … [Read more...]
Considerations when choosing an SGLT2 inhibitor for a newly diagnosed diabetic cat
Diabetes management in cats requires a different approach than in dogs. Section 6 of the 2026 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Cats provides primary care providers with ways to better serve their feline patients, including SGLT2 inhibitors. Two SGLT2 inhibitors are now licensed for use in newly diagnosed, otherwise healthy feline diabetics not previously treated with … [Read more...]
Free-range, indoor-outdoor cats can carry similar disease risk as feral cats
Owned cats allowed to roam outside unsupervised may carry infectious diseases at rates comparable to feral cats, even when they receive veterinary care, regular meals and shelter. Study results* show that how people manage their pets plays a major role in shaping disease transmission between wildlife, domestic animals and humans. Researchers highlight that strategies … [Read more...]
Postbiotics may calm dogs via the gut-brain axis
Research centered on postbiotics suggests they may support stress management indirectly through gut health modulation rather than direct behavioral changes in dogs. The gut-brain axis links intestinal health to neurological responses, according to Erik Eckhardt, PhD, who emphasized, “it is a direct line, literally, between intestine and the brain.” Source: PETFOOD Industry, … [Read more...]
How to protect pets from the New World screwworm
There’s no need for owners to panic about NWS, but they need to develop habits to protect their animals from this emerging insect threat. Cochliomyia hominivorax are parasitic flies whose larvae infest wounds and can result in significant tissue damage if left untreated. Obligate parasites, the larvae consume the living flesh of warm-blooded hosts. When maggots are removed, … [Read more...]
EHV-1 resources seek to educate the horse community
Equine herpesvirus‑1 is a common respiratory virus that spreads through nasal droplets and contact between horses. Understanding how the virus spreads and which horses are most vulnerable is key to reducing transmission and improving outcomes. In the first link below, Lutz Goehring, DVM, MS, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM, shares how risk increases with travel and the potential transfer … [Read more...]
Reminder: Timing and method matter in castrating bull calves
One consistent recommendation across research and veterinary guidance is to castrate calves as early in life as practical. In addition to the welfare and health benefits, fresh weaned calves castrated early in life are earning price premiums of $50 to $100 per head than comparable bull calves. Source: Western Livestock Journal, May 1, 2026. Link. Done correctly, castration … [Read more...]
Routine deworming is giving way to targeted, data-driven strategies in cattle
Parasites are not going away, but the way they are managed is evolving, shares Andrea Bedford. The goal is no longer the complete elimination of parasites but rather smarter management of them. Takeaways from an episode of The Bovine Vet Podcast [1:02] present the benefits of changing from a calendar-centric parasite control schedule to precision parasite management that … [Read more...]
Sapovirus indicated in pre-weaning and post-weaning piglet scours
Since the inclusion of sapovirus in routine testing, pathologists have noted that a majority of pigs, with and without diarrhea, tested positive for this agent. However, they also observed that younger pigs appeared to have a heavier load of virus in their intestines and it was observed that pigs with enteric lesions of villus atrophy that were PCR positive for rotaviruses were … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 14, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 7, 2026. Link. Most read posts from May 7, 2026 AHD Bulletin – Gartner: Managers face increased workloads and demands. Link. The pet economy is splitting in two. Link. Air filtration is critical to reduce disease, protect herd productivity. Link. Hill’s first World of the Kitten Report. Link. … [Read more...]
16-year study proves air filtration is critical tool to reduce disease risk, protect herd productivity
A University of Minnesota Department of Veterinary Population Medicine study shows that farms with commercial air filtration systems experience a significantly lower risk of PRRS outbreaks compared to unfiltered operations. The study results provide evidence not only for pigs and PRRS risks but support the investment sophisticated air filtration requires. Source: PORK, April … [Read more...]
The pet economy is splitting in two
The middle of the pet marketplace is fading away, says Marshall Morris, explaining we are in a K-shaped economy. He offers perspectives for brands that choose to play in premium segments versus store brands. Morris notes the category showing the most resilient growth now isn’t food. It is "preventive" wellness: supplements, OTC treatments and functional ingredients. These … [Read more...]
Hill’s releases its first World of the Kitten Report
Complimentary Building upon Hill's World of the Cat Report, the World of the Kitten Report is positioned as a comprehensive, evidence-based guide that delivers expert insights into optimal kitten growth, nutrition, socialization and veterinary care, to help ensure healthier, happier feline companions across the globe. Hill's encourages a shift in focus to the first 12 … [Read more...]
Understanding and managing procrastination in veterinary medicine
Procrastination is caused by underlying conditions of a person’s existence and expectations, not just poor time management. Dustin Kieschnick, PsyD, discusses the various contexts that may result in procrastination in this video. For many animal health pros, the explanation may confirm or enlighten the “whys” of putting things off. Source: Not One More Vet, YouTube, January … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – May 5, 2026
In this week’s Fast Bites: Limited time FLASH sale on IBPSA education through May 11th New member benefits announced Financial survey results being tabulated IBBY nominations open soon Upcoming Webinar: Sustainability in Pet Care, May 13, 2026 1:00pm CST. Registration Link. Alex McKinnon has a global perspective on what sustainability in pet care really means. … [Read more...]
Trust: The universal cornerstone of pet care
Kathy Hosler never once questioned whether her veterinarian had her dog’s best interest at heart. That experience made her think about the kind of trust grooming clients place in their groomers every day. The mechanics of grooming are just the beginning, writes Hosler, asserting the need for continuing education on pet care topics as well as improving communication … [Read more...]
Understanding the challenges with the veterinary blood supply
Without more education and directed advocacy from the veterinary community, veterinary blood supply shortages may soon become insurmountable, writes Bill Romanelli. He outlines significant threats to the future availability of animal blood supplies including increasing demand, lack of donors, limited shelf life and well-intended animal activism. Source: Today’s Veterinary … [Read more...]
What vet schools don’t teach about canine osteoarthritis
Matt Brunke, DVM, DCVSMR, CCAT, believes chronic, whole joint disease is primarily driven by pervasive inflammation, not a cartilage disease as it is often positioned in veterinary schools. His article asserts the need to reframe osteoarthritis as a disease of the synovium and to think in terms of inflammation management versus pain management. Brunke comments on NSAIDs and … [Read more...]
Deadly feline coronavirus variant has been present in the U.S. for over a decade
Cornell researchers have discovered that a lethal variant of feline coronavirus has appeared in the U.S. Previously thought to be limited to a devastating 2023 outbreak in Cyprus that killed thousands of cats, it raises concerns about future large-scale outbreaks in vulnerable cat populations. Despite the presence of these high-risk viral features in U.S. samples, outbreaks … [Read more...]