The ongoing NWS story is going to occupy current news for a time. “A case of New World screwworm has been confirmed in South Texas near La Pryor, according to USDA.” NWS is back in the U.S. for the first time in 60 years. Animal health pros who share updates and actionable information can help animal owners monitor and identify infestations. This situation is evolving, and … [Read more...]
Hot messaging helps keep livestock and pets cool
AHD’s editor Rick Purnell continues his “Seen, Heard, Trusted” series here focusing on keeping animals cool as the summer heats up. The article shares the temperatures when heat begins causing issues for cows, pigs, horses, goats, sheep, rabbits and chickens. Purnell advocates routine heat stress reminders because heat-related problems can begin at temperatures as low as … [Read more...]
The missing piece in most pet physical exams
Complimentary Conversations about nutrition can be awkward, challenging and even confrontational. Considered the fifth vital assessment, nutrition discussions can become moments of connection and compliance with clear, confident communication. The AAHA Nutrition Guidelines Certificate Course is designed to help you translate the medicine and science you know into the best … [Read more...]
Walter talks about the tough conversations AFTER the diagnosis
Preparation can make all the difference when a pet needs care most, says Walter Brown. He shares the challenges of post-diagnosis conversations with pet owners and shares options pet owners don’t realize until an emergency happens, including: Wellness plans help cover ROUTINE care. Pet insurance* helps cover the UNEXPECTED. Options like CareCredit or Scratchpay can … [Read more...]
Are mosquitoes outsmarting our repellents?
According to a study published in the Journal of Experimental Biology, mosquitoes may seek out the scent of the repellent. Scientists believe DEET protects people by masking the carbon dioxide that we emit, making it harder for biting insects to detect us. However, “If someone applies DEET and the concentration fades over time, but a mosquito still manages to feed, the … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – June 8, 2026
In this week’s Fast Bites: New 6-part webinar series using data gleaned from the Benchmarking Financial Study* Register here <Link>. FREE for IBPSA Members! Use the promo code IBPSA26. Still time to submit your IBBY nominations <Link>. CANIS Conference information and registration <Link>. Source: IBPSA, June 8, 2026. Link. *The new 2026 … [Read more...]
Dog daycare leptospirosis outbreak in Los Angeles reveals broader public health risks
Commentary It is hard to imagine an environment where dogs are boarded without proper vaccinations. The findings in this research underscore the importance of prevention and vigilance in settings where dogs congregate. In practice, vigilance means dogs without current recommended vaccinations are turned away. Article A 2021 outbreak of leptospirosis that sickened … [Read more...]
CATalyst Council shares Feline Findings
Research by the CATalyst Council leads our industry to better understand the feline veterinary business and opportunities as cat visits now account for nearly one-fourth of veterinary traffic. This is why we’re partnering with the CATalyst Council to share actionable opportunities in "Feline Findings." These insights from CATalyst State of the Cat research results have garnered … [Read more...]
Triaging feline house soiling using telemedicine
Sharing how triaging house soiling works, Marianne Manning, RVT, LVT, KPA CTP, VTS, asserts the preliminary need for physical examinations and diagnostics. If no medical issues are found, then troubleshooting the home environment with questions, followed by telemedicine, can help cat owners deal with house soiling. Source: Today’s Veterinary Nurse, March 11, 2026. … [Read more...]
Considerations for creating a small animal blood bank
Bill Romanelli outlined threats to the future availability of animal blood supplies, noting increasing demand, lack of donors, limited shelf life and well-intended animal activism in his February 2026 article <Link>. In the piece linked below, Lexi Dickens, LVT, RVT, VTS, reviews some of the top considerations for veterinary clinic management looking to start their own … [Read more...]
6 human foods that could poison your dog
Many loving owners don't realize the dangers of dogs eating common kitchen foods. Even if they do, there’s a strong likelihood children or guests are not aware of foods that are toxic or potentially fatal to dogs. Anderson Cox shares six foods we eat that can kill dogs in this article. It is worth sharing with dog owners on social media, in newsletters and with local … [Read more...]
Where do retired horses go?
Dana Benner takes a closer look at the difficult realities many horses face after retirement and the people working to give them a softer landing in this article. Source: Acreage Life. Link. Also see: Senior horses: living the good life, The Horse, June 22, 2024. Link. It’s fine for horses to change as they age . . . It’s normal for them to slow down, lose their place in … [Read more...]
Footcare and farrier business insights
AFJ editors are making good use of the data collected in the 2025 American Farriers Journal Business Practices Survey. Kudos for sharing the data in bytes and keeping the information shareable and running weekly. Examples include: 47 is the average age of full-time farriers 42 percent of farriers rank Facebook effective in marketing their business 85 percent say … [Read more...]
How to read a chicken’s mind
Commercial offer included From chick days to the golden stage of henopause, author Melissa Caughey offers insights into the range of feelings that chickens can express, their unexpected intelligence, personality types and flock dynamics. She shares a few pages from her book, “How to Read a Chicken's Mind,” in the article here. Source: Countryside. Link. Chickens, like … [Read more...]
Those #@$^&! flies
University studies routinely show that heavy fly pressure changes cow behavior and lowers production. Good fly control starts with sanitation and manure management. Clean facilities, dry bedding, strong airflow and regular monitoring all reduce fly pressure. As dairy farms focus more on cow comfort, animal welfare and disease prevention, fly control will remain an important … [Read more...]
Review: Effective biosecurity remains critical to the ongoing battle against PRRS
Commercial references included Nick Wagner, DVM, reminds us of how challenging and devastating PRRSV* is and has been to the swine industry. He reviews the details involved in the development and implementation of a comprehensive biosecurity program. In this article, he advocates for a multi-hurdle approach to effectively mitigate risk and establish a culture of compliance … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – June 11, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, June 4, 2026. Link. Most read posts from June 4, 2026 AHD Bulletin – Kill the middle manager role? The data says don’t do it. Link. AVMA president breaks down pet insurance gaps. Link. The retirement wave is coming. Link. The impact of BCS on systolic blood pressure and glucose levels in cats. … [Read more...]
AVMA president breaks down pet insurance gaps
Pet insurance covers fewer than four percent of U.S. dogs and cats, a gap Michael Q. Bailey, DVM, DACVR, addresses in this article. He offers pet owner guidance to know what’s covered, wellness versus emergency plans and the importance of financial planning for a pet’s lifetime care when choosing a pet insurance policy. Above all, Bailey makes the case for prevention, … [Read more...]
Gratitude
Gratitude is a grounding force that protects us from pride, strengthens resilience and supports long-term career fulfillment. Source: LinkedIn, May 19, 2026. Link. Gratitude doesn’t require pretending your job is perfect. No role is without challenges. Instead, gratitude invites a broader, more balanced perspective, one that acknowledges difficulties while still recognizing … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – June 1, 2026
In this week’s Fast Bites Legislative updates from Colorado and New York Member hosts successful dock diving event; more than 70 canine athletes competed White paper report from 2026 Financial Benchmarking survey Member resources and upcoming events Source: IBPSA, June 1, 2026. Link. Also see: Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 28th. Link. Role ambiguity, … [Read more...]
The next frontier in farm, facility and plant security is above your head
Hannah Thompson-Weeman, president and CEO of the Animal Agriculture Alliance, poses a simple question: “If someone viewed your facility from above today, what would they see?” In this article, she covers the growing use of drones while considering animal activist activities, biosecurity, stress on animals and premise security. Source: MeatingPlace, June 2, 2026. Link. … [Read more...]
The impact of BCS on systolic blood pressure and glucose levels in cats
This article reinforces the importance of obesity management in cats as our industry works to support growth in feline health interest and veterinary visits. Results from a recent study highlight the importance of recognizing the impact of body condition score on feline health. Obese cats exhibited significantly higher SBP and blood glucose concentrations compared to their … [Read more...]
3 reasons why dogs thrive on routine
Dogs thrive on routine because they like to know what to expect. Jessica Kim shares veterinary-verified reasons dogs do well with routines: a) reduced anxiety, b) easier training sessions and c) faster housetraining. Consider sharing this article in newsletters and social media as family schedules change during the summer. Source: Dogster, October 20, 2025. Link. Routines … [Read more...]
10 most poisonous plants for horses
From hemlock and ragwort to locoweed and yews, EQUUS editors share common plants that are poisonous to horses and where they can be found. Consider sharing this article in 4-H and FFA educational sessions, during events, on websites, in newsletters and blog posts. Source: EQUUS. Link. Some plants are cause for concern either because even a curious nibble can spell doom or … [Read more...]
Body condition score at calving a key predictor of reproductive success
New information? No, but a timely reminder for producers who may have shifted their focus to other summer activities at turnout. Consider sharing this article with producers in newsletters, social media and leave a few copies at the coffee stop. With most spring calving done, assessing cows now is important to the next generation of calves. BCS at calving is one of the best … [Read more...]
Quality over quantity driving milk revenue in U.S. dairies
Karen Bohnert says the U.S. dairy industry is evolving from a fluid milk nation into the world’s premier nutrient-dense global powerhouse. She shares analytics from Farm Journal’s 2026 State of the Dairy Industry Report that shows a staggering 89 percent of producers are now actively and surgically adjusting their rations to target specific milk components (fat and protein) … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – June 4, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 28, 2026. Link. Most read posts from May 28, 2026 AHD Bulletin – New insights on the hidden impact of veterinary care: global survey. Link. Malone: Bad and good pain. Link. Just trying to save lives and survive! (video). Link. Role ambiguity is the top workplace stressor, not workload. … [Read more...]
New insights on the hidden impact of veterinary care: global survey
Commentary I often promote the benefits of veterinarians and veterinary technicians talking out loud with clients and sharing what they look for and feel during exams when working with clients’ animals. This kind of vet talk reveals the expertise and depth of veterinary care owners often take for granted. Yet, it is this expertise that is essential to protect animals, people … [Read more...]
Vetmed. Just trying to save lives and survive!
No commentary required. Walter Brown, BS, RVTg, VTS, tells it like it is. When it comes to veterinary medicine, he says, “Love don’t keep the lights on.” Listing many of the fixed operational costs to keep a clinic available for animal owners, he says, “The same inflation that is affecting groceries, housing, gas and health care is also affecting veterinary medicine.” The … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – May 26, 2026
Financial survey results, IBBY nominations, webinars for members. Source: IBPSA, May 26, 2026. Link. Also see: Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 21st. Link. Fear Free, making decisions, why clients don't book, are you ready for summer, using Reddit for pet marketing, and more! … [Read more...]