Mindy Ward’s title says it all, “Buckle down on biosecurity!” We’ve assembled a group of articles referencing emerging HPAI infections in non-bird species. Most notable is AABP’s renaming of the emerging cattle disease as Bovine Influenza A Virus versus HPAI followed by assertions to keep pets away from birds. There’s significant media coverage but, as we’ve learned before, … [Read more...]
Navigating the new pet care landscape
Asserting that the modern pet owner demands a more engaged, transparent and responsive veterinary experience, Aaron Massecar MA, PhD, and Kelly O’Brien share perspectives about practicing veterinary medicine in this digital and advancing technology age. They cite a study indicating online searches can strengthen the veterinary-client relationship and share the importance of a … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – April 4, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, March 28, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the March 28th AHD Bulletin – Horse remains near Buckingham Palace reveal birthplace of jousting steeds. Link. Covetrus® adds next-generation, online Rx management solution to VetSuite. Link. The anti-meat discussion returns to rapid emissions reduction. … [Read more...]
Second case of avian influenza identified in a person in the U.S.
A person is being treated for bird flu following contact with dairy cows presumed to be infected with the virus in Texas. The article shares updates on avian flu detections across the U.S. Source: Agricultural Dive, April 1, 2024. Link. Also see: Human H5N1 likely linked to cattle, Worms and Germs, April 1, 2024. Link. A lot of attention is warranted, says Scott Weese, … [Read more...]
DuOtic® (terbinafine and betamethasone acetate otic gel) now part of Dechra’s otitis external product range
DuOtic® (terbinafine and betamethasone acetate otic gel) is the first FDA-approved animal drug intended to treat yeast-only otitis externa in dogs. It is also the first otic drug intended to treat otitis externa that does not contain an antibiotic <Link>. DuOtic is indicated for the treatment of otitis externa in dogs, associated with susceptible strains of yeast … [Read more...]
MSD Animal Health commits to rabies elimination, donates vaccine to Mission Rabies
MSD Animal Health, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., announced a continued commitment to rabies elimination through a donation of NOBIVAC® rabies vaccines. The donations to the Mission Rabies program will continue over the next five years and support the full annual rabies vaccine requirements of this non-profit organization. Source: MSD Animal Health, March 18, 2024. … [Read more...]
The role of vehicle movement in swine disease transmission
Researchers at North Carolina State University sought to better understand the role of vehicles in spreading diseases between swine farms. The study indicates that, except for crew transport vehicles, all vehicle types analyzed have the potential to spread disease across numerous farms. They noted vehicles transporting pigs to farms or markets showed a substantial decrease in … [Read more...]
APHIS now thinks wild birds are to blame for HPAI infections in cows (video)
Based on findings from Texas, the detections appear to have been introduced by wild birds. Initial testing by the National Veterinary Services Laboratories has not found changes to the virus that would make it more transmissible to humans.” Source: Drovers, March 28, 2024. Link. Also see: Milk supply unaffected by HPAI in cows, Smithsonian, March 27, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
The 5 Ps of biosecurity
The recent discoveries of HPAI in goats and cows have caused escalating discussions of biosecurity in livestock production. Swine and poultry producers have been dealing with this need for some time, but compliance to biosecurity measures remains challenging. Ann Hess shares some of the challenges and survey results she discussed with Pipestone’s Rachel Stika Jensen, … [Read more...]
At 70 degrees F calves and cows start feeling the heat
A spring day in the 70s is often celebrated. Jackets get removed, grills get lit, golf clubs come out and cars get washed. But in the calf barn and calving pens, as well as in loafing lots, cattle start to move toward heat stress. Reminding producers that heat stress does not discriminate, Jimena LaPorta, PhD, shared the importance of keeping calves and cows cool. Source: … [Read more...]
Deworming calves pre-weaning improves weight gain, adds value
A recent Arkansas study showed deworming calves about two months before weaning improved weight gain and added value for producers, writes John Lovett. We know the why, the when and the how, but getting producers to change behaviors to realize the value is still a barrier. Sharing this article might help. Source: Drovers, April 1, 2024. Link. The weight gain from … [Read more...]
Free-ranging chickens by the season
There’s little doubt the Easter holiday brought new chickens into backyards and acreages. Often these forays into chicken keeping happen with weak plans for keeping the birds healthy and safe. In the article below, the author writes about free-range foraging benefits, identifies where to be cautious and how seasons may change the approach. Source: Hobby Farms. … [Read more...]
How certified veterinary support personnel improve equine practices
Some equine veterinary practices thrive by strategically deploying crucial support provided by veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants. Haylie Kerstetter shares takeaways from a panel discussion about it at the 2023 AAEP convention. Source: The Horse, March 29, 2024. Link. Veterinarians should create relationships with clients and establish their technicians as … [Read more...]
Spring is gas colic season
Springtime colics are typically caused when gas builds up from a horse ingesting forage that is high in sugar like lush spring grass. The rich grass causes excessive fermentation to occur in the gut, which can create a buildup of gas. With only one way to escape sometimes the gas builds up in pockets causing pain since horses can’t burp. Source: EQUUS, March 28, 2024. … [Read more...]
Questions remain about cats’ primordial pouches
Located on the lower belly, the primordial pouch sags and sways as cat trot about but this body part’s purpose remains largely obscure. Researchers have distilled theories to three potential purposes: A protective layer of skin Extra skin that gives them extra leeway to twist and turn midair to right themselves or let their torso extend fully allowing for more rapid … [Read more...]
Top 5 short procedure sedation scenarios
General anesthesia isn’t the only choice when it comes to minor procedures. Khursheed Mama, DVM, DACVAA, shares her top five scenarios involving sedation for short procedures. Source: Clinician’s Brief, March 2019. Link. Dr. Mama discussed short procedure sedation on Clinician's Brief: The Podcast <Link>. Sedation is not without risk and requires monitoring vigilance … [Read more...]
Spring has sprung and with it pretty and poisonous plants
A colleague shared this image as a reminder that not all pretty plants are safe for pets. It is a reminder to share poison control center information and resources with pet owners on social media, in newsletters and in person. Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Link. … [Read more...]
A bad sample is worse than no sample
Sponsored Content According to Ohio State’s William (Bill) P. Weiss, PhD, “A bad sample is worse than no sample.” He was speaking about accuracy when analyzing feed, but he could have been referencing the collection of samples to be sent to diagnostic laboratories to identify pinkeye strains from cattle showing signs of it. Addison Laboratory’s Karlin Yaeger and I spoke … [Read more...]
Study shows talking about dental care increases brushing frequency
Research intending to compare the effects of motivational interviewing compared to traditional counseling approaches found slim variances between the two approach styles. What was evident is that regular veterinary communication appears to have a positive influence on dog owner adherence to veterinary recommendations concerning dental care in dogs. Communication with the … [Read more...]
Lyme vaccine. What dog owners may be reading.
As a veterinarian and dog owner, writes Jennifer Bailey, DVM, “I feel strongly that the canine Lyme vaccine is safe and effective enough for dogs who live in areas that are endemic for Lyme disease.” Sharing considerable history, the lack of full support by veterinarians, and the potential for side effects, she emphasizes vaccination based on lifestyle, geographic location and … [Read more...]
Technology, sustainability and new food formats topped trends at Global Pet Expo
Sharing his perspectives from the Global Pet Expo, Mark Kalaygian says product innovations seemed to reflect three key areas: technology, sustainability and new food formats. Source: Pet Business, April 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
1 in 5 pet owners indicate pet separation anxiety got worse last year
Working to quantify the level of separation anxiety, TrustedHousesitters surveyed pet owners on their pet-sitting platform. They found: 46 percent of those surveyed said their pet has separation anxiety 25 percent of respondents reveal they won't travel because of their pet’s anxiety 17 percent revealed they worry about missing out on social and career opportunities … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – April 1, 2024
Millennials with pets finding challenges, Chewy opening physical spaces, industry experts seeking more oversight of pet food, FabFitFun acquires PetCo’s PupBox, Veterinary surgeon appeals to breeders of brachycephalic dogs and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, April 1, 2024. Link. Adam Christman, DVM, MBA has been selected as the keynote speaker for the 2024 IBPSA Flow … [Read more...]
Humans pass more viruses to animals than we catch from them
In a paper published in Nature Ecology & Evolution, researchers reported that roughly twice as many host jumps were inferred to be from humans to other animals, anthroponotic, rather than the other way around. Anthroponosis is the opposite of zoonoses. The pattern was consistent throughout most viral families considered. They also found even more animal-to-animal host … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – March 28, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, March 21, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the March 21st AHD Bulletin – AAFP updates position statements on the responsible breeding and indoor/outdoor lifestyle of cats. Link. Silent communication. Link. No excuses to skip prevention with cash cattle markets nearing historic highs. Link. … [Read more...]
AAHA’s free webinar schedule for 2-Q-2024
AAHA Learning is providing free access to these courses for animal health pros. RACE continuing education credits are available with registration. Membership is not required. Feline diabetes and choosing SGLT2 inhibitors: May 27th recording may be available Fostering cultural competency in veterinary medicine Stay, please: The path to improved retention in veterinary … [Read more...]
Claws and effect: MARS research on global pet homelessness
Commercial Content Loïc Moutault, global president, MARS Petcare, shares discoveries from the State of Pet Homelessness Project which yielded common themes that may contribute to this problem. These include housing limitations, owners struggling with pet behavior, difficulties in accessing veterinary care and negative perceptions of strays. Keeping pets in homes is the … [Read more...]
ABC Intelligence launches next-generation market intelligence platform
ABC is introducing MarketGenus, a next-generation market intelligence platform into its VetGenus suite of products. MarketGenus matches products and services to patients that would benefit most from the product and service offerings is enabled by ABC’s proprietary DataGenus technology. Source: ABC Intelligence, March 25, 2024. Link. MarketGenus, can be used in the … [Read more...]
Properly prepared beef is safe to eat; HPAI is not a food safety threat
“According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and USDA food safety experts, properly prepared beef is safe to eat,” said Meat Institute’s Julie Anna Potts. Source: Drovers, March 25, 2024. Link. HPAI cannot be transmitted to humans by eating <properly prepared> meat or poultry products.” … [Read more...]
HPAI confirmed in Texas, Kansas dairy cows
Unpasteurized, clinical samples of milk from sick cattle collected from two dairy farms in Kansas and one in Texas, as well as an oropharyngeal swab from another dairy in Texas, have tested positive for a strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza. The USDA said that affected dairy cows do not appear to be transmitting the virus to other cattle within the same herd. Source: … [Read more...]