Learning from failure and not avoiding it was the context of the 2026 American Association of Swine Veterinarians annual meeting. Jennifer Shrike captures the various perspectives of speakers in this article. Many of the comments could be applied to other species, such as: “Don’t be afraid to fail because of uncertainty; it’s always present. It’s not about getting it … [Read more...]
Review: Q&A on leptospirosis; urban risk, missed vaccines and diagnostic mistakes
This Q&A by Jane Sykes, BVSc, DACVIM (SAIM), PhD, MPH, MBA, FNAP, is a good review for all animal health pros. Keep in mind that leptospirosis is zoonotic. She discusses how urban environment, social conditions and vaccination gaps have been reshaping how and where veterinarians encounter leptospirosis. Her references to rodents are also important for disease prevention … [Read more...]
Review: Cattle injection guide: Best practices for needles, syringes and sites
Proper injection technique is a cornerstone of Beef Quality Assurance, writes Lillian Hulse. Her article summarizes expert insights from a Doc Talk episode featuring Dan Thompson, DVM. They are presented as a guide covering: a) injection types, b) needle selection, c) best injection sites for cattle, d) safety and hygiene rules, and e) cleaning and maintaining … [Read more...]
Four pillars approach to achieving longevity in canine patients
Commentary Articles like this often seem rudimentary until you read them like a first-time pet owner who knows little about the importance of veterinary care. Younger first-timers likely have limited experiences with medical doctors other than illness treatments, which can make the veterinary environment disconcerting. With this in mind, we’re sharing the article linked … [Read more...]
USDA approves TruCan™ Ultra B (Oral), a ½ mL Bordetella bronchiseptica vaccine for dogs
Building on TruCan B Oral, Elanco Animal Health Incorporated has received approval of TruCan™ Ultra B (Oral) the first USDA-licensed ½ mL oral Bordetella bronchiseptica vaccine for dogs. This is the second recent expansion of Elanco’s Tru vaccine line, with TruCan Ultra CIV H3N2/H3N8 receiving USDA approval in July of 2025. Source: Elanco, January 16, 2026. Link. … [Read more...]
Rabbit Hemorrhagic Fever confirmed in North Carolina
The first case of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus type 2 in North Carolina has been confirmed in a domestic rabbit in Dare County. RHDV2 is typically a fatal disease affecting both domestic and wild rabbit populations. It is highly contagious, with mortality occurring within nine days after infection. While there have been isolated cases of RHDV2 in domestic rabbits in the … [Read more...]
No needles needed
Promising research at the Roslin Institute has demonstrated a needle-free, solid-dose vaccine can protect pigs against PRRS; the first time that needle-free, solid-dose vaccine technology has been shown to work in any species. Source: PORK, December 11, 2025. Link. The development of needle-free vaccination could lower the risk of spreading diseases via reused needles, … [Read more...]
Circumvent® CL swine vaccine is now available from Merck Animal Health
CIRCUMVENT® CL vaccine is a new addition to Merck Animal Health’s swine portfolio. The ready-to-use vaccine is formulated to protect pigs three weeks of age and older against disease caused by Porcine Circovirus Types 2a and 2d and Lawsonia intracellularis. The formulation eliminates mixing/reconstituting, reducing on-farm labor and potential handling errors. Source: Merck … [Read more...]
EHV-1 outbreak update: New case confirmed in Oklahoma
The Equine Disease Communication Center confirmed one new case associated with the outbreak in Oklahoma County, Oklahoma. The horse is displaying neurological clinical signs. It did not attend the WPRA but was stalled with horses that did, including one that tested positive for EHV-1 with only respiratory signs. Source: The Horse, December 5, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Barrel racing event in Waco, Texas, is epicenter of equine herpesvirus outbreaks
Multiple states have reported EHV-1/EHM cases, including Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas since the November 20th event. Because exposed horses might not show clinical signs immediately, more cases are likely over the next two weeks as testing continues nationwide. To help owners and the public understand the evolving situation and reduce spread, the University of Missouri’s … [Read more...]
Most wild honeybees in U.S. expected to be Africanized
Wild honeybees recently moved into Todd Fitchette’s attic. As editor of Western Farm Press, he shared his story and why experts told him these feral bees are a concern from California to Texas. They’re a threat to humans and while not stated directly, can be a threat to pets. Source: Western Farm Press, November 13, 2025. Link. “The difference is in their attitude. … [Read more...]
Study reveals T cells drive PRRSV vaccine protection
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus is one of the fastest-mutating RNA viruses that veterinarians face. Although current vaccines offer protection, the rapid mutation of PRRSV means that vaccinated pigs cannot produce a consistent or effective broadly neutralizing antibody response. Current vaccines are successful in helping the body identify and attack pieces … [Read more...]
Vaccine hesitancy and the importance of client communication
Vaccine hesitancy, compliance and adherence are everyday challenges in veterinary hospitals that are not going away. “Same stuff, different day” apathy can become the norm when veterinary teams face anti-vax sentiment. Yet we know the importance of vaccination to prevent disease and must address client objections to best serve their pets. Each time an animal health pro reads … [Read more...]
Vanguard® Recombishield™ Injectable added to Zoetis kennel cough vaccines
Zoetis now offers a suite of intranasal, oral and injectable Bordetella vaccination delivery options with the addition of Vanguard® Recombishield™ (Bordetella bronchiseptica vaccine).The product is a non-adjuvanted, recombinant injectable vaccine for dogs 8 weeks and older, and the first and only vaccine for dogs with pertactin protein, which helps the immune system effectively … [Read more...]
CDC warns of rabies risks from feral cat colonies
A recent rabies outbreak in an urban, unmanaged cat colony in Maryland potentially exposed more than 300 persons to rabies. The incident is a stark reminder of the need to manage rabies risks in feral colonies. It should also be a reminder of risks in free-range barnyard cats as well. More than 90 percent of animal rabies cases occur among wild animals, such as raccoons, … [Read more...]
Vaccinating calves early pays off later
Despite producer pushback on the economics of strategic vaccination, preconditioned calves are table stakes, especially with the current market conditions. Timed vaccination can also support reduced antibiotic use. Vaccines against BRD pathogens (such as IBR, BVD, PI3, BRSV, Mannheimia haemolytica and Pasteurella multocida) are widely available. Still, their effectiveness … [Read more...]
Bluetongue in the Midwest
Vince Collison, DVM, shares recent experiences with Bluetongue virus infections in northwest Iowa in this article. He reviews the virus, how it is transmitted and how it affects animals who contract the disease. In the U.S., the biting midge Culicoides sonorensis is the primary vector of the virus that most frequently infects sheep and whitetail deer. Source: The Stockman, … [Read more...]
Setting client expectations for canine infectious respiratory disease complex
CIRDC is a clinical syndrome caused by a range of pathogens, not a specific disease. Coinfections are common, writes J. Scott Weese, DVM, DVSc, DACVIM, FCAHS. Acknowledging the challenges of client conversations, he models communication scenarios in this article. Source: Clinician’s Brief, August 2025. Link. Providing clear information about the approach to treatment is … [Read more...]
Keeping rabbits safe from RHDV-2 in endemic areas
Complimentary Commercial Content Fall changes wild rabbits’ food sources, prompting them to seek new sheltered locations and spend more time foraging <Link>. This often brings the rabbits closer to farmsteads, acreages and suburban homes. In areas where rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus type 2 is endemic, the risk of domestic rabbits becoming infected increases (see … [Read more...]
Nassau County warns residents about spread of rabies among raccoons and cats
Rabies has been found in at least 25 animals since July of last year in mostly raccoons and three feral cats, according to Nassau County New York officials. Rabies had previously been eradicated in Nassau County in 2016 following aggressive control efforts. The resurgence is a stark reminder of the importance of vaccination, public education and wildlife baiting to manage … [Read more...]
Rabies is NOT a thing of the past
In her first-person account, Mary McNamara shares how her dog, Harley, recently tangled with a bat—a striking reminder that rabies is still present today. Thanks to vaccination, Harley and millions of other dogs remain protected. McNamara points out that the disease’s near disappearance can be traced to efforts like the Southern California Veterinary Medical Association’s … [Read more...]
July VetWatch metrics
Commentary The July VetWatch® commentary indicates practices are doing a good job of managing visit revenue when presented with pets. It is no surprise that pet owners express concerns about rising veterinary services costs and pet food prices, especially when higher spending on essentials, affordability of healthcare and overall consumer prices keep rising (2.7 percent in … [Read more...]
Tetanus creates problems for animals after storms
Because animal environments are commonly populated with Clostridium tetani, or tetanus, any wound can easily become contaminated at any time. However, caution is warranted in areas damaged by storms. Storm damages provide abnormal opportunities for horses, cattle and hogs to be injured and get a tetanus infection. Source: Feedstuffs, August 6, 2025. Link. Following a storm, … [Read more...]
Does vaccination influence PRRSV evolution?
A new paper from the University of Minnesota shares strong experimental evidence that vaccination influences PRRSV-2 evolution and can drive genetic changes that result in viral populations distinct from the original challenge virus. Vaccinated animals harbored viruses that were more genetically diverse and distinct from the parent virus. However, even though viruses … [Read more...]
Dairy calf production practices offer insights to beef calf producers
Comparing the management approaches between beef and dairy calves, Kansas State University experts revealed opportunities for beef calf producers to learn from how dairy calves are raised. Regardless of the production system, early digestive development is key to future performance, shared Billy Brown, MS. “Whether a calf is on pasture or in a hutch, getting the rumen … [Read more...]
Timing BRD vaccines likely improves calf health, performance
A comprehensive review article published in Applied Animal Science examines vaccination strategies across three critical phases of cattle development: maternal vaccination during pregnancy, early calf vaccination from birth through branding (60 to 120 days of age), and vaccination timing around weaning (approximately 205 days). The study found that current vaccination … [Read more...]
2nd Catalyst report exposes emotional, operational barriers to $20 billion feline opportunity
The Feline Market Insights Report Volume II goes beyond market sizing to deliver actionable insights to veterinary and business stakeholders on the emotional, behavioral and operational forces shaping the future of feline care. The results identify the demand for feline care is there and important. But, many veterinarians are not adequately prepared to address the unique needs … [Read more...]
Applying the kitten checklist
There is a lot of information to share with first-time and repeat kitten clients. As our industry seeks to engage and service more cats, the best overall opportunities exist when starting with kittens. The kitten-specific talking points shared in this article are taken from the 2021 AAHA/AAFP Feline Life Stage Guidelines. Practice owners and managers need to consider … [Read more...]
Elanco receives USDA approval for TruCan™ Ultra CIV H3N2/H3N8 (Canine Influenza Vaccine)
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved TruCan™ Ultra CIV H3N2/H3N8, a canine influenza vaccine designed to provide broad respiratory disease protection. The approval of this CIV vaccine completes Elanco’s Tru Portfolio of comfortable and convenient combination vaccines made with PureFil™ Technology, an exclusive process for creating highly purified vaccines designed to … [Read more...]
Stop PI calves before they start: 2 key tips
Commentary and Sponsored Content PI calves are animals that become infected with bovine viral diarrhea virus in utero. For more than 40 years, our industry has worked to reduce or eliminate BVDV. Wayne Bechtel’s article shared here is a stark reminder that animal health pros must keep working to educate every producer on the importance of biosecurity and proper … [Read more...]