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...]
WOAH urges investment in vaccines as defense against growing disease threats
Commentary Before you say, “well, duh” or “it’s a global issue” or “we diligently promote vaccination,” take a few moments to read this article and skim the World Organization for Animal Health report. You’ll likely find some convincing facts to share the next time you encounter vaccine hesitancy. It warns that infectious diseases are spreading into new territories, placing … [Read more...]
Hey doc, the vaccine didn’t work
For more than 30 years, Chris Chase, DVM, MS, PhD, has talked about the difference between vaccination (administering the vaccine) and immunization (developing an immune response). His explanations in this article emphasize a strategic vaccination plan that considers the animal, not the calendar, is still crystal clear. Source: Progressive Dairy, June 19, 2025. Link. Most … [Read more...]
DVM discusses half-dosing vaccines
Scott Weese, DVM, shares the short answer to a common question about half-dosing vaccines, emphazing “we don’t know.” He covers these key elements in this article: a) half-dose efficacy, b) adverse reactions and c) liability. Source: Worms and Germs, May 28, 2025. Link. About client requests, Weese writes, veterinarians are expected to act professionally and reasonably, … [Read more...]
Consumer sentiment rebounds sharply in June
Commentary Okay, so the photos are unrealistic. But, economic indicators suggest that now there is a likely opportunity for veterinary clinics to bring back clients’ pets that are past due for wellness checks, oral health procedures and vaccinations. Consider the potential for a campaign to reach owners stretching their pets’ adherence timelines to return to the … [Read more...]
Calf vaccinations: You won’t find all the answers in a bottle
What a great title for Michigan State University veterinarian Angel Abuelo’s presentation he shared during the Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference on February 6th and 7th in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. Bev Berens shared information Abuelo reviewed, including immunology basics, passive immunity and vaccinating cows, vaccinating calves and vaccination programs. The article is a … [Read more...]
EIA outbreak is reminder to keep Coggins testing updated
The AVMA reported an EIA outbreak that killed 21 horses in the Southwest U.S. <Link>. The incidents are an important reminder of the importance of strict biosecurity protocols and proper training of individuals who work in equine veterinary clinics to help prevent the spread of disease through contaminated medical treatment or equipment. Given the summer season of … [Read more...]
Avoid confusion about pinkeye in cattle
Sponsor Content with Commentary If one reads three or more of the articles* recently published about infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis or, pinkeye in cattle, they may be confused about a) what conditions predispose calves to infection(s), b) what vector(s) are responsible for disease transfer and c) what bacteria cause pinkeye infections or may be present as cofactors … [Read more...]
Let’s review: Foot rot
Foot rot, also known as interdigital necrobacillosis, is an infectious disease that affects the sensitive tissues of the feet in cattle. Foot rot can affect cattle of all ages, with increased incidences during or following wet, muddy and humid conditions. Fusobacterium necrophorum is the primary agent responsible for foot rot. Although a common skin bacterian, F. … [Read more...]
A review of respiratory viruses and performance horse health
Haylie Kerstetter provides a review of the prevalence of respiratory viruses, their clinical and subclinical effects on horses, and management strategies in this article. It reminds us of the importance of managing airway inflammation and reduced respiratory efficiency in active horses. Source: The Horse, April 25, 2025. Link. Respiratory viruses pose ongoing challenges for … [Read more...]
Lowering unit cost of production in cow-calf herds
Although the beef market remains strong, there is a limit to how much an animal will bring in the marketplace. At some point, cow-calf producers must consider managing input costs to yield higher profits. Aaron Berger shares ways to address the costs of production in this article. Source: The Stockman, April 2025. Link. Commentary Historically, producers often reduced … [Read more...]
New survey shows horse owners underestimate disease risks
Content provided by Merck Animal Health A new survey of AAEP members builds on a 2023 survey of horse owners, where researchers sought to better understand of owners’ knowledge and awareness of biosecurity practices for preventing infectious disease in the United States. The results of both surveys reveal many horse owners underestimate infectious disease risks and only take … [Read more...]
Reminder: Don’t bring home more than ribbons from shows
Fair and show season is here and Sophie Varner’s article reminds us of the importance of planning for animal biosecurity to protect our livestock investments before, during and after shows. The same goes for horses going to events or trail rides. AND . . . don’t forget to protect the pets that travel to shows and events. Veterinary teams can use Varner’s article as a … [Read more...]
Tractor Supply launches service to streamline pet prescriptions
Tractor Supply launched Tractor Supply Rx in a bid to enhance convenience for customers ordering pet and animal medications. Its features include automatic delivery through the Autoship program, access to expert pharmacy advice and a price match guarantee. The objective is to provide an easy, one-stop shopping destination for the 38 million Neighbor’s Club members, of whom 75 … [Read more...]
Livestock producers concerned about diseases, uncertain about level of threat
Commentary Iowa is a top U.S. producer of red meat and eggs. The information here is likely representative of many livestock producers in the U.S. For veterinary teams and animal health pros serving owners of any herd or flock size, the research results are informative, concerning and actionable. We must dedicate ourselves to improving producer education on diseases and risk … [Read more...]
Setting up beef-on dairy-calves up for success
The first few days are make-or-break for setting up beef-on-dairy calves for success, shares Gail Carpenter, DVM, PhD. She offers five key priorities so farmers can give their calves the best start possible, making sure they stay healthy and strong for their next chapter of life: Breed for the right calves Prioritize maternity management Ensure proper colostrum … [Read more...]
Considerations for refrigerators and freezers
Includes Commercial Content Summer temperatures often bring questions about refrigerator temperatures. Whether in the feedlot drug shed, a retail location or the veterinary clinic, many animal health products require temperature-controlled environments. We downloaded the refrigeration guide linked here from The Scientist. It provides expert advice on choosing the right cold … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – March 27, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, March 20, 2024. Link. Most read posts from March 20, 2025 AHD Bulletin – Ego management. Link. 3 phrases no one should ever say in a negotiation. Link. A new approach to deworming. Link. Dog breeds being banned in the U.S. (slides). Link. AKC names Pet Honesty as official multivitamin … [Read more...]
Medgene’s RHDV2 vaccine now available in single-dose vials
Medgene will now have single-dose vials for vaccination against rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus, protecting rabbits from this fatal disease. This new presentation will assist veterinarians in better protecting their rabbit clientele. Source: Medgene, March 2025. Link. “This innovative technology goes well beyond concentrating existing product and putting it in a smaller … [Read more...]
Reminder: Keeping BVD out of the herd
An effective BVDV prevention program is based on maximizing immunity and minimizing herd exposure to the virus, writes Maggie Malson. While veterinary teams, industry advocates and producers should know how to manage BVD risks, it takes discipline and consistency to prevent the virus causing BVD and BVD-PI (persistently infected) animals. Maintaining vaccination protocols is … [Read more...]