Today, approximately 85 percent of U.S. beef comes from BQA-certified producers, writes Clint Peck. He shares the history of capturing the value, challenges and opportunities BQA certification presents. We noted the comments about involving smaller producers and the need for continuously educating cattle producers about best practices. Source: BEEF, October 18, 2024. … [Read more...]
50th Leaman Conference. What the experts had to say.
It’s been two months since the 50th annual Leman Swine Conference. Those who attended likely left with three or four action items. Now, let’s revisit some of the comments made by experts to refresh our intentions and focus on making a difference. Topics include biosecurity compliance, managing influenza, continuing to fight PRRSV and environmental effects of concentrated animal … [Read more...]
Forage alone may not cut it for fall-weaned calves
Commentary So many variables determine producer success when raising calves and preparing them for the next stages of their lives. Amber Friedrichsen’s discussion of various approaches to supplements and forage as winter progresses provides an opportunity to visit with producers about ensuring proper nutrition. It also supports the overall health of the animals and the … [Read more...]
Helping horse owners’ vaccine decisions
Commentary This recent poll about factors preventing owners from vaccinating their horses in The Horse caught our attention. The results, albeit from a small sample, may reinforce the need for veterinary-client education and more comprehensive questioning since potential side effects and lack of effectiveness topped the list. Digging deeper, we found Haylie Kerstetter’s … [Read more...]
Blueprint for receiving new feeder calves
The objective of a receiving strategy is to make the transition from calf origin into the feedlot or backgrounding yard as seamless as possible. Jessica Sperber says the first 14 days upon feedlot arrival are critical in calf development and set the performance trajectory of the calf for the remainder of the feeding period. The main concerns are feed intake and water … [Read more...]
Coughing dogs: the why and how to prevent it
Complimentary Sponsored Content As holiday boarding season approaches, Jenifer Chatfield, DVM, Dipl. ACZM, Dipl. ACVPM, is presenting a webinar for pet care professionals at boarding facilities, doggie day cares and groomers on how to prevent respiratory illness in dogs at their locations. She’ll also discuss what causes canine respiratory disease complex in dogs and … [Read more...]
How long is kennel cough contagious?
There is no black-and-white answer to how long kennel cough is contagious, writes Debra M. Eldredge, DVM. She advises pet owners to keep the dog out of his activities for a week after the last cough. Kennel cough, now called CRDC, can be caused by various bacteria and viruses. Kennel cough is highly contagious and can be spread via droplets, dog-to-dog and coughs that mist … [Read more...]
Mizzou’s next-generation anaplasmosis vaccine shows promise
University of Missouri researchers are developing a new* vaccine proven to protect cattle from a devastating tick-borne cattle disease, bovine anaplasmosis. Roman Reddy Ganta, MSc, PhD, led the study that created the new vaccine. The work involved genetically modifying the pathogen Anaplasma marginale in a lab. By deleting a specific gene and then injecting the modified … [Read more...]
World Rabies Day is September 28th
On September 28th, we celebrate the 102nd birthday of Louis Pasteur by honoring his pioneering work in developing a vaccine against rabies. The anniversary of his birth has been designated World Rabies Day in remembrance of Dr. Pasteur and the millions of lives he continues to save with the rabies vaccine. Source: Global Alliance for Rabies Control. Link. Rabies is an … [Read more...]
Virtual BEEF experience promises context
Complimentary Consider this opportunity to engage with producers or advance your understanding of production issues and practices. BEEF’s free online event September 18th features updates related to market trends and forecasts, cattle health and new technology. Among the presenters are: Glynn Tonsor, PhD Dan Thompson, PhD, DVM Russ Daly, DVM, MS, DACVPM Grant … [Read more...]
Automation to streamline its rabies vaccination, certificate processes
GlobalVetLink has developed a solution that simplifies the creation and submission of rabies vaccination certificates and ensures compliance with state and local regulations. GVL's Rabies Vaccination Certificates eliminates the cumbersome, time-consuming tasks associated with manual certificate management, saves time and reduces errors. Source: GlobalVetLink via PR Newswire, … [Read more...]
Beware of these common vaccine mistakes
The Beef Checkoff-funded Beef Quality Assurance program includes guidelines on vaccination with best practices on mixing and drawing up vaccines, product handling and storage, and choosing correct syringe and needle sizes. The guidelines are reviewed rigorously and are updated using current scientific recommendations. Julia Herman, DVM, MS, asserts the importance of record … [Read more...]
Reinforce the importance fall equine vaccinations, wellness checks
Commentary, Commercial Content In a recent survey of horse owners, Boehringer-Ingelheim found 92 percent of them said boosting vaccinations was important . . . BUT, only 55 percent followed through to administer the boosters. Labor Day weekend is a favorite time for horse owners to get out with their favorite mounts. Equine practices have an opportunity in the coming … [Read more...]
West Nile Virus now a permanent U.S. resident
Until late summer 1999, few American horse owners had heard of West Nile virus. The story of how it was found, spread, monitored and prevented is worth reviewing. Stacey Oke, DVM, MSc, writes the 25-year story of WNV in the U.S. in the feature linked here. Understanding the history informs our current situation as CDC data indicates 48 states and the District of Columbia … [Read more...]
Revisiting Old Yeller ahead of World Rabies Day 2024
The news story of at least one puppy in a litter of unvaccinated puppies transported from North Texas to a Denver-area dog rescue that was found to have rabies prompted Dan Solomon to write the article shared here. Fred Gipson’s 1956 novel, “Old Yeller” and subsequent movie depictions of it may not be familiar to Millennials or Gen Z and likely won’t be on reading lists for Gen … [Read more...]
Turkey, egg and dairy groups call for new approach to avian flu
Fall bird migrations <Link> have begun and producers are looking for answers to protect their animals from HPAI. They believe an effective vaccine is necessary to protect food supplies and public health. The report here quotes a USDA official who says the agency is leaving “no stone unturned in the fight against H5N1.” The spokesperson shares concerns about the … [Read more...]
Culling ratios reveal the value of a herd’s health
Commentary One of three cows you see on a dairy farm will be culled. It is a shocking figure and represents many factors that impact individual cow and overall dairy performance. Preventative strategies help reduce losses to death and sickness and allow dairies to cull voluntarily to improve genetics and eliminate poor doers. Understanding culling rates and reasons is … [Read more...]
Red flag: 8 ways to budget for the cost of owning a new dog
Commentary We sometimes see consumer-facing content that misses the mark. Sadly, thousands of pet owners will read this and, trusting the internet, act on some of the suggestions. Here are three of the eight suggestions that were not well thought out: Buying pet food in bulk: Economies of scale from big bags of dog food diminish when not used up within four to six weeks … [Read more...]
Dr. Jen the vet to provide canine leptospirosis updates, recommendations
Complimentary Content A new, blended PACCC educational series webinar series is designed for veterinarians, veterinary technicians, petcare and pet services professionals. The series supports the Professional Animal Care Certification Council’s objectives to bring independent testing and certification to the pet care services industry. Source: Dr. Jen the vet, LinkedIn, … [Read more...]
Immunity, more than just giving a shot, let’s review
Commentary I like the title of this article. It reminds me of so many conversations about vaccine timing, maternal antibodies, labels saying “for the vaccination of healthy animals,” booster dose timing and more. In the article here, Jason Anderson, DVM reviews what it takes to mount an immune response sufficient enough to create immunity. Giving a shot of vaccine does not … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – August 8, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, August 1, 2024. Link. Most read posts from the August 1st AHD Bulletin – The state of allyship in animal health. Link. Stop chasing vanity metrics. Link. Some change is necessary, some inevitable, stability is critical. Link. The chemistry behind the smell of wet dogs. … [Read more...]
ICASA Award addresses antimicrobial stewardship for BRD
Multifactor bovine respiratory disease remains a major expense to producers who commonly treat the late stage pulmonary disease with antibiotics. ICASA, along with matching funds from other organizations, has funded a $2,446,948 research grant to Brad J. White, DVM, MS, who is building a multi-disciplinary team to research how the secondary diseases form in cattle infected with … [Read more...]
One in 30 U.S. dogs test positive for Lyme
Valley Vet Supply’s Aimee Elyse Robinson reminds dog owners of the risks of Lyme disease, especially those that live and play in less manicured outdoor environments. The places dogs love to explore are the most likely environs for them to encounter ticks. These include farms, acreages and large urban green spaces. Consider this article for social media or newsletters, … [Read more...]
Preconditioning: Worth the input or not?
Cindy Mansfield’s surprising article title made me read her review of the value cattle producers receive when committing the time, effort and expense to pre-condition their cattle. She reviews the economics, importance of vaccination, timelines and benefits to a producer’s reputation as advantages from preconditioning. Source: Progressive Cattle, July 4, 2024. Link. Also … [Read more...]
Panel of DVMs discusses the greatest swine disease challenge in 2024
Outlining surprises and challenges facing pork producers and their veterinarians, Jennifer Shike shares responses from practicing swine veterinarians. PRRS remains the greatest challenge and it underscores the importance of biosecurity and prevention strategies. No biosecurity measure is too small to implement . . . but they take repetitive discipline and everyday management … [Read more...]
Poultry basics and diets for veterinary teams
The increased number of suburban and metro backyard flocks present challenges for companion animal practices. Keeping chickens, ducks and geese healthy goes beyond production animal paradigms as the birds are often considered pets. Veterinary teams will benefit from the upcoming VetFolio basics webinar and the article on poultry diets linked here. Sources: The science … [Read more...]
Preventing pink eye with autogenous vaccines
Includes Sponsored Content Before commercial pinkeye vaccines were approved, autogenous vaccines offered veterinarians and producers a way to protect against herd-specific strains of bacteria that cause pinkeye in cattle. In the article linked here, Gregg Hanzlicek, DVM, PhD, reintroduces the value of autogenous vaccines, the challenges with cross-protection and how pinkeye … [Read more...]
Jade Keller shares the importance of veterinary care
Experienced performance horse trainer, Jade Keller, shares why regular veterinary care is instrumental in achieving success in the competitive world of equine sports. His assertions are just as important for the hobby or backyard horse owner. Regular veterinary care provides a safety net that allows us to address issues before they become major obstacles.” Source: Horse and … [Read more...]
The cost of not vaccinating
Complimentary Commercial Content June brings opportunities for horse people and groups to ride trails and participate in contests and rodeos. Plus, there are always preparations for the upcoming fair season. Owning a horse can be expensive, from equipment and feed to veterinary costs and farrier visits. But when looking to save money, horse owners must avoid cutting corners … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – June 3, 2024
CPR-AED Awareness Week and training, nanoparticle vaccine possibilities, creating stronger customer connections, Bark Air lifts off with dogs-first approach to flight and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, June 3, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]