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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
Springtime checklist for horse owners, veterinarians
Spring sets the tone for the rest of the year, writes Lucile Vigouroux. She says the key to transition from winter to spring is to have a plan in place to tackle a horse’s various seasonal needs, including vaccinating and deworming, as well as rebuilding the horse athlete’s fitness after a winter hiatus. Beyond the comprehensive checklist note the take-home message for … [Read more...]
Annual leptospirosis vaccination NOW recommended by ACVIM
Leptospirosis sp. is a zoonotic risk in humans and other mammals. Leptospirosis is most frequently recognized in cattle, swine, dogs, horses and wildlife. Cats are also being considered as more investigation takes place. Modern canine vaccines offer four serovars of lepto to help protect dogs and the infection risks are not restricted to large-breed dogs, male dogs, or dogs … [Read more...]
Pros and cons of vaccinating a horse against EHV-1
The debate continues about the validity of equine herpes virus vaccines despite consensus that vaccination is an important tool for reducing EHV-1 spread and the severity of clinical signs. Dr. Klaus Osterrieder shares the history, challenges and concerns about EHV-1. Source: The Horse, January 18, 2024. Link. INSIGHTS: Osterrieder urges researchers to continue working … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – March 11, 2024
Pet business is resetting post Covid, Petco Love promoting vaccination during National Pet Vaccination Month, Global Pet Expo, guide to safe online transactions and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, March 11, 2024. Link. Record number of speaker applications for IBPSA FLOW Business Conference planned for September 24, 2024 - September 26, 2024 in Tucson, Arizona … [Read more...]
Driving the narrative in swine production
A considerable number of swine operations remain with fewer than 1,000 pigs, according to the NAHMS Swine 2021 Part III: Reference of Management Practices on Small-Enterprise Swine Operations in the United States <Link>. While the contributions of the largest operations far exceed the small operators, there are reasons to focus on these operators for biosecurity, herd … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – February 29, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, February 22, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the February 22nd AHD Bulletin – And, “What else?” Link. 8 restaurant etiquette tips, explained. Link. Skipping the dog walk IS a big deal. Link. ============================================ A major solar storm could be devastating to our … [Read more...]
The latest from GARC
The work continues to eliminate human deaths from dog rabies by 2030. Learn about GARC's surveillance tools, advocacy and the latest free, downloadable resources on GARC's website. Source: Rabid Bytes, GARC, February 2024. Link. GARC's mission is to prevent human deaths from dog-mediated rabies and relieve the burden of rabies in other animal populations, especially dogs. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – February 8, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, February 1, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the February 1st AHD Bulletin – A plan is not a strategy. Link. Studies: Early social housing helps dairy calves thrive. Link. Using standing equine CT in veterinary diagnostics. Link. Do it NOW! Link. ============================================ … [Read more...]
Comprehensive overview of Lyme disease in horses (audio recording)
The clinical signs of Lyme disease in horses are controversial. Toby Pinn-Woodcock, DVM, DACVIM, provides a comprehensive overview of the disease, including clinical signs, testing recommendations, treatments and vaccination protocols. Source: EquiManagement, Disease DuJour, January 29, 2024. Link. (26:35) Borrelia burgdorferi in horses should always be a diagnosis of … [Read more...]
Proper vaccination at the right time increases calf welfare and value
Administering appropriate respiratory vaccines before sale and commingling is crucial for providing immunity during the stocker and feedlot stages of the beef supply chain. Summarizing research on beef calf preconditioning programs, Paul Vining says proper vaccination against BRD-related pathogens during calfhood establishes robust immunity. This enhances calf welfare and … [Read more...]
Weather, horses, equine risk and disease
Weather, weather patterns and weather events all can contribute to potential disease in horses, writes SallyAnne L. DeNotta, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM. Consider this article for social media or newsletters as content to promote vaccination, disaster planning and other preventatives. Source: The Horse, January 2, 2024. Link. Related: 14 ways to get ready for winter, EQUUS, … [Read more...]
Prevention top of mind for new year for AVMA president, Steve Dale (podcast)
Rena Carlson, DVM, and Steve Dale, CABC, talk about resolving to be more comprehensive about pet preventative care including diet, oral care, vaccination, parasite control, behavior training and lifestyle enrichment. The discussion includes the growth of reptiles, small mammals and opinions about telemedicine sources. The podcast is good for sharing on social media or linked … [Read more...]
2024 Pork Industry outlook: Finding opportunity through challenges
Commentary Animal health pros aware of producer challenges make better partners and advocates when dealing with swine producers and systems. Articles like this offer a wider look at swine production and all the factors in play beyond what solutions we have available through animal health channels. Optimizing individual animals within various production stages remains the … [Read more...]
2023 was a record year for Global Alliance for Rabies Control
Rabies surveillance and prevention is everyone’s job. World Rabies Day 2023 was the most impactful event to date. The GARC hopes to build on the participation success and move closer to eliminating rabies deaths in humans by 2030. The widespread participation in World Rabies Day 2023 is a testament to the growing global awareness surrounding rabies prevention and … [Read more...]
New in 2022-2023: Drug approvals, indications and generics
NOTE: It is difficult to keep track of what’s coming, what got approved in other countries and what has been approved for use in the U.S. When reviewing the 2023 approvals, we thought a few were missing only to find them on the 2022 list. Both years are linked here. Jim Budde, PharmD, RPh, DICVP, highlights some of the key drugs recently approved for the treatment of small … [Read more...]
Controlling livestock diseases could reduce GHG emissions
Sick critters increase greenhouse gas emissions. Vaccination and better management increase production outcomes and ease burdens on the environment, according to a study, published in One Health Outlook. Researchers analyzed emissions caused by some of the most damaging, but preventable, livestock diseases around the world, including foot and mouth disease and PRRS. . . . … [Read more...]
Wallet share is growing in Chewy’s autoship customer segment. Yes, wallet share!
Commentary The paradox of pet owner spending remains perplexing. However, Chewy’s successes show the convenience of sourcing a wide range of inventory online and a growing comfort with the services. On one hand, nearly two-thirds of pet owners say inflation has made it more difficult to pay a surprise vet bill and they’re nervous about rising prices of vet costs, … [Read more...]
Pros, cons of using darts in cattle management
While pneumatic darts can be helpful in some settings, Rhonda Brooks’ article shares the reasons why darts are not chosen by producers or veterinarians. She provides a good review of dart use, benefits and risks worthy of review by animal health pros and their clients. Source: Drovers, November 30, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Weese: Paxlovid use in dogs? No evidence, many concerns.
Scott Weese, DVM, responded quickly to media rumors about Paxlovid used to cure a dog with respiratory disease. Paxlovid is an antiviral that we know basically nothing about in dogs. We don’t have dosing or safety info, don’t have evidence that the respiratory disease we’re encountering in dogs is caused by a virus that’s susceptible to Paxlovid. So, I don’t see its use being … [Read more...]
PACCC to host canine respiratory webinar featuring Dr. Jen the Vet
Jenifer Chatfield, DVM Dipl. ACZM, Dipl. ACVPM, will discuss the latest on canine upper respiratory infections, a case-based exploration of CIRDC and share some little-known pearls of information to help animal care pros better address those pesky coughs and educate pet parents. Live webinar, Thursday, December 9, 2023. 8:00 p.m. EST. Register <Link>. This webinar has … [Read more...]
Mystery canine respiratory virus has growing footprint
Eleven states have now reported a mystery respiratory illness in dogs <Link>. The mysterious illness was described as an atypical canine infectious respiratory disease that presents similar to kennel cough, but doesn’t respond to normal medication. Plus, the cough lasts longer than the normal seven to 10 days. Source: CNN, November 28, 2023. Link. At least two-hundred … [Read more...]
Study: More Americans seeking preventive care. Can animal health capitalize on the trend?
Commentary Animal health pros are familiar with the transitions from treatment to prevention that occurred in dentistry <Link>. Driven in part by advancements in technology, a modern general practice dentist is heavily focused on healthy oral care and preventing dental decay. A Health Affairs study indicates human patients are seeking similar care from their primary … [Read more...]
Looking back: most read posts from the November 2022 AHD Bulletins
Most read posts give us a sense of the priorities, problems and pain points animal health pros are experiencing when serving animal owners, their animals and each other. Despite what seems like a heightened sense of urgency, the most read posts from a year ago are grounding and remind us little changes. Animal health remains a repetitive business which benefits from educating … [Read more...]
USDA, only 6 strains of African swine fever virus
Accurate classification of viruses is paramount for epidemiological investigations and the development of cost-effective countermeasures, including designing vaccines for unique strains of ASFV. Researchers have reclassified the number of African swine fever virus strains from 25 to only six unique genotypes. Reclassifying ASFV from 25 to 6 genotypes is important . . . it may … [Read more...]
USDA drops vaccine treats from the sky to control rabies in wildlife
Five or fewer people in the U.S. die from rabies each year. Not that long ago, more than 100 died annually from the disease. All mammals are susceptible to rabies. A few species, however, act as hosts that allow the virus to spread. Since 1995, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has run a successful, yearly vaccination program that keeps rabies in check in raccoons. They … [Read more...]
Sale day: 9 factors that influence cattle price
Fall is busy for cattle producers and this year’s market promises to be very strong. Reminding producers of the economic benefits shared in Paige Carlson’s article could increase their revenue as calves or culls are sold. She shares a list of the nine most influential variables when it comes to receiving the best price for cattle as tracked by South Dakota State University … [Read more...]