Commentary Seen through animal health pros’ eyes, Abby Bauer’s article is basic. However, seen through a younger producer’s first experiences, it is a reminder and a reinforcement of the importance of vaccine booster timing especially since producers often do their own vaccinations. Boosters should be administered one to two months after the initial vaccination to build … [Read more...]
Does dog park = cesspool? How to safely enjoy it!
Complimentary Sponsored Content Warmer weather, melting snow, greening grass all invite dog owners outside. Many will decide to take their dogs to dog parks. But are the dogs prepared for the inherent risks? Dawn Martin DVM, DVSc, DACVIM, and the Chatfields discuss the challenges of safely enjoying some of the benefits of a dog park. Note the discussion of risk assessment … [Read more...]
Identifying American foulbrood in honeybee colonies
American foulbrood is considered the most devastating honeybee disease, asserted Britteny R. Kyle, DVM, MSc, during her WVC session. She shared multiple factors that lead to colony collapse and a simple matchstick method of diagnosing AFB and what to do if it is discovered in a colony. She noted many states have regulations in place for exactly how to deal with AFB. Source: … [Read more...]
RHDV update for practitioners
Rabbit hemorrhagic disease is endemic in eleven states. Cases appeared in two non-endemic states during 2022. The first case in Iowa was reported in August 2022. Ingrid Taylor, DVM shares what practitioners need to know as well as updates the status of the Medgene Labs emergency use RHDV2 vaccine. Source: AAHA Trends, December 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Vet Watch Insight Report. 8.5 percent YTD practice revenue growth, other improvements
Commentary Growth in core vaccines, kennel cough vaccine and surgery at this point in the new year is good news. While invoices, patient and client numbers are still negative, these results are much improved over what was seen mid-November <Link>. Prevention medicine requires proactive communication.” Consider sharing this market information as part of employee … [Read more...]
Are beef-on-dairy calves being over-vaccinated?
Dan Thompson, DVM, PhD, shares industry concerns about the distinct disparities between the lives of full-blood beef calves and their beef-on-dairy cousins before they reach the feedlot. He reviews the likelihood of over-vaccination, overloading the immune systems and pain associated with near-weekly needle pokes. . . . during the first 90-100 days of their lives, … [Read more...]
The costs of buying, caring for and feeding goats
Goat life spans are similar to dogs and are kept for a variety of reasons. Marissa Ames offers a comprehensive look at the various costs of acquiring and keeping goats for pets, meat, milk and weed control. Source: Backyard Goats, December 22, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Honeybee vaccine receives conditional license from USDA’s Center for Veterinary Biologics
Dalan Animal Health, Inc., has been granted a conditional license by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for vaccination of honeybees against American Foulbrood disease caused by Paenibacillus larvae. Source: businesswire, January 4, 2023. Link. The bacterin was developed by Dalan Animal Health, and is manufactured by Diamond Animal Health, a wholly owned subsidiary of … [Read more...]
Some dogs need a flu shot
Dogs can get the flu just like we can, and it spreads easily like our own strains says Kaitlyn Tullio, LVT, who told the dodo canine flu is highly contagious. She shared information about viral transfer risks, symptoms and vaccination. . . . for dogs social with other dogs, up to date flu vaccination could help keep them healthy and safe, especially during flu … [Read more...]
Swine barn workers should get vaccinated to protect pigs from the flu
Susan Detmer, DVM, PhD, is an advocate of human flu vaccination as a way to reduce human-to-pig transfer of influenza virus. Some of what is circulating of H1N1 in pigs is from years ago, but almost half of what Detmer sees annually comes directly from people into pigs. So, what’s circulating in the human population of that H1N1 gets into pigs yearly.” Source: Prairie Hog … [Read more...]
RHDV: what clinicians need to know
Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus and RHDV2 are caused by rabbit caliciviruses in the genus Lagovirus. It affects domestic and wild rabbits, leading to sudden death, liver failure, neurological signs and bleeding from the nose and genitourinary tract, writes Ingrid Taylor, DVM. She discusses diagnoses, treatment and prevention, including guidance on an emergency use … [Read more...]
Small companies, big discoveries
Kristi Fender covers the expanding landscape of new advancements in animal health from startups and partnerships in a variety of developing categories, describing it as an innovation explosion. She highlights differences in the people now working in biotech and the need for a commitment to standards. Source: Vet Advantage, December 2022. Link. Only a handful of animal health … [Read more...]
African swine fever . . . catching up
Commentary It is a rare day without some media reference to ASF. Foreign countries are experiencing active infections in domestic herds and wild hogs. We believe it is important to expose all animal health pros to the efforts in the U.S. to block ASF from entering the country. ASF is a potential One Health issue paralleling HPAI and FMD in its potential effect on food … [Read more...]
Canine Leishmaniasis: Update on epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment and prevention
Commentary We’re providing this paper as an update on the status of leishmaniasis. We captured these statements for animal health pros to consider: Canine leishmaniasis is expanding to the Northern Hemisphere, where it is barely known, due to climate change and the importation of dogs. Sandflies are the only proven vectors of Leishmania infantum, but direct … [Read more...]
Coronavirus in the U.S.: Where cases are growing and declining
Growing cases of Omicron subvariant BA.5, its descendants BQ.1, BQ.1.1 and BF.7 are cautionary in areas noted on this interactive map. Considering the approaching holidays and animal health conventions; revisiting boosters, disinfection protocols and preparing for proper social distancing are in order. Experts suggest that the new Omicron-specific booster will protect against … [Read more...]
BRD during weaning, backgrounding adds long-term costs
Duh! Over and over we study, measure and see the production costs associated with bovine respiratory disease. Yet the health of cattle arriving at backgrounders and feedlots continues to be a major issue despite better products, management methods and improved genetics. Health and performance will continue to be a problem for calves sold after simply removing calves from dams … [Read more...]
Vaccinating unhealthy animals by Scott Weese, DVM
In part 3 of his series on vaccination, Scott Weese, DVM, addresses the challenges and decisions to vaccinate unhealthy animals or not. Vaccine labels don’t say to NOT use them in unhealthy pets, but they also don’t give any guidance for vaccine use in such animals.” Source: Worms and Germs, October 27, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Pet vaccination questions addressed by Scott Weese, DVM
Scott Weese, DVM, shares his thoughts on a series of vaccine issues, questions and dogmas surrounding rabies and core pet vaccines. . . . we need to vaccinate <pets> until we’re sure they’re old enough to respond properly to a vaccine.: - Scott Weese, DVM Source: Worms and Germs Blog. Link. Part 1: rabies vaccine timing, October 20, 2022. Link. Part 2: the puppy … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – October 27, 2022
Last week's AHD Bulletin - Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, October 20, 2022. Link. ====================================== First honeybee vaccine could protect the entire hive, starting with queen Source: Popular Science, October 21, 2022. Link. A study published on October 17 in the journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science found honeybees born … [Read more...]
Preparing goats for winter
Fall and winter aren’t carefree for caprine lawn mowers. The author reminds goat owners to refresh bedding, including the substrate and warns of possible toxins from garden plants being composted. It is also important to spray for external parasites, trim hooves and ensure vaccinations are up to date. Rhododendron and anything in that family such as azaleas are extremely … [Read more...]
Infectious disease risk for horses rises after natural disasters
Horse owners throughout the Southeast and Puerto Rico are cleaning up after Hurricane Ian. No matter where a natural disaster occurs, it increases the risk of horses contracting serious infectious diseases. University of Florida’s Sally DeNotta reminds us about core diseases and the importance of vaccination. Source: University of Florida Extension, October 7, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Backyard visitors spell RISK for pets, people
Opinion Omnivores for the most part, wild animals are opportunistic eaters. Pet food left or put out for them is akin to a free drive-in restaurant. Yet, their human-provided takeout represents less than 20 percent* of their caloric needs. Foxes, coyotes, raccoons, opossums, squirrels, skunks, deer and rodents are reservoirs for zoonoses and contribute to the number of … [Read more...]
Risk, revolution and preventive medicine
Preventive veterinary medicine may not be the newest clinical approach, it has surely stood the test of time better than any other, writes Jenifer Chatfield, DVM, Dipl. ACZM, Dipl. ACVPM. She shares the progression of veterinary medicine and the integration of preventive measures which are expanding in the current context. Chatfield urges veterinarians to consider, “putting … [Read more...]
Lepto on the rise
Michelle Evason, BSc, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM), says there is a global jump in the number of dogs diagnosed with leptospirosis, including some hot spots where lepto exposure and infections are likely to occur. Her article offers perspective on One Health concerns, hot spot areas and the ongoing need to embrace client education and use vaccine to prevent infections. . . . … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – September 22, 2022
Last week’s most read posts – September is National Pet Health Insurance Month. Link. Chewy’s autoship sales hit all-time high in Q2. Link. Last AHD Bulletin - Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, September 15, 2022. Link ====================================== Bird flu now in 40 states Source: Successful Farming, September 19, 2022. Link. Threat … [Read more...]
Back-of-the-napkin cow math
We continue to see positive advancements in quality and productivity in the U.S. cowherd, says Nevil Speer. Still, the cow/calf sector has witnessed a sharp sell-off during the past three years including this year due to ongoing drought. Speer says the next few months will be critical regarding beef cow slaughter and where we end up for the year. Second, whatever occurs, … [Read more...]
Meeting the needs of the elder horse
Includes Sponsored Content In this issue of EQUUS Extra, seven key management challenges presented by advancing horse age are discussed. The intention is to increase the chances of an aging horse enjoying a longer, healthy and productive life. The key is to remain vigilant to subtle changes in their demeanor and condition and to catch developing issues before they grow out … [Read more...]
Choosing the right needle size to work cattle
Depending on the size of the animal, viscosity of the product and administration protocols, a variety of needles might be needed. Veterinarians at Kansas State University’s Beef Cattle Institute share guidelines to help decide. Needle diameter, or gauge, varies depending on two factors: the size of the animal viscosity of the product Source: Drovers, September 2, … [Read more...]
Location, activities determine fall vaccine needs
Elizabeth Davis, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM, presents the AAEP’s vaccine guidelines as fall approaches and horses get boosters or vaccines for the first time. She emphasizes the importance of core vaccines, plus evaluating risk-based inoculations based on lifestyle, geography, planned travel and more. Source: The Horse, August 25, 2022. Link. Consider all factors that keep horses … [Read more...]
2022 AAFP/EveryCat FIP Diagnosis Guidelines released
Feline infectious peritonitis is a viral disease that can affect any organ in the body, and it is caused by the feline coronavirus. In publishing these Guidelines, the AAFP and EveryCat aim to provide veterinarians with the essential information necessary to provide a FIP diagnosis in cats including characteristics and pathogenesis of FIP, as well as numerous diagnostic testing … [Read more...]