The days of “any black bull will do” are over, shares Karen Bohnert in this article, relaying information from the recent High Plains Dairy Conference in Amarillo, Texas. The reason the beef-on-dairy movement has been so successful is rooted in its ability to solve the beef industry’s greatest challenge: variability. Source: Dairy Herd Management, April 6, 2026. Link. To … [Read more...]
Benefits of adopting the PRRS-resistant pig
“PRRS has been the most frustrating thing we’ve had to deal with as veterinarians,” says Jason Hocker, DVM. “The virus changes and adapts and seems to always be one step ahead of us. It’s something we’ve not been able to make a lot of progress on as an industry.” The decades-long PRRS trajectory could finally be changing with FDA approval of the gene edit used in PIC’s … [Read more...]
Replacement heifers have different needs than finishing heifers
When short on grass and hay, cattle producers may contemplate how to manage replacement heifers in a dry lot or in confinement. The Nebraska wildfires were the catalyst for Karla Wilke’s article, but it is good guidance to share with producers who face similar challenges. Source: BEEF, April 6, 2026. Link. Replacement heifers do not need the high-energy diet fed to finishing … [Read more...]
Chewy to acquire Modern Animal accelerating a fully integrated pet healthcare strategy
Chewy, Inc., announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Modern Animal, Inc., a technology-forward veterinary platform with 29 owned clinics, 24/7 virtual care and a high-retention membership model. This acquisition represents an important strategic step in Chewy’s evolution into a fully integrated pet healthcare ecosystem, combining care, commerce and … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – April 9, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, April 2, 2026. Link. Most read posts from April 2, 2026 AHD Bulletin – Local leadership, not logo on door, makes a vet clinics shine. Link. Defining the decision. Link. When AI misses the diagnosis, who gets sued? Link. ========================== Research on heartworm reveals older, complex … [Read more...]
Local leadership, not the logo on the door, makes a veterinary clinic shine
The corporate-versus-independent debate is getting stale, writes Bob Lester, DVM. He asserts it is time to stop pointing fingers and start focusing on what drives hospital success. The answer: strong, local, boots-on-the-ground leadership. Here are some of Lester’s thoughts to consider: Veterinary medicine is more complex than ever . . . leadership is the most crucial … [Read more...]
Global veterinary groups unite behind parasite prevention as risks expand worldwide
More than 40 veterinary and animal health organizations have signed a global “Prevention Pledge” emphasizing the importance of year-round parasite control as fleas, ticks and worms expand into new geographic regions. Organizers cited growing concern over shifting parasite distributions driven by climate change, increased pet travel and evolving wildlife populations. In the … [Read more...]
Defining the decision
If you cannot write the decision in one clear sentence, you are not ready to decide. Source: LinkedIn, February 21, 2026. Link. The moment you define the actual decision — one clear sentence, one real question — something shifts. The noise settles. The right considerations rise to the surface. You can finally think. Define the decision. Not the situation. Not the context. … [Read more...]
Pet brands get embedded into hotels, apartments and stores as pet-friendly trends grow
Commentary Tim Wall’s article on partnerships that embed products into experiences is a good read for marketing and brand managers. It also emphasized tactics related to Rick Purnell’s article last week about local visibility, community engagement and the value of showing up where a need exists. <Link>. In many communities, seasonal events bring pets into town, such … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – March 30, 2026
In this week’s Fast Bites: Pet Care Services Industry Financial Survey deadline extended through April 6th. Link. Lucky Dog Mobile Groomers goes global. Link. Dog Aging Project, CBS. Link. Human-animal interactions are a win-win for all, Psychology Today. Link. Source: IBPSA, March 30, 2026. Link. Also see: Animal Health Digest Bulletin, March 26th. Link. … [Read more...]
Global Pet Expo discoveries, booth-visit videos
Includes Commentary* The PETS+ team provides a sense of the Global Pet Expo in successive articles. The event aims to drive innovation, sustainability and digital transformation in the $151 billion pet industry. Key objectives include connecting brands with more than 6,000 buyers, showcasing new products and exploring AI/tech solutions, with a focus on sustainability, pet … [Read more...]
Viral coinfections potentially associated with feline chronic gingivostomatitis in FIP cats
The study, published in Viruses MDPI, and co-authored by Katrin Hartmann, Regina Hofmann-Lehmann and Andrea Spiri, looked at coinfections in cats with FIP. It provides detailed insight into viral coinfections potentially linked to FCGS in cats diagnosed with FIP. Coinfections were common, with FCV and FFV most frequently detected, and many cats harbored multiple viruses. … [Read more...]
Horses with PPID may need more frequent deworming
PPID, or Cushing’s Disease, is slowly progressive even in treated horses, writes Eleanor Kellon, VMD. She says the disease weakens the immune response, including waning immunity to intestinal parasites. For horse owners who may deworm horses twice a year, their PPID horse may still have long periods of parasite damage. The density also builds up in their … [Read more...]
Mosquitoes can transmit West Nile virus within their populations
Researchers from France and Thailand uncovered a route of transmission for mosquito-borne arboviruses that showed West Nile virus transmission occurs within mosquito populations through their excreta. It is critical for horse owners to keep mosquito breeding areas under control to help prevent the mosquito to mosquito spread of the West Nile virus.” Source: My Senior Horse, … [Read more...]
Road to the Horse 2026 recap (includes videos)
The 2026 Road to the Horse competition took place in Lexington, Kentucky, last month. Nick Dowers took the title, winning the Road to the Horse for the third time. The format of the competition is simple: the first two days, four Wild Card competitors compete for a spot in the Championship Competition. These competitors choose a colt from the Remuda provided by the Pitchfork … [Read more...]
Fast-growing pasture creates risk of grass tetany in lactating cows
Surges in forage growth create grass tetany risk across many beef operations. Andrea Bedford shares ways to reduce the risks. While grass tetany is a seasonal risk that follows predictable patterns, producers may need to monitor animals closely in areas where wildfires burned and forage grasses are recovering. Source: Bovine Veterinarian, March 23, 2026. Link. Risk … [Read more...]
The growing intersection of genetics and health
Includes commercial references to Neogen Rather than focusing on treatment and prevention, veterinarians are being pulled into more strategic discussions, helping producers evaluate trade-offs and set long-term direction, writes Andrea Bedford. As producers consider adding genomics, veterinary teams are being asked for advice, ready or not. For veterinarians, stepping … [Read more...]
PetPax Co. wins 2026 Purina Pet Care Innovation Prize
PetPax Co., a startup working to redefine everyday pet wellness for modern pet parents, was selected as the grand prize winner following the live pitch competition at Global Pet Expo. PetPax Co.’s patent-pending delivery method is designed to improve absorption of calming and oral health products by bypassing the stomach acid while reducing stress for both pets and their … [Read more...]
Axiota Animal Health names Wamego, Kansas, as global headquarters
Axiota Animal Health will name its facility in Wamego, Kansas, as the company’s global headquarters. The announcement formalizes the longstanding presence of Axiota Animal Health there, where the company operates manufacturing, research and development, and scientific operations for its products used by cattle producers in more than 30 countries worldwide. Source: Axiota® … [Read more...]
Tractor Supply surpasses $1 Million to expand hands-on learning for future ag leaders
Tractor Supply Company announced that its 11th annual Grants for Growing fundraiser raised more than $1 million. During the four-week event, Tractor Supply customers supported the effort by purchasing paper FFA emblems at checkout, which will in turn provide thousands of FFA members across the country with the resources to engage in hands-on learning experiences that prepare … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance April 2, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, March 26, 2026. Link. Most read posts from the March 26th AHD Bulletin – Before PRDC takes control: Bordetella bronchiseptica’s early role. Link. The Farmer’s Dog to be in Walmart. Link. Customer hesitation. Link. CAPC 2026 Pet Parasite Forecast: vectors, hotspots, year-round risk. Link. From … [Read more...]
New CAPC 2026 Pet Parasite Forecast: expanding vectors, emerging hotspots, year-round risk
Released this week, the Companion Animal Parasite Council’s 2026 Pet Parasite Forecast includes models that predict what veterinary teams will see in 2026. At 94% percent accuracy, they are an early warning system for both veterinary and public health. The Forecast projects continued geographic expansion of Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis and heartworm risk across the … [Read more...]
From feedlots to city blocks, visibility matters for every veterinary practice
We asked AHD Editor Rick Purnell to consider challenges veterinary practices face locally and bring perspectives from his public relations career. He says trust remains the foundation of veterinary-client relationships and it likely begins before the first appointment. Planned, long-term community outreach is more than a marketing tool. It reminds existing and prospective … [Read more...]
Customer hesitation
Whether you like it or not, everyone in a hospital is responsible for the success of that practice. Your job is not selling something. Your job is to help your customer decide about buying something that will help their furry friend. Source: Veterinary Advantage, October 2024. Link. If you’re tired of losing deals to “no action,” change the game. Focus on your customer’s … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – March 23, 2026
In this week’s Fast Bites: Sneak peek at IBPSA website’s new look The shift in U.S. pet stores <Link>. The experience-driven operating model. Sparkle Grooming continues expansion <Link>. India's booming pet economy <Link>. Source: IBPSA, March 23, 2026. Link. Upcoming webinar: Marketing Strategies for Pet Care Businesses, Wednesday, … [Read more...]
Ideas for choosing a trainer for pet parents, veterinary teams (video)
Lisa Radosta DVM, DACVB, shares a video she offers to pet parents looking to find a trainer for their pet. She shares how to read a trainer’s website. She encourages them to look for clear indicators of positive reinforcement training, humane equipment, transparent credentials and evidence of continuing education. Source: Lisa Radosta DVM, DACVB, LinkedIn, March 24, 2026. … [Read more...]
New Trupanion data reveals rise in pet toxicity claims
Data pulled from over 71,000 Trupanion claims provides a granular look at the evolving landscape of household hazards, including regional variances and the specific toxins most frequently presenting for emergency intervention. While grapes and raisins are the most frequently identified toxicants across almost every U.S. state, drugs and medications are consistently the most … [Read more...]
Before PRDC takes control: The early role of Bordetella bronchiseptica
Bordetella is a cofactor in a wide range of bacterial and viral respiratory infections. In swine, B. bronchiseptica can be an important early life pathogen and a contributor to porcine respiratory disease complex. Ubiquitous on farms, it is often passed from sow to piglet in the farrowing environment, causing infection as early as day three. New research published in … [Read more...]
Improving digestive health in feedlot cattle
Sponsor Content from Novonesis Dr. Steve Lerner, senior scientific and business advisor with Novonesis, recently joined Sarah Muirhead, managing director of Feedstuffs, to discuss ways to improve digestive health in feedlot cattle, make every pound of gain count and potentially improve carbon intensity. Here are notable takeaways. In practical terms, digestive health in … [Read more...]
What feral cats actually need from the people who feed them
Includes commercial references Living two to five years versus domestic cat lifespans into the late teens, feral cats need more than food to live longer, writes Dan Seymour. The causes for a brief life include untreated injuries from fights or accidents, exposure to extreme weather, infectious diseases spreading through colonies, parasite burdens that slowly weaken them and … [Read more...]