A proposal to ban veterinarians from surgically removing claws from cats seems like it would be an easy sell for California lawmakers, several of whom lovingly describe their pets in their official biography pages. Five measures to ban cat declawing surgery have died in the California Legislature since 2018. The article notes that the AVMA discourages vets from performing … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – March 31, 2025
HPAI in cats, AI act defines four levels of risk for AI startups, monitoring state legislation, National Small Business Week and more . . . Source: IBPSA, March 31, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Dog breeds being banned in the U.S. (slides)
Breed-specific legislation continues to affect many dogs and their owners. Advocates of breed-specific legislation emphasize public safety, while opponents highlight the importance of responsible ownership and training over targeting specific breeds. The U.S. list is included in a related slide show by the author, who shares 13 breeds banned or heavily restricted in certain … [Read more...]
MWI Animal Health unveils enhancements to Repleni-Trac Vault solution
MWI Animal Health, a part of global healthcare company Cencora, unveiled an enhanced version of its Repleni-Trac Vault solution, designed to help companion animal and equine veterinary practices store and dispense controlled substances. The upgraded solution facilitates the digitalization of Drug Enforcement Administration logs and prescription drug monitoring program … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – March 10, 2025
Raw cat food recall, web hosting or small business, small business tax, corporate transparency act updates, R and D programs and more . . . Source: IBPSA, March 10, 2025. Link. Note public webinar: Using personalization to build trust and grow revenue in pet business: Wednesday, March 26th, 1:00 p.m. CST. Register here <Link>. … [Read more...]
2024 drug roundup: updates, highlights, practical considerations
Jim Budde, PharmD, RPh, DICVP, shares an overview of new drugs along with label extensions and new dosage forms for dogs and cats. He includes key information required for safe and effective use. Source: Clinician’s Brief, January 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
U.S. releases first national One Health framework
The National One Health Framework to Address Zoonotic Diseases and Advance Public Health Preparedness in the United States represents a coordinated strategy by the federal government to confront diseases that spread between humans and animals and other One Health threats.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Department of … [Read more...]
Court rules USDA exceeds its authority in Horse Protection Act amendments
A U.S. District judge ruled the U.S. Department of Agriculture exceeded its authority in its final rule to amend the Horse Protection Act. Four of the five provisions contested were granted summary judgments. The four provisions are the prohibition of action devices and pads, the prohibition of substances, the dermatologic conditions indicative of soring, and the pre- and … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – February 10, 2025
Latest in grooming tools, Red Cross pet liaisons, H5N1 risks in cats, salmonella risks, warnings about unlicensed pet boarding and more . . . Source: IBPSA, February 10, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Librela® (bedinvetmab injection) label update submitted to FDA by Zoetis
Zoetis has submitted a supplement to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to update the Librela label, incorporating post-approval experience since its launch in the U.S. in October 2023. The label has been updated to provide current information on real-world drug experience reporting. Source: Zoetis, February 4, 2025. Link. The updates to the label include: A … [Read more...]
U.S. Equestrian Federation board adds to the prohibited substances list
The substance additions ban certain injectable medications and other potentially deadly substances from being used in competition and also from being brought onto show grounds. The list of substances includes formaldehyde, oxytocin and pentobarbital, with an exception for veterinarians to use the latter in euthanasia. Source: The Chronicle of the Horse, January 29, 2025. … [Read more...]
FDA warns six sellers of unapproved seizure drugs for animals
Six companies selling unapproved products claiming to treat and control seizures in dogs and cats have been warned. The products named in the warning letters are not FDA-approved or conditionally approved and are being sold on the firms’ websites, social media pages and Amazon shops without a prescription or other veterinary oversight. Source: FDA, January 7, 2025. Link. The … [Read more...]
Bird flu enters a new phase, meanwhile, the environment cannot be sterilized
The latest data from the CDC and USDA shows the continued devastating effects of bird flu outbreaks across the United States. New York Times writer Apoorva Mandavilli provides a relevant and updated situation analysis in the second article shared here. Not yet a serious human threat, she shares the expanding discoveries in mammalian species, including cats both wild and … [Read more...]
AVMA CVTEA seeking comments on veterinary technician educational standards
Public comments on proposed changes to some of the educational standards for accredited veterinary technology education programs are due no later than March 15, 2025, via an online survey. Source: AVMA Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities®, January 6, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Should owning pets be considered a privilege?
Only 10 percent of dogs born in the U.S. will find a permanent home <Link>. Alyssa Watson, DVM, and Beth Molleson, DVM, discuss the nuances, challenges and inequities of pet ownership. The discussion is as relevant today as when they recorded the podcast. Source: Clinician’s Brief, December 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Delegates approve, update new polices on biosecurity, license by endorsement and more
The AVMA House of Delegates (HOD) approved seven resolutions on January 11 during its regular winter session. Association policies were updated including those on biosecurity, pet ownership, velveting, and integrative veterinary medicine. The delegates deferred action on cellular agriculture policies. Source: AVMA, January 28, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Deciphering farrier credentials
Steve Kraus, BS, CJF, reviews different types of certifications and accreditations horse owners encounter when shopping for a sport horse or pleasure horse farrier. In the United States, there is no legal framework governing farriery work and no unified system for certifying farriers. He explains differences between a farrier school diploma, a certificate and a full-fledged … [Read more...]
Dos and don’ts when choosing supplements for dogs and cats
Good marketing does not necessarily mean high quality. There are many choices in the market which require pet owners and their veterinarians to do their diligence. Theresa W. Fossum, DVM, MS. PhD, Diplomate ACVS, and Sean Ford share the dos and don’ts of choosing supplements in this article. Source: Animal Wellness, January 12, 2025. Link. Prioritize a Certificate of … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – January 8, 2025
Animal Health Digest Bulletin Archives from December 2024. Link. AHD Archives from January 2024. Link. Scroll through articles and topics from last January as you renew efforts for 2025. ================================================ Real ID set to go into effect on May 7, 2025 Source: Daily Passport. Link. REAL ID is currently optional but it will soon be a … [Read more...]
Barkpass acquired by Steve Zeidman to expand leadership in pet licensing, dog park management
Steve Zeidman, a 25-year veteran in the animal care technology industry and entrepreneur, acquired Barkpass, a software company specializing in pet licensing and dog park management, from founders Josh and Bri Larson. Barkpass has revolutionized how communities handle pet-related administrative tasks, making life easier for pet owners and municipal officials. Source: … [Read more...]
Elanco receives FDA approval for three combinations in finishing heifers
Elanco’s work to shift the narrative on livestock from climate culprit to climate opportunity to help protect customers’ social license to operate underscores the FDA approval of combination feeding with Experior, the first FDA-approved product with a gas emissions claim. FDA-approved combination feeding of: Experior and MGA Experior, Rumensin and MGA Experior, … [Read more...]
Lameness comes with a hefty price tag
When thinking about the effects of lameness, most managers typically consider the cost that goes into preventative measures or treatments such as trimming, bandages, blocks, and antibiotics, Eric Ronk shared recently. He describes these as direct costs but asserts the importance of considering the economic impact on other areas of the operation, including fertility, culling and … [Read more...]
Where farm expenses increased the most in 2024
It can be difficult to relate to our customers’ challenges and dilemmas. Having clues to their situations is important to provider-customer relationships. The rural economy affects more people than those running a tractor. Nathan Owens reports on the rising labor costs and other expenses as margins tighten. Source: Agricultural Dive, December 11, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Four critical takeaways, valuable insights into the evolving dairy industry
The 2024 Farm Journal State of the Dairy Industry Report highlights a sector poised for growth, adaptability and new opportunities. By fostering strong relationships, innovating profit streams and securing generational continuity, the dairy industry stands on the cusp of a promising future, writes Karen Bohnert. She shares four key insights: Embracing a growth mindset … [Read more...]
Open-source veterinary carbon calculator now available for use in the U.S.
A new tool is now available to help calculate greenhouse gas emissions are produced at a veterinary clinic. The Veterinary Carbon Accounting for Local Clinics tool is a U.S.–focused, open-access resource developed through a collaboration between Colorado State University Impact MBA students and the Veterinary Sustainability Alliance. There is mounting pressure on businesses to … [Read more...]
Webinar: 2024 Therapeutic Update and year-in-review
Consider this webinar to get the latest therapeutic updates as Clinician’s Brief and Plumb’s Pro authors recap which drugs debuted in 2024 and how to use them. Source: Clinician’s Brief. Link. Webinar is available on demand. Registration required. RACE approved (1 credit hour) INSIGHTS: This offering would be good preparation for animal health sales/marketing pros ahead … [Read more...]
A strategic foresight parable
Leaders today face a world defined by rapid technological innovation, market volatility, global interconnectedness and workforce transformation. Source: LinkedIn Pulse, November 26, 2024. Link. Tactical plans without strategic foresight solve nothing.” INSIGHTS: Inspire others with a clear vision; empower others with purpose; lead others with humility and courage. … [Read more...]
Preventing antimicrobial resistance in horses
Diane E. Rice shares what equine veterinarians are doing and suggesting to improve antimicrobial stewardship and avoid improper antibiotic use. J. Scott Weese, DVM, DVSc, Dipl., ACVIM, and Wendy Vaala, VMD, Dipl. ACVIM, provide three commitments for horse owners that will impact AMR in a positive way: Do all you can to prevent disease and, therefore, antibiotic use … [Read more...]
CBD 101: Common cannabis “cures” for your canine
Commentary This online article, full of commercial references, is another example of what-they’re- reading-content being proliferated at breakneck speed. We believe it is important for animal health pros to see content like this, which could potentially mislead pet owners. To the author’s credit, cannabis with THC and CBD are differentiated and disclaimer language is also … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – December 3, 2024
Colorado considering a new rule to require rabies vaccination for imported pets, NYC Council passes bill to prohibit sale of dogs, cats from unlicensed locations including backyard breeders, avoiding charity scams, selling pet play time and more . . . Note the members-only opportunities available in December. Source: IBPSA, December 3, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]